Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ Behavioural Brain Re...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
Behavioural Brain Research
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY
Data sources: Crossref
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5...
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
versions View all 3 versions
addClaim

Beyond the Undermining Effect: Extrinsic Rewards Preserve Neural Intrinsic Reward

Authors: Hiroaki Ayabe; Takahiko Koike; Ayumi Yoshioka; Satoshi Izuno; Kanae Ogasawara; Shohei Tsuchimoto; Norihiro Sadato;

Beyond the Undermining Effect: Extrinsic Rewards Preserve Neural Intrinsic Reward

Abstract

The Self-Determination Theory posits that extrinsic reward withdrawal often undermines intrinsic motivation. This undermining effect varies according to the reward category (e.g., monetary vs. praise). However, the mechanism underlying this variability remains unclear, partly because previous studies have conceptualized intrinsic motivation as a single construct without distinguishing liking (intrinsic value) from wanting (motivational drive). Failure to make this distinction may obscure the effects of rewards on each component. We hypothesized that extrinsic reward withdrawal would differentially affect intrinsic value and motivational drive. To test this hypothesis, we conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on 54 participants who were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: control (no rewards), monetary reward, or social reward. Participants in the monetary and social reward groups played a stopwatch game twice, first with and then without extrinsic rewards. The control group received no extrinsic rewards during the task. We assessed intrinsic value through fMRI-measured activation of the reward system and motivational drive through voluntary engagement during the task intermission. Intrinsic value, measured by activation in predefined reward-related regions, declined in the control group but was preserved in both extrinsic reward groups after withdrawal. Thus, both monetary and social rewards were associated with preserved intrinsic value. However, intrinsic behavioral motivation declined in the monetary group but was maintained in the social group. These findings suggest that extrinsic reward withdrawal differentially influences intrinsic value and motivational drive across reward categories, thereby clarifying the variability of the undermining effect.

Keywords

Male, Adult, Motivation, Young Adult, Brain Mapping, Reward, Adolescent, Humans, Brain, Female, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
hybrid