Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior

by Edward L. Deci, Richard M. Ryan

Early in this century, most empirically oriented psychologists believed that all motivation was based in the physiology of a set of non-nervous­ system tissue needs. The theories of that era reflected this belief and used it in an attempt to explain an increasing number of phenomena. It was not until the 1950s that it became irrefutably clear that much of human motivation is based not in these drives, but rather in a set of innate psychological needs. Their physiological basis is less understood; and as concepts, these needs lend themselves more easily to psycho­ logical than to physiological theorizing. The convergence of evidence from a variety of scholarly efforts suggests that there are three such needs: self-determination, competence, and interpersonal relatedness. This book is primarily about self-determination and competence (with particular emphasis on the former), and about the processes and structures that relate to these needs. The need for interpersonal relat­ edness, while no less important, remains to be explored, and the findings from those explorations will need to be integrated with the present theory to develop a broad, organismic theory of human motivation. Thus far, we have articulated self-determination theory, which is offered as a working theory-a theory in the making. To stimulate the research that will allow it to evolve further, we have stated self-determination theory in the form of minitheories that relate to more circumscribed domains, and we have developed paradigms for testing predictions from the various minitheories.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Leadership, Education, Neuroscience, Personal Development

372 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1975

About the author

Edward L. Deci is a Professor of Psychology and Gowen Professor in the Social Sciences at the University of Rochester, and director of its human motivation program. He is well known in psychology for his theories of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs.

Reviews

[Mrieta_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Como estudiante de lingüística, este libro no solo me ha ayudado a ampliar mi comprensión teórica, sino que también proporciona ejemplos de cómo los patrones lingüísticos pueden fortalecer o debilitar nuestra determinación interna. Es una lectura esencial para quienes buscan entender cómo la comunicación afecta nuestra motivación diaria.

[Leonardo]

Citado en los artículos de Pugno y Alkire en Capabilities and Happiness.