American psychologist known for research on human motivation.
Facts
BirthplacePalmyra, New York, U.S. 1 Death PlaceRochester, New York, U.S. 1 Nationality / Culture Defining ContributionWith Richard Ryan, formally introduced self-determination theory in 1985, identifying autonomy, competence and relatedness as universal psychological needs underlying intrinsic motivation and well-being. 2 Notable WorkSelf-determination theory (with Richard Ryan) 1 Edward Deci
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Source Wikipedia: Edward L. DeciLead paragraph of the cited Wikipedia articletier 2Quote, Lead paragraph of the cited Wikipedia article
Edward Lewis Deci (; (October 14, 1942 – February 14, 2026) was an American academic and psychologist who was Professor of Psychology and Gowen Professor in the Social Sciences at the University of Rochester, and director of its Human Motivation Program. He was well known in psychology for his theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs which he had been researching for 40 years. With Richard Ryan, he was the co-founder of self-determination theory (SDT), an influential contemporary motivational theory.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Edward L. Deci
Wikimedia FoundationInfobox: death_place
Rochester, New York, U.S.
Introduction
He was well known in psychology for his theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs which he had been researching for 40 years.
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: Self-Determination Theory
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Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of human motivation and personality regarding individuals' innate tendencies toward growth and innate psychological needs.
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