The global and European burden of neurological disorders is rising, with insufficient neurologists to meet current needs. Understanding residents’ motivation to choose Neurology is crucial to optimize teaching. This study aimed to characterize the motivational profile of Neurology residents and examine its associations with demographic and career factors.

In this national cross-sectional observational survey, 131 French Neurology residents completed a validated motivation questionnaire assessing intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivation components. Composite scores were calculated for each dimension, and a delta motivation score (intrinsic minus extrinsic) was computed. Associations between motivation and demographic/career variables, including intended academic/clinical scientist career, were analyzed. Correlation, linear regression, and repeated-measures ANCOVA were conducted.

Participants were 54.2% female, mean age 27.1 ± 3.0 years. Intrinsic motivation was significantly predominant (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.531, P < 0.001) (knowledge M = 24.5 ± 2.9; stimulation M = 21.5 ± 3.9; achievement M = 19.9 ± 4.2), exceeding extrinsic motivation (identified M = 23.4 ± 3.0; introjected M = 13.4 ± 5.6; external regulation M = 14.7 ± 4.6) and amotivation (M = 6.0 ± 3.5). Delta motivation was negatively associated with age (β = −0.339, P = 0.005) and positively with year of residency (β = 0.277, P = 0.002) and a planned academic/clinical scientist career (β = 0.210, P = 0.011). Residents planning an academic/clinical scientist career had a significantly different motivational profile (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.901, P = 0.041) because of higher intrinsic motivation for achievement ( P = 0.006).

Neurology residents exhibit a predominantly intrinsic motivation profile. The factors associated with were: age, residency year, and academic career intentions. These findings highlight the importance of supporting and preserving intrinsic motivation throughout training to ensure engagement and prepare the future neurological workforce.