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Beautifully Complex

284: Motivation Myth Busters, with Wendy S. Grolnick, Ph.D.

Oct 3, 2024
Wendy S. Grolnick, a Professor of Psychology with nearly 40 years of expertise in motivation and parenting, joins to debunk prevalent myths surrounding motivation in children, especially those who are neurodivergent. They discuss the crucial difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and stress the importance of creating environments that nurture autonomy, competence, and relationships. Grolnick highlights how pressure can stifle genuine motivation and offers practical strategies to foster a supportive, neuro-affirming upbringing.
28:50

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is crucial for supporting a neurodivergent child's growth and well-being.
  • Creating an environment that fosters autonomy, competence, and relatedness can significantly enhance motivation in children and reduce feelings of pressure.

Deep dives

Understanding the Nature of Motivation

Motivation is defined as the internal energy that influences how individuals engage with activities, characterized by a sense of desire or urge. Importantly, motivation cannot be directly imposed by others; rather, it is an intrinsic experience that must be cultivated within individuals. This means that while parents and caregivers can create conditions that foster motivation, ultimately, individuals must find their own reasons for engaging in tasks. Recognizing the significance of this internal drive is crucial for effectively supporting children's motivation.

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