Theory Database - Theory 56: Self-determination theory

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: 2 approved]. 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 constructs and annotations

Satisfaction / fulfillment of needs
Internalisation The point at which engaging in a behaviour is congruent with other aspects of one's true or integrated self (i.e. the behaviour is fully self-determined and autonomous even though it is still extrinsically motivated because it is being regulated to attain a separate outcome such as improved health) [ BCIO:006114 (Goal-setting process) 56 , ADDICTO:0001319 (Self-identity development) 56 17 72 ]
Frustration of needs
Needs Universal human psychological, growth-oriented needs that underpin optimal motivation and wellness [ BCIO:006064 (Psychological need) 56 67 69 5 ]
Integrated regulation
Identified regulation The process of identifying with the importance of a behaviour and accepting responsibility for regulating the behaviour [ BCIO:050843 (Accepting responsibility for changing one’s behaviour) 56 ]
Introjected regulation The process whereby an external regulation is “partially” internalised such that it essentially retains its original form, and thus is not accepted as one’s own (e.g. Contingent self-esteem and ego-involvement) [ BCIO:050268 (Self-regulation process) 56 58 25 ]
External regulation The regulation of behaviour by external factors (e.g., rewards and punishments) [ BCIO:006086 (Behavioural opportunity) 56 73 25 1 32 11 4 60 67 65 59 8 74 66 41 5 77 9 12 79 ]
Intrinsic regulation
Intrinsic motivation / goals An aspect of events that conveys meaningful information relevant to competence and self-regulation without being controlling [ BCIO:006136 (Intrinsic motivation) 56 73 ]
Motivation The impetus that energises and directs people’s actions, moving them to behave [ BCIO:006133 (Behavioural motivation) 56 8 31 41 30 70 74 12 54 60 67 ]
Behaviour
Non-regulation
Supports
Thwarts
Amotivation An aspect of events that reduces people’s sense of competence and autonomy, leaving them with little intrinsic or extrinsic motivation [ BCIO:050701 (low self-efficacy) 56 ]
Social contexts
Extrinsic motivation / goals Motivation arising from consequences that are separate from the behaviour itself [ BCIO:006307 (Extrinsic motivation) 56 81 26 ]
Autonomous motivation
Controlled motivation An aspect of events that pressures people to behave, think, or feel in particular ways
Competence The importance of experiencing oneself as able and effective in dealing with the environment [ BCIO:006069 (Need to feel competent) 56 ]
Autonomy The necessity of experiencing self-determination and volition rather than feeling governed by other forces [ BCIO:006065 (Need for autonomy) 56 ]
Relatedness The importance of caring for, being cared for by, and feeling connected to other people [ BCIO:006068 (Need for a sense of belonging and attachment) 56 ]

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.

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