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<p>Against the global shift toward circular economies, this study addresses a critical gap in upcycling research: the dynamic internalization of motivation beyond static behavioral models. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), we employ an interpretive-constructivist paradigm to analyze qualitative interviews with 20 upcycling practitioners. Results reveal that intrinsic motivation emerges from synergistic satisfaction of autonomy (creative control), competence (skill mastery), and relatedness (emotional bonds), with affective connection (40%) as the dominant driver. Extrinsic motivations follow a stepwise internalization pathway—from economic necessity (external regulation) to social norms (introjected) and social feedback (identified)—culminating in integrated regulation via three transformative stages: efficacy foundation (competence activation), relatedness catalysis (social empowerment), and meaning reconstruction (autonomy takeover). Crucially, internalization is impeded by Value Integration Faults (irreconcilable value conflicts) and Contextual Support Degradation (resource/social deprivation). This research advances SDT by framing upcycling as an embodied ethical practice, demonstrating that sustainable behavior requires synergistic alignment of psychological needs and external demands.</p>

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Upcycling Motivation Internalization: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月20日

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  • Qinghui Zhu

摘要

Against the global shift toward circular economies, this study addresses a critical gap in upcycling research: the dynamic internalization of motivation beyond static behavioral models. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), we employ an interpretive-constructivist paradigm to analyze qualitative interviews with 20 upcycling practitioners. Results reveal that intrinsic motivation emerges from synergistic satisfaction of autonomy (creative control), competence (skill mastery), and relatedness (emotional bonds), with affective connection (40%) as the dominant driver. Extrinsic motivations follow a stepwise internalization pathway—from economic necessity (external regulation) to social norms (introjected) and social feedback (identified)—culminating in integrated regulation via three transformative stages: efficacy foundation (competence activation), relatedness catalysis (social empowerment), and meaning reconstruction (autonomy takeover). Crucially, internalization is impeded by Value Integration Faults (irreconcilable value conflicts) and Contextual Support Degradation (resource/social deprivation). This research advances SDT by framing upcycling as an embodied ethical practice, demonstrating that sustainable behavior requires synergistic alignment of psychological needs and external demands.