Self-Determination Theory posits three basic psychological needs. Name them.

Self-Determination Theory posits three basic psychological needs. Name them.

• A. Autonomy, Esteem, Purpose
• B. Safety, Belonging, Mastery
• C. Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness
• D. Competence, Novelty, Autonomy

Answer: (C)

Self-Determination Theory centers on three universal psychological needs that support intrinsic motivation and well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy is the sense that you are the author of your own actions, choosing and endorsing what you do. Competence means feeling effective and capable, able to meet challenges and grow your skills. Relatedness is feeling connected to others, cared for, and part of a community. When these needs are satisfied, people engage more fully, perform better, and experience greater well-being. The option that lists autonomy, competence, and relatedness matches these three fundamental needs. The other choices mix in terms from other theories or add concepts not identified as the three core needs in SDT (for example, safety or novelty), so they don’t align with Self-Determination Theory’s trio.

Self-Determination Theory centers on three universal psychological needs that support intrinsic motivation and well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy is the sense that you are the author of your own actions, choosing and endorsing what you do. Competence means feeling effective and capable, able to meet challenges and grow your skills. Relatedness is feeling connected to others, cared for, and part of a community.

When these needs are satisfied, people engage more fully, perform better, and experience greater well-being. The option that lists autonomy, competence, and relatedness matches these three fundamental needs. The other choices mix in terms from other theories or add concepts not identified as the three core needs in SDT (for example, safety or novelty), so they don’t align with Self-Determination Theory’s trio.