Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

[Snowy Owl]

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

To be self determined is to endorse one's action
at the highest level of reflection.

When self-determined,
people experience a sense of freedom
to do what is interesting, personnally, important and vitalizing.
(Edward L. Decy & Richard M. Ryan)


Self-Determination Theory (SDT) has evolved over the past 30 years from psychological research done by Edward L. Deci, Richard M. Ryan, and their collaborators from arround the world. Deci and Ryan are professors in the Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology at the University of Rochester, where they direct a pre- and post-doctoral training program focused on SDT.

This website presents a brief overview of SDT and provides resources that address important issue such as human needs, values, intrinsic motivation, development, motivation across cultures, individual differences, and psychological well-being. Also addressed are the applications of Self-Determination Theory to:


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• education

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• organizations

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• health care

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• sport & exercise

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• parenting

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• mental health

</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Questionnaires developed to assess SDT concepts are displayed and can be downloaded by interested researchers.

http://www.psych.rochester.edu/SDT/
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[sharon sanders]

Re: Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

Thank you Snowy for this post.

If persons are empowered by various factors, including the social setting in which they operate, they will engage in behavior that is pro-active.

We have strived to create this kind of environment here by enforcing respect for the individual, maintaining a civil dialogue, and encouraging exploration.

I applaud the many novel efforts that members have made to illuminate issues regarding H5N1 and chikungunya.

Self determination involves the courage to venture into the unknown. In a supportive environment persons can gain this courage. The fear of failure inhibits this venturing. There is no failure because every experience is valuable. There is a lesson learned in every outcome. The idiom "nothing ventured, nothing gained" comes to mind.

Choices are simply a new door opening. Choosing a new path does not mean closing an existing one. The previous path is still open for a future journey. By having alternative choices open for selection, persons can determine for themselves a path that reflects the current or future conditions.

This is the era for self determination. Make the courageous, the wise, the productive choices.




"Fortune favors the brave" Virgil, "Aeneid"

 

[Mingus]

Re: Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

http://www.psych.rochester.edu/SDT/theory.html

Within SDT, the nutriments for healthy development and functioning are specified using the concept of basic psychological needs, which are innate, universal, and essential for health and well-being. That is, basic psychological needs are a natural aspect of human beings that apply to all people, regardless of gender, group, or culture. To the extent that the needs are ongoingly satisfied people will function effectively and develop in a healthy way, but to the extent that they are thwarted, people will show evidence of ill-being and non-optimal functioning. The darker sides of human behavior and experience are understood in terms of basic needs having been thwarted.