Articles and Overviews on Self-Determination Theory

The Theory

Basic SDT research topics

Howard, J. L., Bradshaw, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2025) Future directions for self-determination theory: Introduction to the special issue. Motivation and Emotion: Special Issue, Advance online publication

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Neufeld, A., Bradshaw, E. L. (2025) Linking life aspirations to functional medical conditions: A Goal Contents Theory perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22 ,1582

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Neufeld, A.Malin, G.Babenko, O., Orsini, C. (2025) Examining resident burnout through the lens of self-determination theory: The role of general causality orientations. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 17(2) ,224-228

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Neufeld, A. (2025) From suppression to integration: A Self-Determination Theory perspective on emotion regulation in medical education. The Clinical Teacher, 22 ,e70240

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Wang, S.Jiao, G.Chen, Y.Li, Y. (2025) Why and when workplace friendship has a differentiated effect on relationship norms and helping behavior: a relationship motivation theory approach. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12 ,1533

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Ryan, R. M. (2024) Comments on integration, theory conflicts, and practical implementations: Some contrarian ideas for consideration. Educational psychology Review, 36 ,16

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Bonneville-Roussy, A., Evans, P. (2024) The support of autonomy, motivation, and music practice in university music students: A self-determination theory perspective. Psychology of Music, Advance online publication

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Papachristopoulos, K., Arvanitis, A. (2024) Autonomy orientation and innovative work behavior. European Journal of Psychology Open, 83(2) ,83-88

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Kachanoff, F. J. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), A group-conscious approach to basic psychological needs theory. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,(pp. 1088-1105)

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Bureau, J. S., Guay, F.Plamondon, A., Ratelle, C. F. (2023) Empirical testing of an alternative modeling of the self-determination continuum. Motivation and Emotion, 47 ,46–60

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Knee, C. R.Browne, L. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Relationships motivation theory. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,pp. 160-184

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Pelletier, L. G.Rocchi, M. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Organismic integration theory: A theory of regulatory styles, internalization, integration, and human functioning in society. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,53-83

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Ntoumanis, N. (2023) Chapter Two – The bright, dark, and dim light colors of motivation: Advances in conceptualization and measurement from a self-determination theory perspective. Advances in Motivation Science, 10 ,37-72

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Bradshaw, E. L. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Causes, costs, and caveats: Reflections, and future directions for goal contents theory. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,139-159

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Ryan, R. M. (2023) The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory. Oxford University Press

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Vansteenkiste, M., Soenens, B., Ryan, R. M. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Basic psychological needs theory: A conceptual and empirical review of key criteria. Oxford University Press Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,pp. 84-123

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Ryan, R. M., Vansteenkiste, M. (2023) Self-determination theory: Metatheory, methods, and meaning. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,pp. 3-32

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Koestner, R.Levine, S. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Causality orientations: SDT’s forgotten mini theory. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,pp. 124-138

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Acting as one: Self-determination theory’s scientific and existential import. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,pp. 1173-1176

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Reeve, J. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Cognitive evaluation theory: The seedling that keeps self-determination theory growing. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,33-52

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Beloborodova, P., Brown, K. W. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Mindfulness and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,187-199

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Ryan, R. M.Duineveld, J., Di Domenico, S. I.Ryan, W. S. (2022) We know this much is (meta-analytically) true: A meta-review of meta-analytic findings evaluating self-determination theory. Psychological Bulletin, 148(11-12) ,813-842

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Oga-Baldwin, W. L. Q. (2022) In In J. Mynard & S. Shelton-Strong (Eds.), The quality of our connections matters: Relationships Motivation Theory in independent language learning. Multilingual Matters Autonomy-support beyond the language learning classroom, ,149-163

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Patall, E. A. (2021) Self-determination theory: Eminent legacy with boundless possibilities for advancement. Motivation Science, 7(2) ,117-118

