Self-Determination Theory

Theory of Motivation

How we grow tendencies to behave in healthy, effective, and happy ways.

Two types of motivation:

• Extrinsic motivation: motivation from external pressures

  • food, attention, praise…

• Intrinsic motivation: motivation from within

  • acting on desires, wishes, fun, achievement…

Impact on Persistence

• intrinsic motivation and support results in greatest impact on persistence

Reasons:

• the way expectations and instructions are communicated are factors that effect effort, persistence, and performance

SDT stems from Humanistic Tradition

Responsibility, growth, Carl Rogers’ actualizing tendency (seeking the “best way” to survive, grow, and develop)

Psychological needs just as important as biological needs

• autonomy: freedom to chose

• competence: mastery in tasks neither too hard or too easy

• relatedness: feel meaningful relationships with people around them

Provided by ____? How?

Autonomy provided by___? ___?

1Competence provided by___? ___?

2Competence provided by ___? ___?

Relatedness provided by ___? ___?

Autonomy Support

• recognize individuals unique perspective

• give choices when possible

• use minimal pressure

• encourage initiative

• link to individuals goals & values

• support individuals choices

• help live with consequences of choices

Structure

• clear expectations

• clear contingencies

• feedback provided

• break task into smaller, manageable pieces

Optimal Challenge

• task not too hard or too easy

Involvement

• time

• interest

• energy