Toward a More Inclusive Motivation Science

Good science has the power to move and change lives. At its best, motivation science not only deepens the understanding of human behavior but also contributes meaningfully to improving the lives of people and communities. Central to its excellence is the field’s capacity to speak to a broad spectrum of contexts and human experiences. In this chapter, we reflected on the current state of motivation science by discussing its historical emphasis on universality and considering how greater attention to specificity can further advance the field. We then outlined three promising directions for future development and offer recommendations to support sustainable and systemic change. By moving toward a more inclusive motivation science, we hope to enhance both the field’s knowledge and its community, strengthening a discipline that more accurately reflects and effectively serves the diverse populations it aims to understand.