Theory Database - Theory 56: Self-determination theory

Theory Database (prototype)

This is a searchable database of theories of behaviour change that have been formalised according to an Ontology-Based Modelling System.

For more information, see:

West, R., Godinho, C. A., Bohlen, L. C., Carey, R. N., Hastings, J., Lefevre, C. E., & Michie, S. (2019). Development of a formal system for representing behaviour-change theories. Nature human behaviour, 3(5), 526. doi.org/10.1038/s41562-019-0561-2.
Hale, J., Hastings, J., West, R., Lefevre, C. E., Direito, A., Connell Bohlen, L., Godinho, C., Anderson, N., Zink, S., Goarke, H., and Michie, S. (2020) An ontology-based modelling system (OBMS) for representing behaviour change theories applied to 76 theories [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. Wellcome Open Research.

Theory 56: Self-determination theory

Number of Constructs: 23
Number of Triples: 35

Theory triples

Satisfaction / fulfillment of needs positively influences Internalisation

Frustration of needs negatively influences Internalisation

Needs influences Satisfaction / fulfillment of needs

Needs influences Frustration of needs

Internalisation influences Integrated regulation

Internalisation influences Identified regulation

Internalisation influences Introjected regulation

Internalisation influences External regulation

Intrinsic regulation influences Intrinsic motivation / goals

Motivation influences Behaviour

Satisfaction / fulfillment of needs influences Intrinsic regulation

Frustration of needs influences Non-regulation

Supports influences Satisfaction / fulfillment of needs

Thwarts influences Frustration of needs

Non-regulation influences Amotivation

Social contexts influences Needs

Introjected regulation influences Extrinsic motivation / goals

Identified regulation influences Extrinsic motivation / goals

Integrated regulation influences Extrinsic motivation / goals

External regulation influences Extrinsic motivation / goals

Extrinsic motivation / goals type of Motivation

Intrinsic motivation / goals type of Motivation

Amotivation type of Motivation

Autonomous motivation type of Motivation

Controlled motivation type of Motivation

Competence type of Needs

Autonomy type of Needs

Relatedness type of Needs

Intrinsic regulation type of Autonomous motivation

Integrated regulation type of Autonomous motivation

Identified regulation type of Autonomous motivation

External regulation type of Controlled motivation

Introjected regulation type of Controlled motivation

Supports part of Social contexts

Thwarts part of Social contexts

Theory illustration

Theory References

Deci, E.L. & Ryan, R.M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and selfdetermination in human behaviour. New York: Plenum Publishing Co.

Deci, E.L. & Ryan, R.M. (2008). Facilitating optimal motivation and psychological well-being across life’s domains. Canadian Psychology, 49(1), 14-23.

Ryan, R.M. (2009). Self-determination Theory and Wellbeing. Wellbeing in Developing Countries, 1, 1-2.

Theory Database (prototype)

Theory 56: Self-determination theory

Theory triples

Theory illustration

Theory References