ABSTRACT
This chapter defines motivation as the direction and intensity of a person’s effort in circus, and motivation is positioned as an interaction between the artists’ personality and their environment. Three different types of motivation are discussed in relation to engagement in circus, namely, amotivation, extrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation. The importance of intrinsic motivation for long-term engagement in circus is emphasised. Using the self-determination theory components ‘autonomy’, ‘relatedness’, and ‘competence’, this chapter provides practical advice on how the circus industry can increase levels of intrinsic motivation among circus artists. Finally, the chapter explains the five dimensions relevant to making attributions that are beneficial to experiences of competence among circus artists.
