Work Motivation Loss Attribution Test | A Motivation Diagnosis Based on Self-Determination Theory

1. What Is Work Motivation Loss?

Work motivation loss is not simply “laziness” or “weak willpower,” but a complex psychological state. It shows up as a lack of enthusiasm for work, declining efficiency, more procrastination, and even emotional detachment. This state is often not caused by a single factor, but is the result of unmet inner psychological needs.

This test is based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) proposed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, and is adapted from the Burnout model, aiming to help you pinpoint the root of your motivation depletion.

2. Theoretical Basis: Three Basic Psychological Needs

Self-Determination Theory holds that humans are naturally growth-oriented, but to maintain intrinsic motivation, the following three basic psychological needs must be satisfied:

• Autonomy: feeling that your behavior is out of your own will, not forced or externally controlled. You need to feel “this is what I want to do,” not “this is what I have to do.”
• Competence: feeling capable of mastering your environment and making progress when facing a challenge. You need to experience “I can do it” and the improvement of your skills.
• Relatedness: feeling connected to others, cared for, understood, and accepted. You need to build a sense of security and belonging in your work environment.

When these three needs are frustrated over a long period, intrinsic motivation gradually declines and turns into burnout.

3. The Dimensions and Structure of This Test

Adapted from classic motivation-measurement tools, this test has 16 questions, assessing your motivation impairment across the following three core dimensions:

• Autonomy Deficit: assessing whether you feel your work lacks choice, is micromanaged, or forces you to act against your will.
• Competence Block: assessing whether you feel the difficulty of your work is imbalanced (too hard or too easy), lacks feedback, or prevents a sense of achievement.
• Relatedness Deficiency: assessing whether you feel isolated and helpless, unrecognized, or in conflict with the team’s values.

4. Purpose of the Test and Who It’s For

This test is suitable for professionals experiencing burnout or seeking career development. It is especially suited to:

• People who feel “they don’t want to go to work” and lack motivation for their job
• People who change jobs frequently but still can’t find enthusiasm for work
• Managers who want to understand why employees leave
• People who want to optimize their career path from a psychological perspective

5. How Scoring Works and How to Read the Result

Each question uses a 1-5 scale (from “not at all true” to “completely true”). The system calculates your scores on the three dimensions and judges the main cause of your motivation loss based on the highest-scoring dimension. The result is divided into four types: Lost Executor, Powerless Striver, Lonely Outsider, and Total Burnout Type.