Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness

Self-determination theory (SDT) explores factors that promote motivation and healthy functioning, synthesizing research across lifespan and practical applications in education, health care, psychotherapy, sport, and the workplace.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 756 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2018
Publisher: Guilford Publications

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a comprehensive framework for understanding the factors that promote motivation and healthy psychological and behavioral functioning. It was developed by two leading researchers, Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan, and has been extensively studied and applied in various fields, including education, health care, psychotherapy, sport, and the workplace. SDT's conceptual underpinnings include six mini-theories that explain the different types of motivation and how they interact with each other. The theory's empirical evidence base is extensive, with numerous studies demonstrating the positive effects of supporting people's basic needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy on their development and well-being.

The book synthesizes a vast body of research on how supporting or thwarting people's basic needs affects their development and well-being. Chapters cover implications for practice and policy in education, health care, psychotherapy, sport, and the workplace. For example, in education, SDT emphasizes the importance of providing students with autonomy and choice in their learning, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement. In health care, SDT can help healthcare providers develop more effective treatment plans by focusing on patients' needs and preferences. In psychotherapy, SDT can help therapists develop more effective treatment plans by focusing on patients' autonomy and self-determination. In sport, SDT can help athletes develop more effective training plans by focusing on their motivation and enjoyment. In the workplace, SDT can help employers develop more effective work environments by focusing on employees' needs and preferences.

One of the key concepts in SDT is the idea of intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is the desire to engage in an activity for its own sake, rather than for external rewards or consequences. SDT suggests that intrinsic motivation is more likely to lead to long-term success and well-being than extrinsic motivation, which is based on external rewards or consequences. SDT also emphasizes the importance of autonomy, which is the ability to make choices and control one's own life. Autonomy is essential for developing self-determination and self-esteem, and it can be threatened by external pressures and demands.

SDT has been applied to a wide range of populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. It has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes in a variety of areas, including academic performance, physical health, mental health, and social relationships. For example, SDT has been used to develop interventions for children with ADHD, which have been shown to improve their academic performance and reduce their symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. SDT has also been used to develop interventions for adults with chronic pain, which have been shown to improve their pain management and quality of life.

SDT has also been criticized for its emphasis on autonomy and self-determination. Some critics argue that SDT can be used to justify harmful behaviors, such as self-harm or suicide. However, SDT emphasizes that autonomy and self-determination are not absolute rights, but rather they are values that should be respected and protected. SDT also emphasizes the importance of social support and community engagement, which can help individuals develop a sense of belonging and purpose.

In conclusion, self-determination theory is a comprehensive framework for understanding the factors that promote motivation and healthy psychological and behavioral functioning. It has been extensively studied and applied in various fields, and its empirical evidence base is extensive. SDT emphasizes the importance of supporting people's basic needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy, and it has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes in a variety of areas. While SDT has been criticized for its emphasis on autonomy and self-determination, it is important to recognize that autonomy and self-determination are not absolute rights, but rather they are values that should be respected and protected. SDT also emphasizes the importance of social support and community engagement, which can help individuals develop a sense of belonging and purpose.

Weight: 1318g
Dimension: 249 x 175 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781462538966