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L., Vansteenkiste, M., Soenens, B. (2021) A legacy unfinished: An appreciative reply to comments on self-determination theory’s frontiers and challenges. Motivation Science, 7(2) ,120-121

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Vallerand, R. J. (2021) Reflections on the legacy of self-determination theory. Motivtion Science, 7(2) ,115-116

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L., Vansteenkiste, M., Soenens, B. (2021) Building a science of motivated persons: Self-determination theory’s empirical approach to human experience and the regulation of behavior. Motivation Science, 7(2) ,97-110

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Koestner, R.Holding, A. (2021) A generative legacy: SDT’s refined understanding of the central role of autonomy. Motivation Science, 7(2) ,111–112

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2020) In In P. A. M. Van Lange, E. T. Higgins, & A. W. Kruglanski (Eds.), Human autonomy in social psychology: A self-determination theory perspective. Guilford Social psychology: Handbook of basic principles, ,106-123

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Reeve, J., Lee, W. (2019) A neuroscientific perspective on basic psychological needs. Journal of Personality, 87(1) ,102-114

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2019) In A. J. Elliot (Ed.), Brick by brick: The origins, development, and future of self-determination theory. , 6 (pp. 111-156) Cambridge, MA.: Elsevier Inc.. doi: 10.1016/bs.adms.2019.01.001

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Ryan, R. M.Ryan, W. S., Di Domenico, S. I. (2019) In P. J. Corr (Ed.), Effects of rewards on self-determination and intrinsic motivation: Revisiting Deci (1971). (pp. 137-154) London, UK: Sage.

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Ryan, R. M.Bradshaw, E., Deci, E. L. (2019) In R. Sternberg & W. Pickren, Motivation. (pp. 391-411) Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/9781108290876.016

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Ryan, R. M., Bradshaw, E. L. (2019) In R. M. Ryan, Envisioning progress and perils: Musings on the future of motivation research in a rapidly evolving world. , The Oxford handbook of human motivation (pp. 527-532) New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

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Ryan, R. M., Bradshaw, E. L., Deci, E. L. (2019) In R. J. Sternberg & W. E. Pickren, A history of human motivation theories in psychology. , Cambridge handbook of the intellectual history of psychology (pp. 391-411) Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. New York: Guilford Publishing

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Organismic integration theory: Internalization and the differentiation of extrinsic motivation. Guilford Press Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,179-215

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Di Domenico, S. I., Ryan, R. M. (2017) The emerging neuroscience of intrinsic motivation: A new frontier in self-determination research. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11 ,145

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Goal contents theory: Aspirations, life goals, and their varied consequences. Guilford Press Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,272-292

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Causality orientations theory: Individual differences in, and priming of, motivational orientations. Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,216-238

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Relationships motivation theory: The self in close relationships. Guilford Press Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,pp. 293-316

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Basic psychological needs theory: Satisfaction and frustration of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in relation to psychological wellness and full functioning. Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,239-271

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Cognitive evaluation theory, part 1: The effects of rewards, feedback, and other external events on intrinsic motivation. Guilford Press Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,123-157

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Parenting, autonomy, and well-being: Speaking plainly about parenting. New York, NY: Guilford Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,348-350

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Ryan, R. M. (2016) In R. J. Sternberg , S. T. Fiske & D. J. Foss (Eds.), The empirical study of human autonomy using self-determination theory. (pp. 311-315) Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

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Chen, B., Vansteenkiste, M.Beyers, W., Boone, L., Deci, E. L. (2015) Basic psychological need satisfaction, need frustration, and need strength across four cultures. Motivation and Emotion, 39 ,216-236

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2014) In N. Weinstein (Ed.), Autonomy and need satisfaction in close relationships: Relationships motivation theory. , Human motivation and interpersonal relationships: Theory, research, and applications (pp. 53-73) Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-94-017-8542-6_3

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Vansteenkiste, M., Ryan, R. M. (2013) On psychological growth and vulnerability: Basic psychological need satisfaction and need frustration as a unifying principle. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 23 ,263–280

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M., Guay, F. (2013) Self-determination theory and actualization of human potential. In D. McInerney, H. Marsh, R. Craven, & F. Guay (Eds.), Theory driving research: New wave perspectives on self processes and human development. (pp. 109-133) Charlotte, NC: Information Age Press.

