Self-Determination Theory

Self-determination theory (SDT) represents a comprehensive framework for the study of human motivation, personality development, and wellness as evidenced by the breadth and variety of chapters in this Handbook. This introductory chapter provides a review of the basic assumptions, philosophy of science, methods, and mission of SDT. It also includes a brief history of SDT, linking various developments within the theory to the contributions found in this volume. Finally, discussion focuses on the place of SDT within the landscape of past and contemporary theoretical psychology, as well as its relations with modern historical and cultural developments, in part explaining the continued growth of interest in SDT’s basic research and real-world applications.