Psychology Atlas

How The Mind Works
Theories and Concepts

Self-Determination Theory

Citation Formats

General Reference

APA Style

BibTeX

Edward Deci and Richard Ryan formally introduced self-determination theory in their 1985 book Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior, arguing that people are naturally inclined toward growth and well-being when certain psychological conditions are met, rather than driven mainly by external reward and punishment.

Facts
Core Claim
People are intrinsically motivated toward growth and well-being when three universal psychological needs are met: autonomy, the sense of acting from one's own will; competence, the sense of mastery and effectiveness; and relatedness, the sense of caring connection to others. 1
Origin Year
1985 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

Associated With

Developed By

In Branch

Sources
1. Wikipedia: Self-Determination Theory
Wikimedia FoundationOverview
Quote, Overview
SDT is a macro theory of human motivation and personality regarding individuals' innate tendencies toward growth and innate psychological needs.
View the Source
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.
Reader Challenges (0 open reader challenges)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.

View At A Past Year

The atlas records no dated fact of its own for this entry, so there is no other year to choose.