Impaired functioning is recognized as a major barrier to recovery among individuals with psychotic disorders. Research on the role of negative symptomatology on functioning has identified avolition (i.e. lack of motivation) as being highly correlated with functional outcomes. However, current measures of avolition fail to consider more intrinsic factors that influence motivation. There is a need for more nuanced research on the drivers of motivation and their relationship with functioning to inform the observed relationship between avolition and impaired functioning. This cross-sectional study uses data obtained from the Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses, in London, Ontario. 105 clients of PEPP were assessed using validated measures of motivational drivers. Multivariate analyses did not show a statistically significant relationship between the intrinsic drivers of motivation and functional outcomes. Findings demonstrate the need for updated measures of negative symptoms as well as the need for further research on motivation and functional outcomes
