Self-Determination Theory image showing youth standing on atop of three psychological needs: autonomy, relatedness and competence

Self-Determination Theory

According to Self-Determination Theory, an individual's ability to reach their goals is dependent on how much they can fulfill three basic psychological needs: 1) autonomy, 2) relatedness, and 3) competence. In other words, youth can better reach their goals when they make their own decisions to reach for a goal (autonomy), when they connect and interact meaningfully with others (relatedness), and when they have skills to put their ideas into action (competence).

Strengths Limitations
  • Research in a variety of environments has confirmed autonomy, relatedness, and competence for motivating one’s self.
  • Self-determined motivation is related to well-being. Environmental support fosters self-determination.
  • The approach focuses on developing young people’s strengths.
  • Not enough studies examine all three needs (autonomy, relatedness, and competence) at the same time.
  • There is no conclusive evidence about whether or not there are more than three needs.
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