News

Self-Determination Theory applied in Summer Schools

October 14, 2014 by Shannon

The Three Basic Psychological Needs by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, demonstrated in this video from our friends at Camping Coast to Coast.

Fast Company: How to turn your Monday into a day you actually enjoy

September 25, 2014 by Shannon

September 25th 2014. Studies have found that having weekends to relax not only makes us happier, but healthier, too: Far from frivolous, the relatively unfettered time on weekends provides critical opportunities for bonding with others, exploring interests and relaxing—basic psychological needs. -Richard Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester One study on why...

Lifehacker.com: The Complex Relationship Between Happiness and Motivation

August 18, 2014 by Shannon

August 18th 2014. Scientists Richard M. Ryan from the University of Rochester and Christina Frederick from the University of Southern Utah have taken an extensive look at the concept of subjective vitality as a reflection of well-being. Ryan and Frederick argue that subjective vitality is enhanced when the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are...

SDT Researchers Conduct Virtualized Intervention for Diabetes

August 1, 2014 by Shannon

August 1st 2014. The Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) research program was conducted as a pilot evaluation of a partly virtualized intervention that delivered content along with 6 monthly visits with a registered dietitian. The results of this intervention produced clinically significant weight loss and improvements in glycemic control, blood pressure, and...

Global Guru’s names Ed Deci and Rich Ryan as two of the “Worlds Top 30 Education Professionals for 2014.”

July 29, 2014 by Shannon

On July 29, 2014, Edward Deci and Richard Ryan were honored with impressive rankings of Numbers 14 and 22 in the Education category for Global Gurus. Congratulations Ed and Rich!

Oxford Handbook of Work Engagement, Motivation, & Self-Determination Theory

May 21, 2014 by Shannon

Released in May 2014 "The Oxford Handbook of Work Motivation, Engagement, and Self-Determination Theory" is edited by SDT Faculty, Marylène Gagné, and aims to give current and future organizational researchers ideas for future research using self-determination theory as a framework, and to give practitioners ideas on how to adjust their programs and practices using self-determination theory principles.

Living Green Magazine: Being in Nature Makes Us Healthier & Happier

May 2, 2014 by Shannon

“Nature is fuel for the soul,” said Richard Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, in a release. “Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature.”

Human Motivation and Interpersonal Relationships

April 25, 2014 by Shannon

Just recently released in early 2014, "Human Motivation and Interpersonal Relationships," edited by SDT Faculty Netta Weinstein, summarizes and organizes a growing body of research supporting the role of motivation in adaptive and rewarding interpersonal interactions with others.

Forbes.com: 4 Steps to Reaching Your Money Goals — Faster!

April 24, 2014 by Shannon

What is it you really, really want? To answer this honestly, it helps to know where your motivation comes from, explain Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, psychology professors at the University of Rochester. There are two types of motivation that govern human behavior: intrinsic motivation, which means being driven from within or doing something because we find it personally enjoyable; and extrinsic motivation, which involves being driven by something outside of ourselves or an external reward (example: studying to get a good grade, not for the sake of learning).