Intrinsic reward: potential cognitive and neural mechanisms

From child play to scientific discovery, many activities human engage in are rewarding and of themselves. Here, we ask what makes such intrinsically rewarding. Based on the existing literature propose answer is an increased sense self-efficacy. That is, activity that one strengthens a person’s belief they can execute actions required successfully deal with prospective situations. We show this notion explain nature situations from solving cross word puzzles helping others, consuming arts playing sports. suggest processes lead self-efficacy, as executing agency learning, activate neural reward system. This turn experienced pleasure reinforces generated response. Intrinsic rewards would biological organism improve their knowledge skills which could help them adapt changing environments.