Motivation as described by others
This work would be incomplete without mentioning that there might be others who have extensively researched the concept of human ‘Motivation’ in the sense that is meant here. I like to shed a light on why their studies, if there are any at all, are not being reflected in my work.
As stated earlier I haven’t been in a position to do extensive research nor to thoroughly study works of experts on the matter of Motivation. There are several reasons. My insomnia problem kept me too tired. As a musician with the problem of a severe dependence on performing well, I had to practice all the time. I also had myself and my family to manage. Another reason is that during the time this theory materialized in my head, I was not academically oriented, and didn’t think about “researching” what others had done. I was too busy figuring out myself so my severe problems could stop interfering so drastically with my quality of life.
Later I did recognize that there might be others who would have something to say about the subjects I was thinking about, but there really was no time to open up their works while I was writing. I also consciously chose not to read other people’s opinions and works, to enable me to stay genuine and authentic.
Just briefly, here is one resource I have read, and one other which awaits my eyes.
In his textbook Exploring Psychology, 6th edition, David G. Myers distinguishes between what he calls Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation. On page 244 he defines intrinsic motivation as ‘a desire to perform a behavior for its own sake and to be effective,’ and extrinsic motivation as ‘a desire to perform a behavior due to promised rewards or threats or punishments.’
My theory’s ‘Direct Motivation’ is pretty much identical with his ‘intrinsic motivation.’ My ‘Indirect Motivation’ could be regarded as a particular kind of extrinsic motivation, one that is oriented toward compensating for earlier developmental deprivation of the building blocks of a healthy Sense of Self. I developed my concepts before encountering his book.
On my bookshelf, waiting to be read with great eagerness, is a book written by Paul Diel: Psychologie de la Motivation (1947). A knowledgeable source has whispered in my ear that there might be numerous similarities between his theory and my theory.
