Abstract
Deci and Ryan overview self-determination theory — intrinsic motivation thrives when autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied; controlling rewards can undermine inner drive.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. DOI
Key findings
- Intrinsic vs extrinsic — Not all motivation is one fuel — quality of motive predicts persistence.
- Three needs — Autonomy, competence, relatedness — when met, internal drive grows.
- Undermining effect — Controlling rewards can crowd out interest in the task itself.
- Emancipation frame — Liberation is need satisfaction, not only removing external chains.
Limits
SDT overview chapter — maps intrinsic vs controlled motivation; not one clinical protocol. Reward-and-autonomy debates continue in primary studies.