According to self-determination theory, three innate (and universal) psychological needs motivate people to grow and change.
What Is Self-Determination Theory?
Self-determination is an important concept in psychology since it affects psychological health andwell-being.
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Promoting self-determination is also an emerging best practice when working with certain populations, such as individuals withintellectual disabilities.
They developed a theory ofmotivationthat suggests people tend to be driven by a need to grow and gain fulfillment.
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While people might be oriented toward such growth, it requires continual sustenance.
Sometimes people may be more active about pursuing growth.
In other cases, they take a more passive role.
Understanding what causes people to take action is a big part of understanding the motivation puzzle.
Our relationships and interactions with others can foster or thwart well-being and personal growth.
Instead, they mightfeel helplessin controlling the situation and believe that nothing they do will have any real effect.
Typically, behaviors tend to lie in the middle of the continuum.
There is also often a varying amount of external motivation, which can fuel the degree of internal motivation.
Most actions are not purely self-determined or non-self-determined.
Instead, actions often rely on a certain degree of self-determination that may also be influenced by extrinsic motivations.
Research suggests that having high self-determination can foster success in many different domains of life.
How can employers build self-determination in their workers?
Some suggest that it works, at least in part, by increasing a person’s level ofmental toughness.
In Social options
Self-determination can also play an important role insocial relationships.
This has a positive impact on their social identity, which, in turn, affects their participation behaviors.
Do you want to be more self-determined?
There are a few steps you’ve got the option to take to improve your own self-determination skills.
The more you learn and practice, the more skilled and self-determined you will likely feel.
Takeaways
Self-determination theory can be helpful in understanding what might motivate your behaviors.
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In Singh, N. (eds)Handbook of Evidence-Based Practices in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
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Tsai HT, Pai P.Why do newcomers participate in virtual communities?
An integration of self-determination and relationship management theories.Decision Supp Systems.
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Hui EK, Tsang SK.Self-determination as a psychological and positive youth development construct.ScientificWorldJournal.
In: Ostafin B, Robinson M, Meier B (eds)Handbook of Mindfulness and Self-Regulation.
