What is a main effect of the Overjustification Effect?

The Overjustification Effect primarily describes a psychological phenomenon where the introduction of external rewards for activities that are already intrinsically motivating can lead to a decrease in a person's intrinsic motivation. When individuals are rewarded for performing tasks they already find enjoyable, such as playing a game or engaging in a hobby, they may begin to attribute their motivation to the external rewards rather than their personal interest and enjoyment. As a result, this shift can diminish their internal drive to participate in those activities when the external rewards are no longer present.

This understanding is crucial in various settings, such as education and parenting, where intrinsic motivation is important for sustained interest and engagement. Recognizing the implications of overjustification can help in structuring environments that foster long-term motivation rather than relying solely on external incentives.