This study analyzes the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and adult learning success through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using the PRISMA framework. A search on Google Scholar (2024–2026) yielded 19 articles that met the inclusion criteria; these were analyzed using narrative-thematic and bibliometric methods with VOSviewer. The results indicate that intrinsic motivation is more strongly associated with persistence, deep engagement, and long-term learning transfer, whereas extrinsic motivation acts as an initial catalyst, particularly in professional and institutional contexts. Both types of motivation are complementary through internalization mediated by self-efficacy, social support, and adaptive learning design. Contextual factors (stage of adulthood, culture, digital environment) also moderate these relationships. Educators and program designers need to integrate flexible and context-specific motivational strategies.
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