Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being.

TLDR

Self‑determination theory examines how social conditions shape proactive engagement versus alienation, identifying contextual factors that promote or hinder intrinsic motivation, self‑regulation, and well‑being across settings such as health care, education, and work. The theory posits three innate psychological needs—competence, autonomy, and relatedness—whose satisfaction enhances self‑motivation and mental health, while their thwarting diminishes motivation and well‑being.

Abstract

Human beings can be proactive and engaged or, alternatively, passive and alienated, largely as a function of the social conditions in which they develop and function. Accordingly, research guided by self-determination theory has focused on the social-contextual conditions that facilitate versus forestall the natural processes of self-motivation and healthy psychological development. Specifically, factors have been examined that enhance versus undermine intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and well-being. The findings have led to the postulate of three innate psychological needs--competence, autonomy, and relatedness--which when satisfied yield enhanced self-motivation and mental health and when thwarted lead to diminished motivation and well-being. Also considered is the significance of these psychological needs and processes within domains such as health care, education, work, sport, religion, and psychotherapy.