Introduction in Self-Determination Theory

Self-Determination Theory, or SDT, links personality, human motivation, and optimal functioning. It posits that there are two main types of motivation—intrinsic and extrinsic—and that both are decisive agents in shaping how we behave (Deci & Ryan, 2008).

The Self-Determination Continuum

At the left end of the spectrum, we have amotivation, in which an individual is completely non-autonomous, has no drive to speak of, and is struggling to have any of their needs met. In the middle, we have several levels of extrinsic motivation.

At the center of the continuum, we have extrinsic motivation which is a drive to behave in certain ways based on external sources and it results in external rewards. Such sources include grading systems, students evaluations, awards and accolades, and the respect and admiration of others.

The right end of the continuum shows an individual entirely motivated by intrinsic sources. In intrinsic regulation, the individual is self-motivated and self-determined, and driven by interest, enjoyment, and the satisfaction inherent in the behavior or activity he or she is engaging in.

The Self-Determination Theory categorizes extrinsic motivation into four subtypes (Ryan & Deci, 2020):

  1. External regulation – seeing the cause of behavior as mostly external; the lowest level of autonomy; motivated to comply based on external rewards and punishments
  2. Introjection regulation – seeing the cause of behavior as somewhat external; there is some ego-involvement (e.g., self-esteem is affected by the outcome); an element of seeking validation from ourselves or others
  3. Identification – seeing the cause of behavior as somewhat internal; consciously assessing tasks or goals to carry personal value; feeling autonomy and volition
  4. Integration – the highest level of autonomy; seeing the cause of behavior as internal; consciously identifying and internalizing the value of tasks or goals; seeing tasks or goals as consistent with personal values and interests

It might seem like intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are diametrically opposed, but there is another important distinction in the types of motivation. Self-Determination Theory differentiates between autonomous motivation and controlled motivation (Ryan & Deci, 2008). Autonomous motivation includes motivation that comes from internal sources and includes also motivation from extrinsic sources for individuals who identify with an activity’s value and how it aligns with their sense of self. Controlled motivation is comprised only of external regulation, a type of motivation where an individual acts out of the desire for external rewards or fear of punishment.

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References

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Facilitating optimal motivation and psychological well-being across life’s domains. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 49(1), 14–23.
  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860.

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