Self-Determination Theory

To be self-determined is to endorse one's actions at the highest level of reflection. When self-determined, people experience a sense of freedom to do what is interesting, personally important, and vitalizing. - E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) has evolved over the past 30 years from psychological research done by Edward L. Deci, Richard M. Ryan, and their collaborators from around the world. Deci and Ryan are professors in the Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology at the University of Rochester, collage where they direct a pre- and post-doctoral training program focused on SDT.

This website presents a brief overview of SDT and provides resources that address important issues such as human needs, values, intrinsic motivation, development, motivation across cultures, individual differences, and psychological well-being. Also addressed are the applications of Self-Determination Theory to:

education	organizations
health care	sport & exercise
parenting	mental health

Questionnaires developed to assess SDT concepts are displayed and can be downloaded by interested researchers.

Next Conference:

4th International SDT Conference will be held in Gent Belgium Thursday, May 13, 2010 - Sunday May 16th, 2010. More details to come.