Intrinsic Motivation: Impact on Learning Disabilities Literature

This article discusses the general principles of intrinsic motivation (IM) from the lens of Self-determination Theory in education setting. Though there are studies on regular students and those with Learning Disabilities (LD), the latter group can benefit from more rigorous studies done on them. This is especially true since IM was found to be significant in the achievement and adjustment of students with LD. Findings from this review listed a few psychological concepts worthy of focus for increasing these students’ IM. Firstly, the effective management of extrinsic motivation enhances the IM of students with LD when they are perceived as structure rather than a controlling factor. Secondly, the three psychological needs; autonomy, competence, and relatedness were studied on the group. The perceived competence of the group was found to be central to their IM compared to the need for autonomy. Consequently, relatedness was found to be an influence and relevant to the population’s IM. As for Malaysia’s literature on the LD population, it is found to be scarce. While the research on IM is rarely found, the limited ones are on student’s self-concept. In conclusion, studies on students with LD in Malaysia should focus on IM using the SDT psychological concepts.