Self-Determination Theory and Positive Psychology Dr.Zeynab Bahram UNSW

SDT and Positive Psychology Main aim of positive psychology: scientific study of flourising and well-being SDT explained that the movement towards self-determination is the key to experience well-being

Self-Determination Definitions “To be self-determined is to endorse one’s actions at the highest level of reflection. When self-determined, people experience a sense of freedom to do what is interesting, personally important and vitalizing.” Edward Deci and Richard Ryan “One’s ability to define and achieve goals based on a foundation of knowing and valuing oneself” Field & Hoffman

Mini-theories of SDT Cognitive evaluation theory Organismic integration theory Causality orientations theory Basic needs theory Goal content theory

Cognitive Evaluation Theory Intrinsic motivation (drives behaviour with out needing reinforcement and because of interest or enjoyment) Extrinsic motivation(drives behaviour because of external reinforcement) Amotivation Intrinsic motivation linked to self-determination

Organismic Integration Theory Most behaviours are drived by Extrinisc Motivation with the process of internalization of cultural values and norms that can facilitate social responsibility and self-determination. The Internalization Continuum: The least autonomous form of EM is external regulation, in whichpeople are motivated to obtain a reward or to avoid punishment. The next form of EM is introjected regulation , in which people are motivated gain pride and self-esteem, or to avoid feelings of guilt and shame. The third form of EM is identified regulation , in which people understand and endorse the personal value and significance of a behavior and, as a result, experience a sense of freedom in doing it. The fourth form of EM,integrated regulation,involves the synthesis of various identifications to form a coherent and unified sense of self, a process that likely requires considerable effort,reflection, and self-awareness.

Organismic Integration Theory Both identified regulation and integrated regulation, in addition to IM, are autonomous forms of motivation. Controlled motivation, involves the regulation of behavior with the experiences of pressure to think, feel, or behave in particular ways; Both external regulation and introjected regulation are controlled forms of motivation.

Causality Orientations Theory Causality orientations theory, focuses on individual differences in global motivational orientations. COT adds a newpiece to the ‘‘SDT puzzle’’ by applying the dynamics of behavioral regulation to an understanding of people’s personality-level functioning. According to COT, individuals differ in how they typically perceive the source of their behavioral initiation. People who are high on the autonomy orientation tend to act in accord with their own emerging interests and self-endorsed values, interpret external events as informational, and typically regulate their behavior autonomously. In contrast, those who are high on the control orientation tend to act in accord with external or internal demands, interpret external events as pressuring, and thus typically regulate their behavior with an experience of control. Finally, people who are high on the impersonal orientation tend to perceive their life experiences as beyond personal control and, accordingly, are prone to pervasive feelings of helplessness, ineffectiveness.

Basic Needs Theory A basic need (psychological) is an energizing state that, if satisfied, conduces toward health and well-being, but, if not satisfied, contributes to pathology and ill-being. The basic needs for “competence, autonomy and relatedness” must be satisfied across the lifespan for the individual to experience an ongoing sense of integrity and well-being.”

Basic Needs Theory Autonomy—need to determine, control, and organize one’s own behavior and goals Competence—need to effectively learn and master challenging tasks Relatedness—need to feel attached to others

GOAL CONTENT THEORY Intrinsic goal content Extrinsic goal content Well-being not enhanced by achievement of extrinsic goals.