- Level Foundation
- Duration 22 hours
- Course by University of Rochester
-
Offered by
About
Self-determination theory (SDT) is an empirically based theory of motivation and psychological development that is especially focused on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, and how they are supported in social contexts. SDT details how the styles and strategies of motivators such as parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and health-care professionals can promote or undermine engagement and the positive consequences that follow from it. In this course, Professor Richard Ryan, co-founder of the theory, will provide an overview of SDT with special emphasis on how autonomy, competence, and relatedness supports and facilitates behavioral persistence, quality of relationships, and healthy developmental processes, among other topics. He will also discuss the convergence of behavioral phenomenological and neuropsychological aspects of autonomy within SDT research. In addition, he will illustrate practical applications of SDT, with emphasis on educational, work, sport, healthcare and psychotherapy settings.Modules
Introduction to Self-Determination Theory
1
Assignment
- Module 1
6
Videos
- 1: Welcome to Self Determination Theory
- 2: What is Motivation?
- 3: Intrinsic Motivation
- 4: Rewards & Intrinsic Motivation
- 5: More Fun With Intrinsic Motivaton: The Example of Video Games
- 6: Optional Bonus Video: An Organismic Perspective
4
Readings
- Lectures 1-3: Introduction to SDT & Intrinsic Motivation
- Lecture 4: Rewards & Intrinsic Motivation
- Lecture 5: More Fun with Intrinsic Motivation: The Example of Video Games
- Lecture 6 (optional): An Organismic Perspective
Organismic Integration Theory and Basic Psychological Needs Theory
1
Assignment
- Module 2
6
Videos
- 7. Extrinsic Motivation and the Continuum of Relative Autonomy
- 8. Everyday Examples of Different Forms of Motivations
- 9. How to Facilitate Autonomous Motivation and Internalization
- 10. The impact of Internalization: Three Examples
- 11. Well-being: An Introduction
- 12. Universal Impact of Basic Psychological Needs on Well-being
6
Readings
- Lecture 7: Extrinsic Motivation & the Continuum of Relative Autonomy
- Lecture 8: Everyday Examples of Different Forms of Motivation
- Lecture 9: How to Facilitate Autonomous Motivation & Internalization
- Lecture 10: The Impact of Internalization: Three Examples
- Lecture 11: Well-Being: An Introduction
- Lecture 12: The Universal Impact of Basic Psychological Needs on Well-Being
Life Goals & Happiness
1
Assignment
- Module 3
6
Videos
- 13. People's Daily Variations in Well-Being
- 14. Life Goals and Happiness, Part I
- 15. Life Goals and Happiness, Part II: Be Careful What You Wish For
- 16. Life Goals and Happiness, Part III
- 17. Mindfulness and Motivation
- 18. Vitality & Nature
6
Readings
- Lecture 13: People’s Daily Variations in Well-Being
- Lecture 14: Life Goals & Happiness, Part I
- Lecture 15: Life Goals & Happiness, Part II
- Lecture 16: Life Goals & Happiness, Part III
- Lecture 17: Mindfulness & Motivation
- Lecture 18: Vitality & Nature
Fulfilling basic psychological needs in life
1
Assignment
- Module 4
6
Videos
- 19. Pro-social Behavior and Need Satisfaction
- 20. Close Relationships
- 21. Parenting and the Support of Autonomy in Development
- 22. Identity Formation
- 23. Education: Intrinsic Motivaton in the Classroom
- 24. Work and Thriving: Facilitating Positive Engagement Using Self-Determination Theory
6
Readings
- Lecture 19: Pro-Social Behavior & Need Satisfaction
- Lecture 20: Close Relationships
- Lecture 21: Parenting & the Support of Autonomy in Development
- Lecture 22: Identity Formation
- Lecture 23: Education: Intrinsic Motivation in the Classroom
- Lecture 24: Working & Thriving
Applying Self-Determination Theory
1
Assignment
- Module 5
6
Videos
- 25. Supporting Health and Wellness: Research and Interventions Using Self-determination Theory
- 26. Motivation and Autonomy in Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Behavior Change
- 27. Sports, Physical Activity and Coaching
- 28. Basic Psychological Needs Across Cultures
- 29. Basic Psychological Needs Across Economic and Political Systems
- 30. Final Remarks
6
Readings
- Lecture 25: Supporting Health & Wellness: Research & Interventions Using Self-Determination Theory
- Lecture 26: Motivation & Autonomy in Psychotherapy, Counseling, & Behaviour Change
- Lecture 27: Sports, Physical Activity, & Coaching
- Lecture 28: Basic Psychological Needs Across Cultures
- Lecture 29: Basic Psychological Needs Across Economic & Political Systems
- Lecture 30: Closing Remarks
Auto Summary
Explore the foundations of Self-Determination Theory with Professor Richard Ryan in this engaging personal development course. Focused on autonomy, competence, and relatedness, you'll learn how these elements promote motivation and wellness. Ideal for educators, coaches, managers, and healthcare professionals, the course blends theory with practical applications in various settings. Offered by Coursera, this foundational course spans 1320 minutes and is available through a Starter subscription.

Richard Ryan