Motivation, Personality, and Development Within Embedded Social Contexts: An Overview of Self-Determination Theory

2012 ◽  
pp. 84-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward L. Deci ◽  
Richard M. Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Human Beings

Self-determination theory maintains and has provided empirical support for the proposition that all human beings have fundamental psychological needs to be competent, autonomous, and related to others. Satisfaction of these basic needs facilitates people's autonomous motivation (i.e., acting with a sense of full endorsement and volition), whereas thwarting the needs promotes controlled motivation (i.e., feeling pressured to behave in particular ways) or being amotivated (i.e., lacking intentionality). Satisfying these basic needs and acting autonomously have been consistently shown to be associated with psychological health and effective performance. Social contexts within which people operate, however proximal (e.g., a family or workgroup) or distal (e.g., a cultural value or economic system), affect their need satisfaction and type of motivation, thus affecting their wellness and effectiveness. Social contexts also affect whether people's life goals or aspirations tend to be more intrinsic or more extrinsic, and that in turn affects important life outcomes.

The Nature and the Conditions of Human Autonomy and Flourishing

2019 ◽  
pp. 88-110
Author(s):  
Richard M. Ryan ◽  
William S. Ryan ◽  
Stefano I. Di Domenico ◽  
Edward L. Deci
Keyword(s):  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Human Autonomy

Human beings have fundamental psychological propensities toward growth, integrity, and wellness. Yet, historically, many approaches to motivation have ignored these inner propensities, focusing instead on how external contingencies shape expectancies and behaviors. This chapter reviews recent work in self-determination theory, an organismic approach in which people’s intrinsic, growth-oriented propensities are a central focus. Self-determination theory argues that people have basic psychological needs to experience competence, autonomy, and relatedness to others. Satisfaction of these basic needs facilitates autonomous motivation and wellness, whereas the frustration of these needs contributes to ill-being and is associated with lower quality, and often highly controlled, forms of motivation. Autonomous and controlled forms of motivation differ in their antecedents, neurological underpinnings, and outcomes. Although most of the experimentation and evidence base of self-determination theory has focused on proximal relationships (e.g., families, dyads, classrooms, teams, or workgroups), recent research is extending self-determination theory to address pervasive contexts (e.g., cultural or economic systems) and how they both directly and indirectly affect need satisfaction and motivation, thereby impacting people’s development and wellness. Pervasive contexts also influence people’s aspirational horizons and the life goals they pursue, further influencing both individual and community wellness. More need-supportive contexts conduce to more authentic living and intrinsic aspirations, which in turn promote more prosocial attitudes and actions and greater personal and societal wellness.

scholarly journals Exploring Proximal LGBTQ+ Minority Stressors Within Physical Activity Contexts from a Self-determination Theory Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon S C Herrick ◽  
Meredith A Rocchi ◽  
Shane N Sweet ◽  
Lindsay R Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Small Effect Size

Abstract Background LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.) individuals experience challenges such as discrimination and marginalization (referred to as minority stressors) that are detrimental to their mental and physical health. Specifically, proximal or internalized LGBTQ+ minority stressors may influence motivation for and willingness to participate in physical activity. Purpose To explore whether proximal LGBTQ+ minority stressors relate to the basic psychological needs—motivation—physical activity pathway, as per self-determination theory. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 778 self-identified LGBTQ+ adults. Structural equation modelling analyses were used to examine how proximal LGBTQ+ minority stressors relate to the motivational sequence. Results Findings support that proximal LGBTQ+ minority stressors are negatively associated with psychological need satisfaction within physical activity (β = −.36), which in turn is positively associated with autonomous motivation (β = .53) and reported physical activity participation (β = .32). Overall, the final model accounted for 13% of variance in need satisfaction (small effect size), 53% of variance in autonomous motivation (moderate-large effect size), and 10% of variance in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (small effect size). Conclusions Future research focused on increasing LGBTQ+ participation in physical activity should investigate the effects of (a) reducing proximal LGBTQ+ minority stressors and (b) better supporting LGBTQ+ adults’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness within physical activity contexts.

