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The Essential Self

Deci and Ryan and their colleagues (Deci, 1992; Deci & Ryan, 1991; Deci, Vallerand, Pelletier, & Ryan, 1991; Ryan & Deci, 2000a; Ryan & Deci, 2000b) propose that people are motivated by three essential needs - competence, autonomy and relatedness - that provide the start for thought and behaviour. Competence, autonomy and relatedness develop from either self-determined or controlled forces of internal regulation. Actions are self-determined to the extent that they are engaged in by choice and reflected by one's sense of self. Actions are controlled if an interpersonal or intrapsychic force compels them to occur. Self-determined behaviour is performed by choice; controlled behaviour is performed through compliance (Ryan & Deci, 2000a).

Comment
This theory is part of the basis for the Staff Matters Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace Model, which considers the importance of having a sense of working well (the professional aspect of Staff Matters), having a clear sense of self (the personal aspect of Staff Matters), and relating to others effectively (the interpersonal or collegiate side of working in education work sites). By considering ourselves in the workplace in terms of these needs, we can build our mental health and wellbeing resources.

References
Deci, E. L. (1992). 'The relation of interest to the motivation of behaviour: A self-determination theory perspective.' In K. A. Renninger, S. Hidi, & A. Krapp (Eds.), The role of interest in learning and development (pp. 43-70). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (1991). 'A motivational approach to self: Integration in personality.' In R. Dienstbier (Ed.), Nebraska Symposium on Motivation: Volume 38. Perspectives on motivation (pp. 237-288). Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.

Deci, E. L., Vallerand, R. J., Pelletier, L. G., & Ryan, R. M. (1991). 'Motivation and education: The self-determination perspective.' Educational Psychologist, 26, 325-346.

Ryan, R. M. & Deci, E. L. (2000a). 'Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development and well-being.' American Psychologist, 55, 68-78.

Ryan, R. M. & Deci, E. L. (2000b). 'When rewards compete with nature: The undermining of intrinsic motivation and self-regulation.' In C. Sansone & J. M. Harackiewicz (Eds.), Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.