How is 'motivation' defined in the context of psychology?

In the context of psychology, 'motivation' is defined primarily as an internal process that guides behavior. This internal process encompasses the various psychological factors that energize, direct, and sustain behavior towards achieving specific goals. When motivation is internal, it implies that it arises from within the individual, influenced by personal desires, needs, values, and beliefs. This internal drive plays a crucial role in determining how consistently and vigorously individuals pursue their goals, whether they're academic, athletic, social, or professional.

Understanding motivation as an internal process also highlights the complexities involved in human behavior. It encompasses intrinsic factors, such as personal satisfaction and fulfillment, as well as extrinsic factors that may influence behavior but do not solely define it, such as rewards or social recognition. This internal perspective on motivation allows psychologists to explore how various psychological theories and frameworks, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs or self-determination theory, seek to explain and predict human behavior based on underlying motivational states.