Self-Determination Theory
Definition
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a motivational theory about the conditions that encourage and undermine intrinsic motivation as well as how extrinsic motivation can be internalized and become self-motivated. Essentially, SDT argues that people are motivated to grow and change by three basic psychological needs:
- Autonomy: The feeling of being in control of your own actions and choices.
- Competence: The feeling of being capable and effective in what you do.
- Relatedness: The feeling of connection and belonging with others.
When these needs are met, people are more likely to be motivated, perform well, and experience well-being. When they are thwarted (blocked or frustrated), motivation decreases, and negative outcomes like stress and disengagement can occur. It’s not just what we do, but how we’re doing it that matters.
Example
Wiley is learning to play the guitar.
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Scenario 1 (Low Self-Determination): Wiley’s mom forces her to take lessons, promising a new phone if she practices regularly and threatening to take away privileges if she doesn't. Wiley finds the lessons boring and only practices to avoid punishment. This environment thwarts herautonomy. She doesn’t choose to learn, and is externally controlled. While she might improve technically, she likely won’t enjoy the process and may eventually quit.
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Scenario 2 (High Self-Determination): Wiley chooses to take guitar lessons because she loves music and wants to learn. Her teacher is supportive, provides challenging but achievable exercises, and encourages her creativity. She feels a sense of progress (competence) and enjoys playing with friends in a band (relatedness). In this scenario, her basic psychological needs are met, making her learning experience more enjoyable, effective, and likely to continue.
Why it Matters
Understanding Self-Determination Theory is valuable because it goes beyond simply saying “rewards and punishments work.” It explains why certain motivational strategies are effective while others backfire. It has practical implications for a wide range of areas, including education, work, healthcare, and parenting. For instance, managers can promote employee engagement by providing opportunities for skill development and creating a supportive team environment. SDT highlights that fostering internal motivation, based on fulfilling these core psychological needs, leads to greater engagement, persistence, well-being, and performance than relying solely on external control.