Motivation Science, Vol 12(4), Dec 2026, 437-453; doi:10.1037/mot0000423
Although extensive research has examined the impact of the social context on motivation, relatively less attention has been given to individuals’ capacity to regulate their own motivation in the absence of external influences. Grounded in self-determination theory, the present research investigates the effectiveness and antecedents of situational autonomy- and control-oriented Self-Motivating Strategies (SMS) in shaping individuals’ task experience and behavior. Study 1 (N = 169; Mage = 19.3; 72% female) examined whether the use of situational autonomy- and control-oriented strategies differentially relate to individuals’ experience (interest, boredom), performance (accuracy, reaction time), and persistence in a boring computer task, as well as whether the situational use of these strategies is influenced by individuals’ habitual reliance on these strategies. Study 2 (N = 216; Mage = 18.91; 89% female) additionally explored the effects of an experimental induction of both types of SMS. Both studies demonstrated that autonomy-oriented strategies helped to sustain interest, improved task accuracy, and fostered greater task persistence, whereas control-oriented strategies increased boredom and predicted slower reaction times. In addition, while both types of situational strategies were predicted by their corresponding habitual use, control-oriented SMS were significantly heightened after an experimental induction. These findings underscore the differential effects of SMS, suggesting that not all strategies to maintain and uplift one’s motivation are equally effective. We discuss theoretical and practical implications, emphasizing the benefits of fostering autonomy-oriented strategies while minimizing reliance on control-oriented strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)