Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory – How Do You Feel?
PSYC3520 - Intro to Social Psychology
Social Psychological Theory
April, 2014
What is the Self-Determination Theory? “Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of human motivation and personality, concerning people 's inherent growth tendencies and their innate psychological needs.” (Deci & Ryan, n.d.) In short, it is our motivation in the choices we make that exclude outside influences. This theory of motivation is particularly geared towards those behaviors, which are goal directed. The self-determination theory looks upon the percentage to which our individual behavior is not only self-determined but also self-motivated. The understanding of this theory is particular useful when assisting someone making changes to habits concerning health, fitness and/or wellness. Studies have changed from the 70’s to the present (2000s). Certain studies were done to analyze internal and external motives and the dominance of such on our behaviors. Major studies have been completed on intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation refers to our own need to begin a particular activity. Those activities that we see as interesting or satisfying to us at that time. The opposite of intrinsic would be extrinsic which is motivated by outside influences. A motivator is either intrinsic or extrinsic to a degree. This degree is often measured based on our internalization. Internalization pertains to our attempts to change a once extrinsic motive to intrinsic. For example, if you do not like to do an activity based on certain conclusions you made, possibly from observations, and then you learn some additional information from outside sources that suddenly changes your motivations to a point where this activity is now accepted into your personally endorsed values, changing your behaviors to initiating.
From the work done by Deci and Ryan, regarding intrinsic and extrinsic
PSYC3520 - Intro to Social Psychology
Social Psychological Theory
April, 2014
What is the Self-Determination Theory? “Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of human motivation and personality, concerning people 's inherent growth tendencies and their innate psychological needs.” (Deci & Ryan, n.d.) In short, it is our motivation in the choices we make that exclude outside influences. This theory of motivation is particularly geared towards those behaviors, which are goal directed. The self-determination theory looks upon the percentage to which our individual behavior is not only self-determined but also self-motivated. The understanding of this theory is particular useful when assisting someone making changes to habits concerning health, fitness and/or wellness. Studies have changed from the 70’s to the present (2000s). Certain studies were done to analyze internal and external motives and the dominance of such on our behaviors. Major studies have been completed on intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation refers to our own need to begin a particular activity. Those activities that we see as interesting or satisfying to us at that time. The opposite of intrinsic would be extrinsic which is motivated by outside influences. A motivator is either intrinsic or extrinsic to a degree. This degree is often measured based on our internalization. Internalization pertains to our attempts to change a once extrinsic motive to intrinsic. For example, if you do not like to do an activity based on certain conclusions you made, possibly from observations, and then you learn some additional information from outside sources that suddenly changes your motivations to a point where this activity is now accepted into your personally endorsed values, changing your behaviors to initiating.
From the work done by Deci and Ryan, regarding intrinsic and extrinsic
References: Baumeister, R., & Bushman, B. (2011-2014). Social Psychology and Human Nature 3rd Edition. Belmont: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (n.d.). About the Theory. Retrieved from Self-Determination Theory - An Approach to Human Motivation and Personality: http://selfdeterminationtheory.org Walsh, A. (2011, October). Articles - Self-Determination Theory: A Key To Motivation. Retrieved from IDEA - Health & Fitness Association: http://www.ideafit.com Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227-268.