selfdetermination theory SDT looking at wellbeing through the

self-determination theory (SDT) looking at well-being through the lens of selfdetermination theory – www. psych. rochester. edu/SDT ¶ SDT is a general theory of motivation & personality that has evolved over the past three decades ¶ SDT suggests humans, like plants or other animals, intrinsically ‘strive’ for need satisfaction & flourishing ¶ social contexts can support or thwart this need striving with major effects for health & well-being Deci, E. L. and R. M. Ryan (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York, Plenum. Deci, E. L. and R. M. Ryan (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry 11: 227 -268.

three key psychological needs v a basic need (whether physiological or psychological) is defined as an energizing state that, if satisfied, promotes health & well-being but, if not satisfied, contributes to pathology and ill-being v autonomy, competence & relatedness are three key basic psychological needs – how they can best be satisfied will vary with individual strengths, life stage, social context, and culture v personal goals that lead to satisfaction of these three basic needs will promote well-being, but individuals – due to broad societal conditioning and personal life history – may well strive for goals that do not satisfy these needs or enhance their well-being Ryan, R. M. and E. L. Deci (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. Am Psychol 55(1): 68 -78.