Self-Determination Theory

• Self-determination theory


  A theory that focuses on the motivation behind the decisions that people make when not being influenced externally
• Self-determination can help with achieving independence
• Self-determination plays an essential role in the overall well-being of the individual and their overall psychological health
• Motivation


  Derived from the same root as ‘motion’ – something that moves an organism
• Self-determination


  The ability of individuals to make choices and determine their own actions
• Self-determination theory


  A theory of human motivation and personality that suggests that people can become self-determined when their needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy are fulfilled
• The presence versus absence of environmental conditions that allow satisfaction of basic needs is a key predictor of vitality and mental health
• People tend to become happier when pursuing things that are intrinsically motivated and aligned with their own goals
• Intrinsic motivation


  Motivation that comes from within, focusing on internal sources of motivation
• Extrinsic motivation


  Motivation driven by external rewards such as money, prizes, and acclaim
• Amotivation


  Lack of or absence of drive to engage in any activity
• Psychological needs for motivation

  • Competence
  • Relatedness
  • Autonomy
• Competence


  The need to be effective in dealing with the environment
• Relatedness


  The need to have close, affectionate relationships
• Autonomy


  The need to feel self-governing and independent
• Self-determination theory assumes that people are driven by three innate and universal psychological needs
• Self-determination theory seeks to explain how being self-determined impacts motivation
• Self-determination is an important concept in psychology since it plays a role in psychological health and well-being
• Self-determination puts the individual in the driving seat, making them responsible and potentially culpable for whatever happens
• Self-determination theory focuses primarily on internal sources of motivation
• Positive feedback can boost self-determination
• Extrinsic motivators can sometimes lower self-determination
• Self-determined behaviours


  • Motivated by intrinsic rewards
  • Driven by enjoyment, interest, or satisfaction
  • Feel in control
• Non-self-determined behaviours


  • Motivated by extrinsic rewards
  • Driven by obligation or responsibility
  • Feel a lack of control
• Most actions are not purely self-determined or non-self-determined
• Actions often rely on a certain degree of self-determination that may also be influenced by extrinsic motivations
• Intrinsic motivation has greater endurance than extrinsic motivation
• Self-determination theory has been applied in real-world settings such as the workplace, education, and sports
• Students show greater intrinsic motivation towards learning when teachers encourage a culture of autonomy in the classroom
• People who feel that they can have a positive effect at work tend to feel more engaged and motivated
• Fostering a sense of self-determination can inspire individuals to excel in competitive settings
• Self-determination behaviours improve when individuals forge close and affectionate relationships
• The theory does not account for social and cultural factors that influence motivation and behaviour
• The theory has been criticized for placing too much emphasis on individualistic cultures
• The main weaknesses of Self-Determination Theory are its complexity and low predictive power
• The main strengths of Self-Determination Theory are the range of topics it can be applied to and the large amount of research it has generated