Human beings can be divided into two main categories. Firstly, there are those who are considered to be fully engaged because they tend to be proactive. On the other hand, there are those who have been alienated by the world because they have passive characteristics (Ryan and Deci 77).
The authors of the article note that the main influencing factor that leads to grouping of human being is the social aspect of life which they face on a daily basis. In addition, the social contextual conditions have been studied in most researches that dwell on self determination theory.
The latter theory attempts to describe how self motivation and self determination can be established in the character of an individual. It is also imperative to mention that self motivation often lead to self determination even though both processes are independent of each other.
In addition, these processes are natural and largely emanate from the genetic makeup of an individual. Needless to say, a healthy psychological development is a major attribute that underlines self determination.
Persons who are intrinsically motivated tend to be brave enough and can go through several odds with much ease (Ryan and Deci 69).
In spite of the invaluable role played by personal wellbeing, self-regulation and intrinsic motivation, there are myriads of factors that often work for and against the aforementioned attributes. In other words, there are setbacks and enhancing factors that influence the strength of these attributes in human beings.
Moreover, there are three key and intrinsic psychological needs according to findings obtained from various research studies. These needs include relatedness, autonomy and competence. When these three psychological needs are satisfied, they lead to improved mental health and enhanced self-motivation.
On the other hand, poor mental wellbeing and diminished motivation are the main negative effects when the aforementioned needs are thwarted (Ryan and Deci 75).
In addition, it is worth to mention that these psychological needs play integral roles in various human domains. This implies that all the domains of life are influenced by one or more of the psychological needs stated in the article. Nonetheless, the authors are quite categorical on the type of each influence.
It is also quite phenomenal to mention that there may be other localized or environmental factors that may affect self-determination of an individual. The authors of the article are apparently insinuating that self-determination is determined by innate traits per se.
Although this claim may be authentic to some extent, it is justified to explore other environmental factors that are equally instrumental in affecting personal determination towards challenges in life.
Hence, it is highly recommendable that future research studies should broaden the scope of this study to include non-genetic factors that influence self-determination.
From the above summary, the following discussion questions are vital in understanding the discourse on human psychology as elaborated in the article:
- Discuss the human nature of motivation. Can motivation be activated or intended?
- How intrinsic motivation does influences the potential of human nature?
- State and discuss the various types of self-determined motivation. Which one do you think is the most innate or influential in the wellbeing of an individual?
- The article has elaborated various types of psychological needs and how they can be met. Which need do you identify with the most? How has it affected your personal life? Do you agree with the theoretical perspectives advanced by the authors? Why or why not?
Works Cited
Ryan, Richard and Edward, Deci. Self-determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. Am Psychol 55.1 (2000):68-78. Print.