Psychology 202

30 January 2017

Self-Determination in Theory

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) was originated by Edward L. Deci and Richard

M. Ryan, psychologists at the University of Rochester. This theory puts forth the
belief that there are three universal psychological needs that must be met for self-
esteem and positive emotional health, which are determined to be: autonomy,
relatedness, and competence. Autonomy is a sense of individuality, self-esteem,
and sense of personal responsibility which participation in activities that are
purposeful and worthwhile is necessary for fulfillment. Competence is persons
confidence in their own abilities and prolific performance increases their eagerness
to be involved in as well as the desire to compete activities. Relatedness is a
feeling of being connected to a societal group, which promotes comfortability and
interest in a persons surroundings or environment. Acquisition of these three
intrinsic needs during all periods of development results in emotional well-being,
interest and ability to learn, and the ability to control ones behavior in a positive
way. SDT implies that most individuals are more likely to follow peers who allow
them the ability to make choices (autonomy), give them an opportunity for a
relationship with the leader and the peers of their group (relatedness), and who
foster in them a sense of confidence towards completing their goals (competence).
SDT traits develop through social interaction and are elevated through support and
encouragement from both leaders and peers. Young peoples actions and activities
gradually evolve into being more intrinsically motivated, and less subject to
external influence from other people. However, Richard de Charms, in his book,
Personal causation: The internal affective determinants of behavior (1968) implies
that it is the perception of the individual as to whether they consider themselves to
be internally (Origin state), or externally (Pawn state) motivated, and they will
react in accordance to however they perceive that they are motivated (p.328).
Someone in a perceived Pawn state due to previous experience will expect to be
externally controlled even in situations that would afford intrinsic function to be
achieved and conversely, someone who perceives an Origin state will disregard
evidence of outside government and act as if in autonomy (de Charms p.328). On
the SDT model, positive feedback equates to peer approval because we want to
belong to a group and connect with other people. Verbal affection and approval are
not seen as extrinsic stimulus thus will tend to increase intrinsic motivation.
SDT is based upon an ego, social interaction, the perception of influential basis,
and a sense of self and self-responsibility. It places ownership of the mental state,
reaction, and motivation directly upon the psyche and says is determined by
internal or external influences and by type of feedback and/or re-assurance that is
received from peers and leaders. SDT Is an empirically derived theory of human
motivation and personality in social contexts that differentiates motivation in terms
of being autonomous and controlled (it) began with experiments examining the
effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, "Chapter 20 /
Self-Determination Theory", 2011). In stark contrast, Behaviorism promotes the
belief that all behavior is a reflex action that is controlled by and learned from the
surroundings or environment, it discounts independent mental activity, and puts
forth the belief that, There is little difference between the learning that takes place
in humans and that in other animals (McLeod, "Behaviorist Approach", 2007).
Behaviorism is primarily concerned with observable behavior, as opposed to
internal events like thinking and emotion (McLeod, 2007).

References:
DeCharms, R. (1968). Personal causation; the internal affective determinants of
behavior. New York: Academic Press.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2011). Chapter 20 / Self-Determination Theory. In
Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology (Vol. 1&2, pp. 416-437). London:
SAGE Publications.
McLeod, S. (2007, January 01). Behaviorist Approach. Retrieved February 02,
2017, from http://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html