Praise increases motivation in children.

Is it true that Praise increases motivation in children?

Partly. Evidence is mixed and conditional: a review and several studies indicate praise can enhance children's motivation when sincere and effort-focused, while other studies show generic trait praise reduces persistence and self-evaluation. No source settles the unconditional claim that praise increases motivation in children.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 5 sources for, 3 against · Last checked 16 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

J, H. & MR, L. (2002). The effects of praise on children's intrinsic motivation: a review and synthesis.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.128.5.774

When is praise for children harmful?. (2011). skeptics.stackexchange.com. https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/2410/when-is-praise-for-children-harmful

Social Presence and Children: Praise, Intrinsic Motivation, and Learning with Computers. (2004). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2004.tb02611.x

enappsy. (n.d.). archive.org. https://archive.org/details/enappsy

The Impact of Teachers’ Appreciative Strategies on Handwriting Quality and Student Motivation. (2025). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.61657

Quist, D. (2000). Primary Teaching Methods. books.google.com. http://books.google.com/books?id=IW9YAAAAYAAJ&dq=Praise+increases+motivation+in+children.&hl=&as_pt=BOOKS&source=gbs_api

A critical eye: Praise directed toward traits increases children’s eye fixations on errors and decreases motivation. (2012). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-012-0294-y

R., Z. S. & J., M. B. (2010). "Good Job, You're So Smart": The Effects of Inconsistency of Praise Type on Young Children's Motivation. eric.ed.gov. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2010.04.015