On the self-determination theory continuum, which regulatory form is most internalized and aligns with personal values?

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Self-Determination Theory shows motivation becoming more internal as it becomes part of who you are and what you value. Integrated regulation is the stage where this happens most fully: the reason you act is fully assimilated into your self-concept and personal values, so the behavior reflects your identity rather than being driven by external rewards or separate goals. Because the action aligns with your core beliefs and sense of self, it feels like part of you, not just something you do for incentives or to satisfy personal usefulness. For example, choosing to volunteer because it matches your identity as a caring, responsible person demonstrates that alignment. Intrinsic motivation is about enjoying the activity itself, and identified regulation is about valuing the outcome, but integrated regulation goes a step further by fully weaving the behavior into who you are and what you stand for, making it the most internalized form.