A New Understanding of Self

Theories of motivation have evolved from early need or drive theories toward a resurgent interest in recognizing the role of a higher or “true” self in motivation. This article reviews principles of intrinsic motivation, derived from a new paradigm, that provide a heuristically useful, practical definition of self. They also provide guidelines that clarify the role of affective feedback, states of mind, and cognition in accessing a higher self-as-agent in our day-to-day lives. These principles provide a description of this higher self as a source of intrinsic motivation that is less stressful, more natural, and less forced than conditioned states of motivation that are connected to self-concept. A clear distinction is made between motivation from conditioned psychogenic needs and a more natural state of intrinsic motivation. A more intrinsic, self-regulated state of motivation derives from the higher, metacognitive self-as-agent. Case examples and outcome data from pilot programs based on these principles are presented.