Commentary: Human Psychological Needs and the Issues of Volition, Control, and Outcome Focus

In this commentary, Chapters 1, 2, and 3 are each reviewed and discussed in terms of the extent to which they specify and meaningfully address the central motives operative in human psychological development. Drawing from work in self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1991; Ryan, 1995), the author suggests that there are basic human psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness whose fulfillment is essential to personality growth and well-being, and for the integration of the individual into significant social relationships and cultural groups. The distinction between psychological needs and related concepts such as motives, desires, and personal goals is discussed. It is argued that, in broad terms, Kuhl and Fuhrmann primarily emphasize the issue of autonomy; Heckhausen and Schultz the issue of competence; and Higgins and Loeb the issue of relatedness. Each thus addresses a different fundamental need upon which both psychological development and well-being depend. All three chapters are further examined for comparisons, contrasts, and limitations with respect to each other and to the self-determination model of personality functioning. Furthermore, each is considered in terms of the degree to which it addresses social and cultural issues of import in human motivation and life-span development.