When rewards compete with nature

Self-determination theory (SDT) assumes that humans have inherent propensities to be intrinsically motivated, to assimilate their social and physical worlds, to integrate external regulations into self-regulations, and in so doing integrate themselves into a larger social whole. This chapter concerns the relation of imposed rewards to these evolved propensities toward autonomy and homonomy. It examines evidence concerning the potential of contingent rewards to undermine self-regulatory propensities, desensitize individuals to their basic needs, and disrupt awareness and choice, all to the detriment of healthy development. Subsequently, it turns to an examination of the effects of rewards on organismic processes, interpreting the results in terms of the interface between rewards and basic psychological needs. Under this, it takes into consideration, the effects of rewards on intrinsic motivation. The chapter also focuses on the reward effects on other organismic processes, such as prosocial behavior, and to a discussion of real-world implications. Finally, it explores the general issue of reward effects from the personality perspective of individual differences in motivational orientations and life goals.