scholarly journals The correlation between need satisfaction and learning motivation: A self-determination theory perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 319-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
HU Ping-ying
Keyword(s):  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract   To examine the relationship between need satisfaction and learning motivation, a survey was conducted in an engineering college in China. Collected data were processed and analyzed via SPSS software; then a confirmatory factor analysis was performed with SEM method. Outcomes of the research indicated that: 1) satisfaction of autonomy and relatedness contributed to autonomous motivation; 2) satisfaction of competence and relatedness helped shift controlled motivation to autonomous motivation; 3) unexpectedly, satisfaction of competence had negative effect on autonomous regulation, as did satisfaction of autonomy on controlled regulation. The outcomes imply that learners’ psychological needs should be satisfied according to their pre-existing types of motivation, and that studies on motivation based on Self-determination Theory (SDT) should take cultural factors into consideration Keywords: SDT, basic psychological needs, self-determined motivation, correlation  

scholarly journals University Students’ Basic Psychological Needs, Motivation, and Vitality Before and During COVID-19: A Self-Determination Theory Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian H. Müller ◽  
Almut E. Thomas ◽  
Matteo Carmignola ◽  
Ann-Kathrin Dittrich ◽  
Alexander Eckes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
German Version ◽  
Motivational Regulation

Self-determination theory assumes that the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are associated with motivational regulation. As these basic psychological needs may have been affected by the shift to distance learning, students’ motivational regulation and vitality may have suffered as well. The purpose of this study was to examine the motivational regulation, satisfaction, or frustration of the basic psychological needs and vitality of university students before and after the transition to forced distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Two student samples from Austria and Germany were studied: One was surveyed before the conversion to distance learning (N=1,139) and the other at the beginning of forced distance learning (N=1,835). The instruments used were the Scales for the Measurement of Motivational Regulation for Learning in University Students (SMR-L), the German version of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale, a scale developed by the authors to differentiate the assessment of social relatedness, and the German version of the Subjective Vitality Scale. The results show that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs was significantly lower and the frustration thereof substantially higher during the distance learning period than before the pandemic. Intrinsic motivation and identified regulation were significantly lower during the forced distance learning period, and more controlled forms of motivation were higher than before the pandemic. Structural equation models showed that 42% of the students’ vitality can be explained by motivational regulation and the satisfaction and frustration of their basic needs. Motivational regulation styles functioned (differentiated according to the degree of autonomy) as mediating variables between basic needs and vitality. In terms of theoretical implications, the distinction between approach and avoidance components of introjected regulation was shown to be adequate and necessary, as they explain the outcome vitality differently. The support and avoidance of frustration of basic psychological needs should be considered in distance learning to promote the quality of motivation and students’ vitality.

scholarly journals Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Nine-Item Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale Based on Self-Determination Theory With Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuting Yang ◽  
Miao Yao ◽  
Yongwei Yang ◽  
Qiong Ye ◽  
Ting Lin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Item Analysis ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Validity Criterion

Background: Self-determination theory distinguishes three basic human psychological needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. The measurement of these needs in populations of older adults has been limited and inadequate. Yet, results from such an assessment are likely to be valuable in policymaking, specifically toward the goal of healthy aging.Aim: The objective of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale (BPNS) based on self-determination theory with older adults.Methods: A total of 809 older adults were invited to participate in this study. We examined the item analysis, internal reliability, factorial validity, criterion validity, and measurement invariance across sex of a Chinese translation of the BPNS.Results: The findings demonstrated that the scale had a good factorial validity, criterion validity, and satisfactory internal reliability. All the items were qualified according to item analysis (p < 0.001). The Cronbach’s α coefficient for the total scale was 0.877. The coefficients of three subscales were 0.826 (autonomy), 0.807 (competence), and 0.847 (relatedness). Exploratory factor analysis indicated three factors that explained 75.12% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed measurement fit exceeded the recommended criteria in all the cases. Measurement invariance analysis manifested that the factor loadings, factor variances and covariances, and residuals to measurement structure were invariant across the male and female participants.Conclusion: The Chinese version of the BPNS based on self-determination theory was proven to be reliable and valid. The usability of the scale to assess the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of older adults in China was demonstrated.

scholarly journals Self-Determination Theory and First-Episode Psychosis: A Replication

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. K. Breitborde ◽  
Cindy Woolverton ◽  
R. Brock Frost ◽  
Nicole A. Kiewel
Keyword(s):  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
First Episode Psychosis ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Episode Psychosis

Self-determination theory (SDT) posits that human well-being depends on the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Although many scholars have suggested that SDT may be relevant to psychotic disorders, only one empirical study of SDT in individuals with psychosis has been completed to date by Breitborde and colleagues (2012). This study revealed that individuals with first-episode psychosis reported lower satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs as compared to individuals without psychosis. Moreover, greater satisfaction of basic psychological needs was modestly associated with lower general symptoms (e.g., anxiety and depression), greater social functioning, and better quality of life. Thus, the goal of this project was to replicate Breitborde et al.’s (2012) investigation of basic psychological need satisfaction among individuals with first-episode psychosis. Our results supported the conclusion that individuals with first-episode psychosis report lower autonomy, competence, and relatedness than individuals without psychosis. Moreover, our results comport with the finding that greater need satisfaction was associated with less severe symptomatology and better social functioning and quality of life. In total, the findings lend further credence to the hypothesis that SDT may help to inform the development of improved clinical services for individuals with psychotic disorders.

