Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being

Human beings call be proactive and engaged or, alternatively, passive and a lienated, largely as a function of the social conditions in which they deve lop and function. Accordingly, research guided by self-determination theory has focused on the social-contextual conditions that facilitate versus for estall the natural processes of self-motivation and healthy psychological d evelopment. Specifically, factors have been examined that enhance versus un dermine intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and well-being. The findings have led to the postulate of three innate psychological needs-competence, antonomy, and relatedness-which,when satisfied yield enhanced self-motivati on and mental health and when thwarted lead to diminished motivation and we ll-being. Also considered is the significance of these psychological needs and processes within domains such as health care, education, work, sport, r eligion, and psychotherapy.