Which option best describes integrated regulation?

• A. External regulation
• B. Mastery experience
• C. Social persuasion
• D. Integrated regulation

Answer: (D)

Integrated regulation means the behavior has been internalized so fully that it aligns with your values and identity. You act not because someone is rewarding you or pressuring you, but because the activity fits who you are and what you care about. It’s a highly autonomous form of extrinsic motivation—the rule you follow becomes part of your self-concept. For example, you might choose to exercise regularly because being healthy and responsible reflects who you are, not because you’ll get a prize or avoid punishment.

To contrast briefly with the other ideas: external regulation is driven by external rewards or punishments; mastery experience relates to gaining competence through success and affects self-efficacy more than how you regulate your behavior; social persuasion involves encouragement from others and can influence motivation but isn’t itself the internalized regulation pattern.