scholarly journals Affect in the Context of Self-Determination Theory

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S. Hagger ◽  
Cleo Protogerou
Keyword(s):  
Health Behavior ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Active Management ◽  
And Behavior

Self-determination theory has been applied to understand the role of affect in motivation and behavior in health contexts. According to self-determination theory, autonomous forms of motivation, reflecting self-endorsed reasons for acting and the satisfaction of psychological needs, are related to participation and persistence in health behavior. Research examining the role of affect in determining health behavior from the perspective of the theory is relatively sparse. Affect has served as both an outcome and process in applications of the theory to health behavior. Positive affect and psychological well-being have been identified as important outcomes of participating in behaviors for autonomous reasons. Affect is inextricably linked to motivational processes through eudaimonic and hedonic well-being, the passionate pursuit of activities, and the regulation of behavior through active management of aversive emotional responses. The chapter outlines how support for autonomous motivation by significant others may lead to adaptive behavioral engagement and affective responses in health behavior.

scholarly journals Explaining the Relationship between Autonomy Support and Motivational Process of Health Behavior in Patients with Diabetes from Self-Determination Theory Perspective: Literature Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (93) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigita Miežienė ◽  
Liuda Sinkariova ◽  
Rasa Jankauskienė
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Autonomy Support ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Motivational Process

Background. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the research examining the relationships between contextual factor – autonomy support – and motivational process to control diabetes using self-determination theory as a guiding framework. Methods. Overview of published literature of applying SDT examining motivation and behavior in patients with diabetes was performed. Sage, Medline and Google Scholar data basis were searched using “autonomy support and diabetes” and “self-determination and diabetes” words combinations. Literature review included cross-sectional, longitudinal research and experimental studies. Results. Research shows that autonomy support directly affects autonomous motivation, competence and patient satisfaction. Through the mediators in the behavior motivation model - autonomy and competence – autonomy support is associated with diabetes related behavior, physiological and psychological outcomes. Conclusions. It may be concluded that interrelationship between contextual social (relationship with health care specialists), inner psychological (motivation) and physiological (glycemic index) factors is crucial considering the content of educational programs of diabetes care. So, minimization of long-term diabetes complications, enhanced psychological health and quality of life could be expected if health professionals provide autonomy support for their  diabetes patients.Keywords: autonomous motivation, perceived competence, health-behavior.

scholarly journals Affect in the context of self-determination theory

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S Hagger ◽  
Cleo Protogerou
Keyword(s):  
Health Behavior ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Active Management ◽  
And Behavior

Self-determination theory has been applied to understand the role of affect in motivation and behavior in health contexts. According to self-determination theory, autonomous forms of motivation, reflecting self-endorsed reasons for acting and the satisfaction of psychological needs, are related to participation and persistence in health behavior. Research examining the role of affect in determining health behavior from the perspective of the theory is relatively sparse. Affect has served as both an outcome and process in applications of the theory to health behavior. Positive affect and psychological well-being have been identified as important outcomes of participating in behaviors for autonomous reasons. Affect is inextricably linked to motivational processes through eudaimonic and hedonic well-being, the passionate pursuit of activities, and the regulation of behavior through active management of aversive emotional responses. The chapter outlines how support for autonomous motivation by significant others may lead to adaptive behavioral engagement and affective responses in health behavior.

Self-Determination Theory and Its Relation to Organizations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja H. Olafsen ◽  
Edward L. Deci
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Workplace Conditions ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Social Environmental Factors

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of human motivation that utilizes concepts essential for organizational psychology. Among the concepts are types and quality of motivation and basic (i.e., innate and universal) psychological needs. Further, the theory has specified social-environmental factors that affect both the satisfaction versus frustration of the basic psychological needs and the types of motivation. The social-environmental factors concern ways in which colleagues, employees’ immediate supervisors, and their higher-level managers create workplace conditions that are important determinants of the employees’ motivation, performance, and wellness. In addition, SDT highlights individual differences that also influence the degrees of basic need satisfaction and the types of motivation that the employees display. This theoretical framework has gained increasingly attention within the context of work the last 15 years, showcasing the importance of basic psychological needs and type of work motivation in explaining the relation from workplace factors to work behaviors, work attitudes and occupational health.

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