Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being.

Abstract

Human beings can be proactive and engaged or, alternatively, passive and alienated, largely as a function of the social conditions in which they develop and function. Accordingly, research guided by self-determination theo~ has focused on the social-contextual conditions that facilitate versus forestall the natural processes of self-motivation and healthy psychological development. Specifically, factors have been examined that enhance versus undermine intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and well-being. The findings have led to the postulate of three innate psychological needs--competence, autonomy, and relatedness-which when satisfied yield enhanced self-motivation and mental health and when thwarted lead to diminished motivation and well-being. Also considered is the significance of these psychological needs and processes within domains such as health care, education, work, sport, religion, and psychotherapy.T he fullest representations of humanity show people to be curious, vital, and self-motivated. At their best, they are agentic and inspired, striving to learn; extend themselves; master new skills; and apply their talents responsibly. That most people show considerable effort, agency, and commitment in their lives appears, in fact, to be more normative than exceptional, suggesting some very positive and persistent features of human nature.Yet, it is also clear that the human spirit can be diminished or crushed and that individuals sometimes reject growth and responsibility. Regardless of social strata or cultural origin, examples of both children and adults who are apathetic, alienated, and irresponsible are abundant. Such non-optimal human functioning can be observed not only in our psychological clinics but also among the millions who, for hours a day, sit passively before their televisions, stare blankly from the back of their classrooms, or wait listlessly for the weekend as they go about their jobs. The persistent, proactive, and positive tendencies of human nature are clearly not invariantly apparent.The fact that human nature, phenotypically expressed, can be either active or passive, constructive or indolent, suggests more than mere dispositional differences and is a function of more than just biological endowments. It also bespeaks a wide range of reactions to social environments that is worthy of our most intense scientific investigation. Specifically, social contexts catalyze both within-and between-person differences in motivation and personal growth, resulting in people being more self-motivated, energized, and integrated in some situations, domains, and cultures than in others. Research on the conditions that foster versus undermine positive human potentials has both theoretical import and practical significance because it can contribute not only to formal knowledge of the causes of human behavior but also to the design of social environments that optimize people's development, performance, and well-being. Research guided by self-determination theory (SDT) has had an ongoing concern with pre...

It’s hard to reach the “hard-to-reach”: the challenges of recruiting people who do not access preventative healthcare services into interview studies

“…However, other behavioural theories that can be applied within this context provide us with more of an understanding about the mechanisms underpinning the decision-making process. For example, Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2000) distinguishes between different types of motivation, two of which, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, may be of particular relevance. While extrinsic motivation refers to carrying out a behaviour or activity in order to attain a separable outcome, intrinsic motivation refers to carrying out a behaviour or activity purely for the inherent satisfaction of doing so (Ryan & Deci, 2000).…”

“…For example, Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2000) distinguishes between different types of motivation, two of which, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, may be of particular relevance. While extrinsic motivation refers to carrying out a behaviour or activity in order to attain a separable outcome, intrinsic motivation refers to carrying out a behaviour or activity purely for the inherent satisfaction of doing so (Ryan & Deci, 2000). In the context of research participation, this theory may help to explain people’s motivation for taking part; those who are extrinsically motivated may be more driven by the offer of financial incentives, for example, where as those who are intrinsically motivated may be more driven to participate if the topic under investigation is of particular interest or of personal relevance to them.…”

Self‐reported diabetes self‐management competence and support from healthcare providers in achieving autonomy are negatively associated with diabetes distress in adults with Type 1 diabetes

“…As people become more autonomously motivated, they feel more competent and better able to attain relevant outcomes 8, 9. According to Self‐Determination Theory, people experience a sense of competence when they know that they are able to control important health outcomes such as their glucose levels.…”

The rite of passage of becoming a humanitarian health worker: experiences of retention in Sweden

“…Elements of the self-determination theory also lend to the framework of this study [27]. More specifically, the proposition that individuals have an inherent need to experience feelings of autonomy, relatedness and competence.…”

“…More specifically, the proposition that individuals have an inherent need to experience feelings of autonomy, relatedness and competence. These reflect, respectively, the need to experience a sense of choice and meaningfulness pertaining to own actions, to feel connected to others across contexts, and an urge to achieve efficacy through development of new competencies [27]. …”