Self-Determination
Theory (SDT) is a theory of motivation and human development that proposes that
all individuals have three innate psychological needs: the need for autonomy,
the need for relatedness, and the need for competence.
Autonomy is
the need to feel in control of one's own life and to make one's own choices.
Relatedness is the need to feel connected to others and to experience a sense
of belonging. Competence is the need to feel capable of achieving one's goals
and to master new skills.
SDT suggests
that when these three needs are satisfied, individuals are more likely to be
motivated, engaged, and successful in their endeavors. Conversely, when these
needs are not satisfied, individuals are more likely to experience amotivation,
disengagement, and failure.
