Self Determination Theory SDT

Self-Determination Theory or SDT. Organismic-Dialectical Meta-Theory. SDT Motivational Views.

Self-Determination Theory or SDT

The Self-Determination theory or SDT, developed from the works of Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci, describes how human beings behave, act and function with regards to their society. It implies that every act, thought and response is determined by choice. Through volition or self-determination, there are varying degrees of response according to how the person was motivated by his environment or other people.

Organismic-Dialectical Meta-Theory

This foundation of SDT means that human beings are natural organisms striving to develop using their innate potentials through challenges. As they overcome stress, they gain a better understanding of their natural self. The need to develop is spurred by the environment, and the individual may grow or deviate depending on the outcome. Overall, the behavior and action of human beings are highly dependent on the motivators set by their environment and society.

Four Mini-Theories of SDT

1. Cognitive evaluation. Intrinsic motivation occurs when the person feels in control and capable.
2. Organismic integration. Internalization of behavior is connected with extrinsic motivation.
3. Causality orientations theory. People respond to the environment depending on their abilities.
4. Basic needs. People function in order to satisfy competence, control and relatedness needs.

SDT Motivational Views

1. Cognitive view. This defines the person’s understanding of his environment. There are standards that should be followed, values that should be nurtured and expectations that must be met. Thus the person creates these worldly ideas based on experience, learning and opinion.
2. Humanistic view. Since people develop their own standards, values and expectations on the environment, they try to develop themselves through learning and gaining knowledge and skills. They aim to function at the optimum level according to the demands of the environment.

With these two views, people are then assumed to be extrinsically motivated at the start, then transform their motivation into an intrinsic one during the process until the end. The external factors presented by the environment motivate them until they realize their potential and find the need and pleasure to develop as unique individuals.

Three Psychological Needs of SDT

1. Competence. People are expected to function according to the demands and standards of their environment. All individuals aim to be successful and become achievers in their own areas, which explains why you have specific fields of interest and things which you’re good at. You are then motivated by obstacles and challenges and driven by the passion and pleasure of it all.
2. Control. People are more motivated to act and behave if they know that they have the ability to manipulate the environment and outcome of a challenge. Intrinsic motivation usually occurs at this stage since you derive pleasure from gaining control and do things because you know that you are capable of being successful.
3. Relatedness. You are very much interconnected with your environment. You perform according to the standards set by the world in order to be accepted and recognized by other people. You then derive pleasure and feelings of self-worth by belonging to a group.

---