Motivation Across Contexts: An Integrative Review of Contemporary Theories, Measurement Approaches, and Applied Interventions

Motivation is a foundational construct in psychology, education, and organizational research, shaping how individuals initiate, regulate, and sustain goal-directed behavior. Despite decades of empirical investigation, motivation remains a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that cannot be adequately explained by a single theoretical framework. The present integrative review synthesizes contemporary motivational theories, measurement approaches, and applied interventions published between 2020 and 2025. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, Expectancy; Value Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Goal-Setting Theory, and Attribution Theory, this review highlights conceptual convergences and theoretical distinctions that clarify how motivation operates across educational, workplace, and health-related contexts. The paper further examines commonly used measurement instruments, addressing ongoing challenges related to cultural validity, temporal sensitivity, and construct overlap. Applied research is reviewed to demonstrate how theory-driven interventions can enhance engagement, performance, and well-being when contextual supports align with individuals’ psychological needs and beliefs. Finally, the review identifies emerging directions for future research, emphasizing dynamic, multilevel models, personalized interventions, and equity-focused perspectives. By integrating multiple theoretical traditions, this paper offers a comprehensive framework for understanding motivation as a dynamic process shaped by individual, contextual, and cultural factors.