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This chapter presents a theory that seeks to 
capture motivation, personality, and their 
development with the same set of principles 
and mechanisms. Many classic theories of 
personality have united motivation, person -
ality, and development within one frame -
work (e.g., Erikson, 1950; Freud, 1927; 
Jung, 1954), and in light of current trends, 
constructs, and findings, the time seems 
right for a new kind of integration.
Why is this the right time for a new in -
tegration? First, personality researchers 
are increasingly bringing together trait 
and social-  cognitive theories (Ayduk & 
Mendoza-  Denton, Chapter 19, this volume; 
Fleeson & Jayawickreme, 2015; Mischel & 
Shoda, 2008; Read et al., 2010; Roberts, 
2009), once considered quite separate ap -
proaches. Next, more and more research -
ers are highlighting the importance of mo -
tivational processes in personality (Corr, 
De Young, & McNaughton, 2013; Deci & 
Ryan, 2000; Higgins, 2012; McCabe & 
Fleeson, 2012, 2016; Read et al., 2010; in 
this volume, Schultheiss & Kölner, Chapter 
18, and Sommet, Elliot, & Sheldon, Chap -
ter 4). And finally, many more research -
ers are now studying the development and 
the developmental trajectory of personal -
ity (Rothbart, 2007; in this volume, see De Fruyt, Chapter 13, Bleidorn & Denissen, 
Chapter 14, Mroczek, Graham, Turiano, & 
Aro-Lambo, Chapter 15, Roberts & Nickel, 
Chapter 11, Atherton & Schofield, Chapter 
16, and Shiner, Chapter 12). Capitalizing on 
these exciting trends, I propose an integra -
tion of social-  cognitive and trait theories 
within a motivational framework and with 
deep roots in developmental processes. As 
should be the case in an undertaking of this 
type, I present it as a preliminary proposal 
meant to stimulate thinking and serve as a 
foundation for future theory and research.
Overview of the Current Theory
The current theory begins with needs—three 
basic needs, present at or near birth, and 
four later-  developing needs that are formed 
from combinations of the basic needs. I 
then suggest that as infants (and people in 
general) pursue need-  fulfilling goals, they 
build mental representations based on their 
experiences. These representations serve to 
guide the selection and pursuit of future 
goals. The theory goes on to show how this 
cycle of needs, goals, and representations 
can form the basis for motivation and for 
personality.CHAPTER 3
Toward an Integrative Theory of Motivation, 
Personality, and  Development
Carol S. Dweck