The Effect of Rewards on Intrinsic Motivation

5 March 2026

Have you ever set your heart on something just because it brings you joy, only to lose interest when rewards come into play? It’s a puzzling paradox, but you’re not alone in feeling this way. The relationship between rewards and intrinsic motivation is a deeply studied topic in psychology, revealing some surprising effects on our drive to achieve.

In this article, we'll dive into how rewards impact intrinsic motivation, whether they help or hinder our passion, and what this means for individuals, students, and even organizations.

Understanding Intrinsic Motivation

Before we talk about rewards, let's take a moment to understand intrinsic motivation. This is the internal drive that pushes you to do something simply because you enjoy it or find it fulfilling. Think about a time when you got lost in a good book, painted just for fun, or played an instrument because it made you happy—no external reward was needed.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s fueled by curiosity, passion, personal goals, and a deep love for the activity itself. When you do something for the sheer pleasure of it, rather than for money, praise, or recognition, that’s intrinsic motivation at work.

However, things get tricky when external rewards enter the picture.

How Rewards Influence Motivation

At first glance, rewards seem like a great way to boost motivation. If someone is already passionate about an activity, wouldn’t giving them a reward enhance their enthusiasm? Surprisingly, research suggests the opposite can happen.

This is where the Overjustification Effect comes in—a psychological phenomenon where external rewards reduce intrinsic motivation. When people receive rewards for an activity they already love, they may start attributing their motivation to the reward rather than their genuine interest. As a result, once the rewards stop, so does the enthusiasm.

Let’s break this down with some real-world examples.

The Classic Study: The Magic of Coloring Gone Wrong

A famous study by psychologists Edward Deci, Richard Ryan, and Mark Lepper investigated how rewards impact motivation. In one experiment, researchers observed children who loved drawing.

The Experiment:

1. Group 1: Children were told they would receive a reward for drawing.
2. Group 2: Children drew freely with no expectation of a reward.
3. Group 3: Children were unexpectedly given a reward after drawing.

The Results:

- The kids who were promised a reward showed less interest in drawing later when the rewards stopped.
- The children who weren’t expecting a reward or received one unexpectedly remained motivated and continued drawing with enthusiasm.

This study demonstrated that extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation when they become the primary reason for engaging in an activity.

Why Do Rewards Decrease Intrinsic Motivation?

You might be wondering why something as simple as a reward can take the joy out of an activity. Here’s why:

1. Shifts Focus from Enjoyment to Outcome
When you’re rewarded for something, your brain starts associating the activity with the prize rather than the process. Instead of enjoying the journey, you become fixated on the end goal—getting rewarded.

2. Creates a Sense of Obligation
What once felt like a freely chosen activity can start to feel like an obligation once rewards are introduced. When something becomes a “job” rather than a passion, the excitement fades.

3. Decreases a Sense of Autonomy
Intrinsic motivation thrives on autonomy—feeling like you’re in control of your actions. But when external rewards come into play, it can feel like someone else is steering the ship, making the activity feel less personally meaningful.

When Do Rewards Work Without Harming Motivation?

Not all rewards are bad. In fact, when used wisely, they can enhance motivation rather than diminish it. Here’s how:

1. Use Unexpected Rewards

If rewards come as a surprise, they don’t interfere with intrinsic motivation. Instead, they serve as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason for doing the activity.

2. Reward Effort, Not Just Outcomes

When rewards focus on effort rather than achievement, they reinforce a growth mindset. For example, praising a child for their persistence in solving a puzzle (instead of just rewarding them for completing it) encourages continued effort and resilience.

3. Give Meaningful and Non-Material Rewards

Not all rewards have to be monetary or tangible. Verbal praise, recognition, and words of encouragement can boost motivation without diminishing the joy of the task.

4. Encourage Autonomy

People stay motivated when they feel in control of their actions. Instead of using rewards as a controlling mechanism, offer choices and allow individuals to pursue tasks in ways that feel meaningful to them.

Practical Implications: What This Means for You

Understanding the effects of rewards on intrinsic motivation has powerful implications in different areas of life.

For Parents and Teachers

- Encouraging a love for learning should focus on curiosity rather than grades or prizes.
- Praise effort and creativity rather than just the result.
- Let children explore activities without the pressure of rewards.

For Employers and Managers

- Create workplace environments where employees feel valued beyond just financial incentives.
- Recognize employees’ work through meaningful appreciation, not just bonuses.
- Encourage passion-driven projects to maintain workplace engagement.

For You, Personally

- Reflect on what truly drives you—are you doing things for love or for the reward?
- Set personal goals that align with your passions rather than external validation.
- Celebrate progress without always seeking external recognition.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Rewards and Passion

Rewards aren’t entirely bad, but they need to be used wisely. If you love doing something, try not to let external validation take away the joy of the activity. Keep your intrinsic motivation burning by focusing on growth, passion, and the genuine enjoyment of the process.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, manager, or simply someone looking to stay motivated, understanding how rewards affect intrinsic motivation can help you make choices that fuel passion rather than diminish it. So next time you set a goal, ask yourself—am I doing this because I love it, or because of the reward? The answer can make all the difference.