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2012) Self-determination theory. In P. A. M. Van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins (Eds.), Handbook of theories of social psychology: Vol. 1. (pp. 416-437) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. doi: 10.4135/9781446201022

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Ryan, R. M., Legate, N. (2012) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Through a fly’s eye: Multiple yet overlapping perspectives on future directions for human motivation research. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press ,554-564

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Ryan, R. M. (2012) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Motivation and the organization of human behavior: Three reasons for the reemergence of a field. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press ,3-10

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2012) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), Motivation, personality, and development within embedded social contexts: An overview of self-determination theory. (pp. 85-107) Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195399820.001.0001

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Vansteenkiste, M., Niemiec, C. P., Soenens, B. (2010) The development of the five mini-theories of self-determination theory: An historical overview, emerging trends, and future directions. In T. C. Urdan & S. A. Karabenick (Eds.), Advances in motivation and achievement, v. 16A-The decade ahead: Theoretical perspectives on motivation and achievement. (pp. 105-165) London, England: Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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Niemiec, C. P., Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2009) The path taken: Consequences of attaining intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations in post-college life. Journal of Research in Personality, 43 ,291-306

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Vallerand, R. J., Pelletier, L. G., Koestner, R. (2008) Reflections on self-determination theory. Canadian Psychology, 49 ,257-262

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2008) Facilitating optimal motivation and psychological well-being across life’s domains. Canadian Psychology, 49 ,14-23

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Hagger, M. S., Chatzisarantis, N. L. (2007) Self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior: An integrative approach toward a more complete model of motivation. In L. V. Brown (Ed.), Psychology of motivation. (pp. 83-98) Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science.

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Ryan, R. M., La Guardia, J. G.Solky-Butzel, J., Chirkov, V. I. (2005) On the interpersonal regulation of emotions: Emotional reliance across gender, relationships, and culture. Personal Relationships, 12 ,146-163

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2002) In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), An overview of self-determination theory. (pp. 3-33) Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press.

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2002) In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Self-determination research: Reflections and future directions. (pp. 431-441) Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press.

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2002) Handbook of self-determination research. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press

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La Guardia, J. G., Ryan, R. M.Couchman, C. E., Deci, E. L. (2000) Within-person variation in security of attachment: A self-determination theory perspective on attachment, need fulfillment, and well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(3) ,367-384

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2000) Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1) ,68-78

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Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., Ryan, R. M. (1999) A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125 ,627-668

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Deci, E. L. (1998) The relation of interest to motivation and human needs: The self-determination theory viewpoint. In L. Hoffmann, A. Krapp, K. A. Renninger, & J. Baumert (Eds.), Interest and learning. (pp. 146-162) Kiel, Germany: Institute for Science Education.

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Kasser, T., Ryan, R. M. (1996) Further examining the American dream: Differential correlates of intrinsic and extrinsic goals. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 22(3) ,280-287

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Ryan, R. M. (1995) Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative processes. Journal of Personality, 63(3) ,397-427

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Ryan, R. M.Connell, J. P., Deci, E. L. (1985) In C. Ames & R. E. Ames (Eds.), A motivational analysis of self-determination and self-regulation in education. (pp. 13-51) New York: Academic Press.

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (1985) The general causality orientations scale: Self-determination in personality. Journal of Research in Personality, 19(2) ,109-134

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Deci, E. L. (1980) The psychology of self-determination. Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath (Lexington Books)

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Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (1980) The empirical exploration of intrinsic motivational processes. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology. , 13 (pp. 39-80) New York: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/S0065-2601(08)60130-6

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Deci, E. L. (1971) Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18(1) ,105-115

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