Which type of regulation describes behaviors aimed at gaining some reward or avoiding some negative consequence?

• A. External regulation
• B. Introjected regulation
• C. Identified regulation
• D. Integrated regulation

Answer: (A)

External regulation is when actions are driven by external outcomes like rewards or avoiding punishment. The behavior is controlled by what happens as a consequence rather than by personal interest or internal values. For example, studying to earn praise or a good grade, or exercising to avoid criticism, illustrates this drive toward a reward or away from a negative outcome. Other forms involve internalized motives—doing something to meet internal pressures or to align with valued beliefs—but those depend less on external consequences. Here, the emphasis on gaining a reward or avoiding a negative consequence makes external regulation the best fit.