Self-determination theory

Click below to listen to this article:

The self-determination theory

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a psychological framework that examines human motivation, behaviour, and wellbeing. It proposes that people have three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy refers to the need to act in accordance with one’s own values and interests. Competence refers to the need to feel effective and capable in one’s actions. Relatedness refers to the need to feel connected and cared for by others. SDT suggests that when these needs are satisfied, people experience optimal growth and development, as well as positive emotions and intrinsic motivation. However, when these needs are thwarted, people experience negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and extrinsic motivation. In this article, we will explore the main concepts and applications of SDT, as well as its strengths and limitations.

What is the self-determination theory?

Self-determination theory is a theory of human motivation and personality that explains how people can become self-determined when their needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy are fulfilled. The theory was developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, who were influenced by humanistic psychology and the concept of intrinsic motivation. The theory assumes that people have innate growth tendencies and psychological needs that drive their behaviour, and that the degree to which their behaviour is self-motivated and self-determined depends on the extent to which their environment supports their needs.

The proposes that people have three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These needs are essential for people to experience optimal functioning and well-being.

Autonomy refers to the sense of volition and choice in one’s actions, competence refers to the sense of efficacy and mastery in one’s activities, and relatedness refers to the sense of caring and being cared for by others. When these needs are satisfied, people are more likely to engage in activities that are intrinsically motivated and aligned with their personal goals, which in turn makes their work more meaningful. Conversely, when these needs are thwarted, people are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and reduced performance. Self-determination theory suggests that the social and environmental conditions that support or hinder these needs play a crucial role in influencing people’s motivation, behaviour, and wellbeing.

Types of motivation

According to self-determination theory (SDT), there are also three types of motivation: intrinsic, extrinsic, and internalized. Intrinsic motivation refers to the innate tendency to engage in activities that are interesting, enjoyable, and satisfying for their own sake. Extrinsic motivation refers to the external factors that influence behaviour, such as rewards, punishments, or social expectations. Internalized motivation refers to the process of adopting and integrating the values and goals of others as one’s own, resulting in a more autonomous and self-regulated form of extrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic motivation is associated with higher levels of psychological well-being, academic achievement, and creativity, as it reflects the natural expression of one’s curiosity and potential.

Extrinsic motivation can have positive or negative effects on behaviour and outcomes, depending on the degree of autonomy and competence it supports or undermines.

Internalized motivation can enhance the quality and persistence of extrinsic motivation, as it aligns one’s actions with one’s authentic self.

SDT proposes that intrinsic and internalized motivation are facilitated by three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy refers to the need to act in accordance with one’s own interests and values. Competence refers to the need to master challenges and achieve goals. Relatedness refers to the need to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. When these needs are satisfied, people experience greater motivation, engagement, and well-being in various domains of life, including education.

Applications of SDT

One of the applications of self-determination theory is to understand how different types of motivation affect human behaviour and well-being. Self-determination theory proposes that people have three basic psychological needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. When these needs are satisfied, people tend to experience more intrinsic motivation, which is the motivation that comes from within oneself and is driven by interest, enjoyment, and curiosity. Intrinsic motivation is associated with positive outcomes such as creativity, persistence, learning, and well-being. When these needs are thwarted, people tend to experience more extrinsic motivation, which is the motivation that comes from external sources and is driven by rewards, punishments, or expectations. Extrinsic motivation is associated with negative outcomes such as anxiety, boredom, alienation, and poor performance. Self-determination theory can be applied to various domains of life, such as education, work, health, sports, and relationships, to understand how different factors can enhance or undermine people’s intrinsic motivation and psychological needs.

Strengths and limitations of Self-determination theory

SDT has several strengths as a theory of motivation and behaviour. First, it is based on empirical evidence from various domains, such as education, work, health, and sports. Second, it provides a comprehensive and integrative account of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how they interact with each other. Third, it recognizes the role of social and environmental factors in facilitating or hindering the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs. Fourth, it has practical implications for enhancing motivation, well-being, and performance in different settings.

However, SDT also has some limitations that need to be addressed. One limitation is that it does not specify how the basic psychological needs are measured or operationalized. Different studies may use different indicators or scales to assess the level of need satisfaction or frustration, which may affect the validity and reliability of the results. Another limitation is that it does not account for individual differences in the strength or salience of the basic psychological needs. Some people may value autonomy more than competence, or relatedness more than autonomy, depending on their personality, culture, or context. A third limitation is that it does not explain how the basic psychological needs are developed or acquired in the first place. It is unclear how people come to have these needs, and how they change over time or across situations.

Further Reading

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, Article 101860.

Self-Determination Theory Of Motivation – Simply Psychology