Cross-task generalization of intrinsic motivation effects.

Examined whether prior autonomy-supporting (AS) and externally controlling (EC) experiences can affect reactions to new activities (NAs). In Exp 1, 152 university students received self-determining (i.e., AS) pretreatment experience, and EC pretreatment experience, or no pretreatment experience with an initial activity and then received an expected task-contingent reward or an unexpected reward after engaging in an NA. In Exp 2, 53 university students received high competency feedback (i.e., AS) or average competency feedback following performance of an initial activity, and then received an expected or unexpected reward after engaging in an NA. Initial AS experiences produced relatively lower intrinsic motivation to engage in the NAs. Ss' experiences with prior activities interacted with subsequent reward variations to affect their reactions to NAs. Prior AS experienced averted negative motivation effects of expected rewards on NAs, whereas prior EC experienced suppressed subsequent intrinsic motivation. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)