Exploring Self-Determination Theory: How External Events Influence Motivation

Welcome to Healing Hour, where we explore Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and its impact on understanding motivation within various sociocultural contexts.

Understanding Self-Determination Theory:Self-Determination Theory, as outlined by Reeve (2018), offers a framework for analyzing how external factors like rewards and praise influence motivation. The effectiveness of these external events depends on how well they align with an individual's fundamental psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These factors either support or undermine intrinsic motivation depending on the sociocultural context (Reeve et al., 2018).

Positive Effects of External Events:External events can boost motivation when they support autonomy, enhance competence, and foster relatedness (Reeve, 2018). For instance, specific praise that recognizes effort and skills, or rewards that acknowledge achievements without imposing control, can strengthen intrinsic motivation. When these external acknowledgments align with personal values and interests, they validate the individual's sense of self and encourage deeper engagement in activities (Reeve et al., 2018).

Negative Effects of External Events:On the other hand, external events can negatively affect motivation when they are perceived as controlling or coercive, thus undermining autonomy (Reeve, 2018). For example, rewards contingent on performance or excessive praise may reduce intrinsic motivation by shifting the perceived locus of control from internal to external, a phenomenon known as the overjustification effect (Reeve et al., 2018).

Conclusion:Self-Determination Theory provides valuable insights into how the nature and context of external events impact motivation. By examining their effects on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, SDT helps us understand how rewards and praise can either enhance or diminish motivation. At Healing Hour, Abhishek Faria integrates these principles into therapy sessions, guiding individuals through the complexities of motivation and fostering intrinsic engagement with their personal growth and well-being journey.

Visit www.health-healinghour.com to explore our range of services!