Self-determination theory (SDT) provides a framework for understanding the factors that promote motivation and healthy psychological and behavioral functioning. In this authoritative work, the codevelopers of the theory comprehensively examine SDT's conceptual underpinnings (including its six mini-theories), empirical evidence base, and practical applications across the lifespan. The volume synthesizes a vast body of research on how supporting--or thwarting--people's basic needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy affects their development and well-being. Chapters cover implications for practice and policy in education, health care, psychotherapy, sport, and the workplace.
 

Richard M. Ryan, PhD, is Professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University and Research Professor in Psychology at the University of Rochester. A clinical psychologist, he is co-developer (with Edward L. Deci) of self-determination theory, and has published widely in the areas of human motivation, personality, and psychological well-being. A recipient of distinguished career awards from multiple societies, Dr. Ryan is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, the American Educational Research Association, and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and is an Honorary Member of the German Psychological Society. He received the James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award from the Association for Psychological Science and a Leverhulme Trust Fellowship. A past Editor-in-Chief of Motivation and Emotion, he has been a visiting scientist at the National Institute of Education in Singapore; the University of Bath, United Kingdom; and the Max Planck Institute, Berlin.
 
Edward L. Deci, PhD, is the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor in the Social Sciences at the University of Rochester, with secondary appointments at University College of Southeast Norway and Australian Catholic University. He is co-developer (with Richard M. Ryan) of self-determination theory, and has published widely on self-determination and human motivation. A recipient of distinguished career awards from multiple societies, Dr. Deci is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, the American Psychological Association, and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.  He was named Honorary President of the Canadian Psychological Association and is a recipient of the James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award from the Association for Psychological Science.
 

I. Introduction
1. Self-Determination Theory: An Introduction and Overview
II. Philosophical and Historical Considerations
2. Organismic Principles: Historical Perspectives on Development and Integration in Living Entities
3. Human Autonomy: Philosophical Perspectives and the Phenomenology of Self
4. Psychological Needs: Varied Concepts and a Preliminary Description of Self-Determination Theory’s Approach
5. A Brief History of Intrinsic Motivation
III. The Six Mini-Theories of Self-Determination Theory
6. Cognitive Evaluation Theory, Part I: The Effects of Rewards, Feedback, and Other External Events on Intrinsic Motivation
7. Cognitive Evaluation Theory, Part II: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Processes Affecting Intrinsic Motivation
8. Organismic Integration Theory: Internalization and the Differentiation of Extrinsic Motivation
9. Causality Orientations Theory: Individual Differences in, and Priming of, Motivational Orientations
10. Basic Psychological Needs Theory: Satisfaction and Frustration of Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in Relation to Psychological Wellness and Illness
11. Goal Contents Theory: Aspirations, Life Goals, and Their Varied Consequences
12. Relationships Motivation Theory: The Self in Close Relationships
IV. Motivation and Human Development in Families, Schools, and Societies
13. Parenting and the Facilitation of Autonomy and Well-Being in Development
14. Schools as Contexts for Learning and Social Development
15. Identity Development, Self-Esteem, and Authenticity
16. Development, Psychological Needs, and Psychopathology
V. The Application and Practice of Self-Determination Theory in Multiple Domains
17. Psychotherapy and Behavior Change: Creating Facilitating Environments
18. Health Care and Patient Need Satisfaction: Supporting Maintained Health Behavior Change
19. Sport, Physical Activity, and Physical Education
20. Motivation and Need Satisfaction in Video Games and Virtual Environments
21. Work and Organizations: Promoting Wellness and Productivity
VI. Basic Psychological Needs in Pervasive Social Contexts
22. Pervasive Social Influences, Part I: Cultural Contexts
23. Pervasive Social Influences, Part II: Economic and Political Systems
24. On Basic Needs and Human Natures: Altruism, Aggression, and the Bright and Dark Sides of Human Motivation
A Very Brief Epilogue
References
Author Index
Subject Index