News

Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior

May 27, 2014 by Shannon

This book, co-authored by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan in 1985, remains the preeminent and most comprehensive publication on Self-Determination Theory. is primarily about self-determination and competence (with particular emphasis on the former), and about the processes and structures that relate to these needs. The need for interpersonal relat edness, while no less important, remains to be explored, and the findings from those explorations will need to be integrated with the present theory to develop a broad, organismic theory of human motivation. Thus far, we have articulated self-determination theory, which is offered as a working theory-a theory in the making

Handbook of Self-Determination Research

May 27, 2014 by Shannon

From the 1999 SDT Conference...researchers convened at the University of Rochester to present their work, share ideas, and discuss future research directions for the theor. The Handbook of Self-Determination Research is an outgrowth of that important and fascinating conference. It summarizes the research programs of these social, personality, clinical, developmental, and applied psychologists who have a shared belief in the importance of self-determination for understanding basic motivational processes and for solving pressing real-world problems.

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).

Natural News: Spending Money on Experience, Rather than Items, Increases Happiness

April 19, 2014 by Shannon

"Nature is fuel for the soul. 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," said the study's lead author, Richard Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester.

Rochester City Newspaper: Game Rage

April 16, 2014 by Shannon

A New [SDT] Study... It's not the video game per se that's causing your rage; it's the fact that you stink at it, says a new study from the University of Rochester.

Australia Mercury: Frustration, not violence in games to be blamed for gamer aggression

April 9, 2014 by Shannon

SDT research highlighted about gaming... A NEW study has revealed that gamers are more likely to experience feelings of aggression from playing a game when it is too difficult or when the controls are too complicated to master.