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Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory01:17

Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory

Self-Determination Theory (SDT), formulated by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, explains that human motivation is driven by three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, individuals experience personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and overall well-being.
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Updated: May 9, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
07:01

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children

Published on: March 1, 2019

Self-determination theory and romantic relationship processes.

C Raymond Knee1, Benjamin W Hadden, Ben Porter

  • 11University of Houston, TX, USA.

Personality and Social Psychology Review : an Official Journal of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc
|August 8, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Self-determination theory offers a framework for understanding optimal romantic relationships. It highlights how investing one's "self" through authenticity and openness fosters relational well-being and functioning.

Keywords:
autonomyrelationshipsromanticselfself-determination

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
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Published on: March 1, 2019

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
06:45

Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal

Published on: April 18, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Relationship Science

Background:

  • Self-determination theory (SDT) provides a framework for understanding human motivation and psychological needs.
  • Optimal relationship functioning is crucial for overall well-being.
  • Existing theories on romantic relationships often lack a comprehensive view of the 'self' in relational investment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the concept of 'self' within Self-determination theory.
  • To characterize the investment of 'self' in romantic relationships from a self-determined perspective.
  • To integrate SDT with existing theories of interdependence and relational well-being.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis and theoretical integration.
  • Examination of the definition of 'self' in SDT.
  • Review of literature on romantic relationships, interdependence, and relational well-being.

Main Results:

  • SDT offers a novel characterization of investing one's 'self' in romantic relationships.
  • A self-determined perspective integrates and extends existing relationship theories.
  • Self-determination facilitates openness, authenticity, perspective-taking, and support within relationships.

Conclusions:

  • Self-determination theory provides a robust framework for understanding optimal romantic relationship development and functioning.
  • Investing one's 'self' authentically and openly, as promoted by SDT, enhances relational well-being.
  • The dyadic context of relationships is ideal for advancing SDT and integrating it with interdependence theories.