Clinical Hypnosis Workshop - Newfoundland - October 24-27, 2013



Basic Concepts: Motivation in Intentional Behavior

     "Any intentional behavior can be classified in terms of the degree to which it is self-regulated versus regulated by forces outside the self, thus indexing the relative integration of action. A general schema for this is presented in Fig 1. This figure illustrates four types of motivational orientations that can be applied to extrinsically motivated (instrumental) behaviors, and leaves a separate category for intrinsically motivated actions which, although clearly self-regulated, do not have to be internalized. While the labels used for these types of motives may be idiosyncratic, the types of motivation to which they refer are identifiable in other theoretical frameworks under different labels, & also are readily observable in everyday behavior. 

     The most heteronomous form of regulation is external regulation, wherein people perform behavior only because they are either coerced into it, or rewarded for it. Here the regulatory impetus to behavior is external in the classic sense of being literally outside the person. When individuals experience their behavior to be externally regulated, they typically feel controlled or alienated, such that when the external regulatory force is absent, so is the behavioral regulation.

      Introjection represents behavior driven by the dynamics of self- and other approval. Behavior regulated through introjection is characterized by "intemally controlling states" and the guilt and anxiety avoidance that accompany them. Thus, while introjection represents a motivational impetus that is intemal to the person (ie is intrapsychic), it nonetheless remains conflictual & external to the self. Introjection therefore can be understood as a form of partial assimilation or integration. 

     A somewhat more autonomous form of regulation is entailed in identification, which involves the acceptance and personal valuing of an acquired regulation. Identification entails greater autonomy insofar as one's behavior is felt to reflect one's conscious values and identity. Because of this the pressure and conflict associated with introjection or extemal control is somewhat ameliorated. However, despite their relative autonomy, identifications can be more or less isolated or unintegrated with other identifications, introjects, or aspects of personal experience. 

     The ultimate form of "assimilation to self" is that of integration, in which various identifications are organized, or reciprocally assimilated, and brought into congruence with organismic experience as a whole. This crucial transformation completes a process of movement from heteronomy to autonomy or self-regulation. 

     Fig 1 represents intrinsic motivation as a separate category, which, as noted, pertains to behaviors that are done for their inherent satisfactions & thus are not a product of internalization. Intrinsically-motivated behaviors (IMBs) reflect a relatively conflict-free & volitional expression of the self, and have an internal perceived locus of causality. Being a prototype of autonomous regulation, intrinsic motivation is placed on the far right side of the continuum to represent a marker against which internalized regulations can be compared in terms of their degree of autonomy. 

     This schema also includes amotivation (impersonal causality) as a regulatory style, which represents the most impoverished state of integration and autonomy in behavioral regulation. Heider referred to impersonally caused behaviors and outcomes as those that are not intentional & not under personal control. People are amotivated when they do not see action as either (a) reliably connected with outcomes (as in helplessness) or (b) viable given perceived incompetence or lack of environmental supports. When amotivated, a person feels neither competent nor autonomous with regard to acting. Because amotivation represents a nonintemalization of regulation, it, like intrinsic motivation, is presented as a separate category in Figure 1."

        Ryan RM. Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative processes. J Pers 1995; 63(3): 397-427. 

Fig 1 - Regulatory Styles - Ryan 1995

The Integrative Process in Todays Fragmented Society

     "Social critics ... (are) descriptively correct in pointing to the fragmented & fluctuating character of modern identity. Given the multiplicity of demands within postindustrial economic systems and the absence of stable psychological supports for the individual, people will predictably ex- perience alienation and conflict in many life roles. 

     It may be a rare person who, within our present overstimulating and relationally unsupportive society, is able to experience the preponderance of the 'me's' he or she has internalized as being volitional & congruent. Such a person would undoubtedly have high global self-actualization in the traditional sense.

     But the current perspective would underscore that even when this occurs it is not solely an individual accomplishment — it is an attainment made possible by interpersonal supports that nurture one's security, competence, and freedom. 

     In the postmodern world, it becomes even more necessary to specify the social nutriments required to maintain an integrated "I"within a psychic house crowded with 'me's'."
        Ryan RM. Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative processes. J Pers 1995; 63(3): 397-427. 

Klaus Nigge   http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/

 

Intrinsic Motivation & Integration

     "The synthetic view of integration in behavior proposes that people are intrinsically motivated to extend themselves into the world and to integrate what they experience — but they typically show this attribute only when afforded supports for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

     People also inherently prefer to be the 'origin' of their own behavior, as opposed to being regulated by forces outside of the self. This preference is manifest in the processes of internalization and emotional integration, in which external and internal presses to action are actively transformed into self-regulations. However, these latter processes, like those entailed in intrinsic motivation, are also heavily influenced by the nature of contextual supports relating to autonomy, relatedness, and competence."

        Ryan RM. Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative processes. J Pers 1995; 63(3): 397-427. 

 

Eric Meola   http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/

 

Psychosocial Needs, Growth & Integration

     "Historically, many psychological theorists have assumed that the psyche contains its own natural or inherent principles that promote growth, integration, and the resolution of psychological inconsistencies and conflicts.

     These principles have been described by many constructs, including the synthetic function of the ego; individuation; the actualizing tendency; organization; and the orthogenetic principle.

     Although theories containing such constructs differ greatly in details and tenor, they share the assumption that innate tendencies toward assimilation and integration play a critical role in social development. 

     ... integrative processes are highly dependent upon contextual supports for basic psychological needs. Insofar as the nutriments relevant to psychological needs vary across contexts or domains, so too will the relative strength of integrative propensities, and one's experience of integrity and autonomy in functioning. Contexts where psychological needs are neglected or frustrated promote fragmentation and alienation, rather than integration and congruence.

     Within the framework of self-determination theory there are three essential needs for psychological growth and well-being — the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Support for autonomy, for effectance, and for feelings of connection with others is argued to be the prerequisite for optimum functioning of these organismic integrative processes."

       Ryan RM. Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative processes. J Pers 1995; 63(3): 397-427.

 

Roberto Peradotto   www.dpreview.com

It's Not What you do, but How you do it

     "Power and prestige does not come from position or status. It comes from character and integrity."               Unknown 

     A cleaner who does her work conscientiously, with love and respect is a great, evolved human being. An executive who puts any less quality into her work belongs in a lower position.

     “Be always mindful of what you are doing and thinking. So that you may put the imprint of your immortality on every passing incident of your daily life.”    Abd’l-Khaliq Ghijdewani, 13^th century Sufi 

       Walsh R. “Essential spirituality. The 7 central practices to awaken heart and mind.” John Wiley & Sons Inc, NY, 1999.

azagil   www.dpreview.com

Time - Who's Managing Who?

     If “time creates relationship” (anon), then what are we unwittingly creating with our frantic busyness - at work & otherwise?

     "Take the time to reconnect with what healthcare is for you and what it could be…."  

       The 1st International Congress on Whole Person Care  will be held at McGill University, in beautiful, vibrant Montreal - October 17-20, 2013.    Register now: www.wpc2013.ca