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Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory
Exercise 1: carousel of motivation
Exercise 2: meeting the basic needs
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Theory

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a psychological theory of human motivation, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, which focuses on individuals' inherent growth tendencies and psychological needs. According to SDT, there are three basic psychological needs that are essential for fostering motivation, well-being, and personal development:

Autonomy

This refers to the need to feel in control of one’s actions and decisions. When people feel that they are acting according to their own values, choices, and interests, they experience greater intrinsic motivation. Autonomy is about having the freedom to make decisions and direct one's own life.

Competence

This need involves feeling capable and effective in one's activities. People are motivated when they feel that they can succeed at tasks and are able to overcome challenges. Competence is about mastery, growth, and gaining skills.

Relatedness

This is the need to feel connected to others, to have meaningful relationships, and to be part of a community or group. People have an inherent desire to belong and feel that they are cared for by others and, in turn, care for others.

The satisfaction of these three basic psychological needs plays a crucial role in fostering intrinsic motivation, which is the internal drive to engage in activities for their inherent enjoyment or interest, rather than for external rewards or pressures.

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Overall Impact

Need satisfaction as a motivational boost

When all three needs are met, people experience a state of psychological well-being, which directly promotes intrinsic motivation.
The activity becomes enjoyable and fulfilling in its own right, leading to higher levels of persistence, creativity, and effort.
Satisfaction of these needs creates a positive feedback loop. Greater intrinsic motivation:
leads to more enjoyment and engagement;
which further satisfies the needs;
fostering long-term growth, creativity, and well-being.

Undermining motivation

On the other hand, when these needs are not satisfied, intrinsic motivation tends to decrease.
When people feel:
controlled (low autonomy);
incapable (low competence);
isolated (low relatedness);
They may become disengaged, indifferent, or only motivated by external factors, which is less sustainable (like rewards or punishments).
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Autonomy
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Competence
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Relatedness
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