Edward Deci - Self-Determination Theory

Summary

In this video, Edward DC discusses the development of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) with Richard Ryan, focusing on motivation, development, and wellness. SDT distinguishes between **autonomous motivation** (engaging in activities out of interest or personal value) and **controlled motivation** (driven by external pressures). The theory highlights three core psychological needs—**competence**, **relatedness**, and **autonomy**—as essential for fostering optimal motivation and well-being. When these needs are met, individuals experience better performance and engagement. The video underscores how creating environments that support these needs can lead to more effective motivation in diverse settings like workplaces and schools.

Takeaways

• 😀 Self-Determination Theory (SDT) distinguishes between two types of motivation: autonomous and controlled motivation.
• 😀 Autonomous motivation is when people engage in activities willingly, with a sense of interest, enjoyment, and value, leading to greater wellness and performance.
• 😀 Controlled motivation occurs when people do things out of obligation, to avoid punishment, or to gain a reward, leading to lower engagement and well-being in the long term.
• 😀 SDT emphasizes the importance of satisfying three basic psychological needs for optimal well-being: competence, relatedness, and autonomy.
• 😀 The need for **competence** refers to feeling effective and confident in one's actions.
• 😀 The need for **relatedness** involves feeling cared for by others and having a sense of belonging in important groups.
• 😀 The need for **autonomy** is about feeling a sense of control and choice in one's actions, which is crucial for motivation and wellness.
• 😀 When basic psychological needs are satisfied, people are more likely to be autonomously motivated, resulting in better performance and well-being.
• 😀 There are two types of autonomous motivation: **intrinsic motivation** (doing something because it’s enjoyable) and **integrated extrinsic motivation** (doing something because you see its value).
• 😀 People can internalize extrinsic motivations, transforming them into autonomous motivations when they recognize the value of the activity, leading to positive outcomes.
• 😀 SDT provides a framework for promoting motivation in various domains (work, education, healthcare) by creating environments that support the satisfaction of people's basic psychological needs.

Q & A

What is the primary distinction made in Self-Determination Theory (SDT)?

The primary distinction in SDT is between autonomous motivation and controlled motivation. Autonomous motivation refers to doing something with a sense of volition, choice, and interest, while controlled motivation is driven by external rewards or pressure.

What is the difference between autonomous and controlled motivation?

Autonomous motivation involves doing something because you find it interesting, enjoyable, and valuable, while controlled motivation is driven by external factors such as rewards or avoiding punishment.

Why is autonomous motivation considered more beneficial than controlled motivation?

Autonomous motivation leads to better performance, greater wellness, and higher engagement compared to controlled motivation, which tends to result in negative psychological consequences.

What are the three basic psychological needs outlined in SDT?

The three basic psychological needs are competence (feeling effective and confident), relatedness (feeling cared for and connected to others), and autonomy (feeling a sense of volition and choice).

How do basic psychological needs relate to motivation?

When individuals' basic psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy are satisfied, they are more likely to experience autonomous motivation, which leads to positive outcomes such as increased performance and well-being.

What does it mean for motivation to be internalized?

Internalizing motivation means that an individual understands and accepts the value of an activity or goal, making it part of their own values, leading to autonomous motivation even for externally-driven tasks.

What is intrinsic motivation in the context of SDT?

Intrinsic motivation refers to doing an activity because it is inherently interesting, enjoyable, and satisfying, rather than for external rewards.

Can extrinsic motivation ever be autonomous? If so, how?

Yes, extrinsic motivation can be autonomous when individuals internalize and identify with the value of the external reward or goal, leading them to pursue the activity willingly and with a sense of volition.

How can self-determination theory be applied in the workplace or schools?

To promote optimal motivation and performance, it’s important to create environments that satisfy employees' or students' basic psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy. This encourages autonomous motivation and positive outcomes.

What are the negative consequences of not satisfying the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness?

If these needs are not satisfied, individuals may experience lower motivation, poorer performance, and negative psychological outcomes such as stress, burnout, and disengagement.