The purpose of this paper is to refine and extend White’s model of effectance motivation, with particular emphasis on its developmental implications. This expanded model focusses on the following: the need to isolate components of effectance motivation at different developmental levels; an examination of the effects of failure as well as success; the relationship between task challenge and the degree of pleasure experienced; the role of social agents and the reinforcing environment; the developmental internalization of a self-reward system; the need to examine the relative strength of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational orientations; certain correlates such as perceived competence and perceived control as consequences and mediators of one’s motivational orientation. The paper emphasizes the need to translate theoretical concepts into researchable formulations which can be empirically tested within a developmental context.

Keywords:
Effectance, Competence, Intrinsic motivation, Self-esteem, Need for approval, Perceived control
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1978 S. Karger AG, Basel
1978
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.