What is the self-determination theory of motivation?

Self-determination theory is a theory that seeks to explain motivation behind behavioral choices. The motivations the theory discusses range from intrinsic motivation (doing something for the joy and satisfaction of doing it) to extrinsic (doing something because of a reward or because of a demand something else has made). Extrinsic motivation is broken up into several subtypes, based on how internalized the motive is. A motive that is purely externally regulated, for example, is driven by a desire or a reward of in reaction to a demand. Integrated motivation, on the other hand, is more similar to intrinsic motivation in that the person may own the choice to engage in the behavior but may still do it in part for an external reasons (e.g., validation from others).

In addition to motives behind behaviors, self-determination theory also discusses basic human needs for competence, relatedness (interacting with others), and autonomy. These needs are linked to motivations and satisfaction of these needs can drive intrinsic motivation (e.g., one intrinsically chooses to do things that foster competence, relatedness, and autonomy).

Self-determination theory can be used across situations. For example, many studies on self-determination have occurred in children to understand how motivation develops across time and the effects of externally rewarding behavior that is initially intrinsically motivated (as often happens as children start school). It has also been applied in workplace settings to understand employee motivation.