Self-determination theory and motivation

Motivation is a state of energy, direction, and persistence. When motivation is authentic, it can boost interest, excitement, and confidence, all of which can in turn boost performance, persistence, creativity, vitality, self-esteem, and well-being. As such, many researchers have been interested in factors relating to motivation and how it can be improved. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is one such approach to motivation. SDT highlights the importance of humans' inner resources and centres on three main needs of competence, relatedness and autonomy. Let's take a look at aspects of SDT.

Intrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation is a natural inclination towards mastery, exploration, and interest. People will only develop intrinsic motivation if an activity holds intrinsic interest for them. There is a lot of variability in intrinsic motivation, which cognitive evaluation theory (a subtheory within SDT) aims to explain.

Cognitive evaluation theory primarily looks at social and environmental factors behind the variability of intrinsic motivation. Cognitive evaluation theory assumes that intrinsic motivation will flourish if circumstances permit, but can be enhanced by other factors. For instance, social-contextual events that conduce feelings of competence can enhance intrinsic motivation, as long as there is also an internal perceived locus of autonomy present. Intrinsic motivation is also more likely to flourish in contexts characterised by security and relatedness.

Self-regulation of extrinsic motivation

Just like how cognitive evaluation theory looks at intrinsic motivation, a second subtheory in SDT, organismic integration theory, looks at extrinsic motivation.

There are many types of extrinsic motivation that can be more or less placed on a scale from least to most intrinsic. At the low end of the scale is amotivation, which is a complete lack of motivation, which may be due to not valuing the activity, not feeling competent, and not expecting the desired outcome (i.e. "why bother trying if it won't work?"). The next type is external regulation, where the action is only performed to meet an external demand, and thus comes with an external perceived locus of causality (e.g. "I'm only going to tutorials to get participation marks.").

As we move through the different types of extrinsic motivation, they become less extrinsic and more intrinsic. Introjected regulation refers to taking in regulation, but not fully accepting it as one's own. For instance, someone might want to avoid guilt or anxiety, attain pride, and so on. Introjected regulation mainly works via contingent self-esteem, and is related to increased effort and anxiety, but a decreased ability to cope with failure. Like external regulation, introjected regulation is also associated with an external perceived locus of causality.

Regulation through identification is the conscious valuing of a goal, so the action is accepted or owned as being personally important. Unlike introjected regulation, regulation through identification is related to increased interest and enjoyment, as well as more positive coping styles.

Integrated regulation is the most intrinsic type of external motivation (i.e. as close as you can get without it being fully intrinsic motivation). Identified regulations are fully assimilated to the self, but ultimately actions are still performed to attain separable outcomes rather than for inherent enjoyment. Hence, integrated regulation is still not fully intrinsic.

Facilitating integration

Greater levels of internalisation and "intrinsic-ness" are related to increased behavioural effectiveness and persistence, as well as increased assimilation within a social group. Sounds good, right? So, how do we encourage internalisation?

To answer this question, SDT focuses on the three needs that I introduced in the opening paragraph: relatedness, competence, and autonomy. Relatedness is of central importance; after all, the main reason why actions are performed is usually because said actions are prompted, modelled, or valued by significant others. Competence and autonomy should also facilitate internalisation. It may also be important for people to grasp the meaning of an action and synthesise it with their other goals and values. On the flipside, if motivation is diminished, it is important to check to ensure that the needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness are not being somehow thwarted.

Psychological needs and mental health

Relatedness, competence, and autonomy are not only important for motivation: they are also important for overall health and well-being. There are many methods in which these needs can be satisfied, and these methods may change over time and culture. The relative importance of each need may also change over time and culture. Well-being will improve so long as these needs are being satisfied, no matter which methods are used to satisfy them.

A focus on intrinsic vs. extrinsic aspirations may also affect well-being. A strong importance on intrinsic aspirations is associated with increased well-being, self-esteem and self-actualisation, as well as decreased depression and anxiety. The opposite is true for a focus on extrinsic aspirations. A person's satisfaction in their life roles has been shown to be attributable to the degree to which the role supports authenticity and autonomy.

References

Ryan, RM, Deci, EL 2000, 'Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being', The American psychologist, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 68-78.