OCT 1111 Chapter 6
“Occupation and Identity: Becoming Who We Are Through What We Do”
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Several factors contribute to why we are motivated to do a number of different
occupations. In general, motivation can be viewed as an explanation for why
people are interested in a certain activity and not in another. We all have different
motivations, drives, needs and external influences that shape our experiences.
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Behavioural scientists believe certain motivational factors influence engagement
in specific occupations and how this in turn shapes individual identity. Two
major categories of motivators are relevant for us. The first are regulatory
motivators, which are behavioural influences that are based on the concept of
homeostasis. The body’s systems try to maintain those conditions that permit it to
thrive. These changes occur in reaction to conditions from within and outside the
body (i.e. fatigue, arousal, pain).
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The second category is purposeful motivators, which emphasize intentional, goaldirected actions. According to this view, people contemplate their actions and
anticipate consequences of these actions before they do anything. Both regulatory
and purposeful motivators are factors in our lives at different times.
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Goals are external conditions that influence our participation in occupations by
reducing primary or secondary drives. Because they reduce drives, they lose their
influence on behaviour after they have been achieved. People often set goals that
are based on their self-perceptions of their abilities and skills. Often, expectations
of success or failure shape people’s occupational pursuits and influence how they
engage in those specific occupations.
People also exhibit different personality traits that influence their choice for leisure
and vocational pursuits. Thus, someone who is more achievement-motivated may
choose an occupation that offers more opportunities for them to grow and learn.
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According to self-determination theory, agency, competence, and relationships
with others are key factors that influence our occupational choices. By developing
our own uniqueness and establishing a sense of meaning, we create the conditions
through which we establish identities. In turn, we feel productive and are
satisfied with what we are doing with our lives. We are motivated to succeed and
reinforce our positive ways. If people develop maladaptive habits of unhealthy
behaviour, they will feel badly about themselves until they change.
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Our identity that is shaped by our occupational choices, experiences, and
competence influence how we construct and interpret our life stories. By creating
new goals that connect with past occupational experiences and making sense of
our lives, we can meet life’s many challenges and feel that our life has some
purpose.