For this week’s blog post I was asked to explore Self Determination Theory. Self Determination Theory suggests that when it comes to determination, everyone has three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Self Determination Theory suggests that people from all cultures exhibit these three basic traits in unique and individual ways. For this week’s task, I will be discussing how I capture each of these three needs in my academic career at Old Dominion University.
The first trait mentioned in Self Determination Theory is autonomy. Autonomy can be described as a person’s willingness to act by their values and beliefs. An autonomous person makes decisions based upon their interests and desires. Autonomy can also be compared to motivation, which is a reason for a person’s behavior. When it comes to my academics, I believe I satisfy these traits. My motivation to study psychology at Old Dominion and aspiration to become a holistic therapist stems from past experiences, which influence my values and beliefs. My desire to become a therapist stems from my values to help and care for others, as well as my deep belief in the importance of mental wellbeing. Both my values and beliefs help motivate me to excel in school and do my best in classes.
The second trait in Self Determination Theory is competence, or a person’s ability to do something successfully. Competence can be influenced by multiple outside factors such as environment, education, upbringing, feedback, and reward. Feedback and rewards such as grading and constructive criticism impact my competence when it comes to my academic career. All of these factors impact my motivation, or willingness to move forward. Feedback, comments, and grades dictate my decisions and behavior and play roles in my next academic moves. Comments and feedback facilitate challenges that make me a stronger student!
The last trait in Self Determination Theory is relatedness. Relatedness refers to a person’s ability to relate to others, and the impact that these relationships have on their motivation. These relationships include but are not limited to family, friends, professors, and co-workers. When it comes to my academic career my family, friends, and professors play major roles in my willingness to keep trying and stay in school. My relationship with my friends and family provides me the motivation and support I need to see hard times through the end. While my professors provided me with the criticism I need to become a better student!
This is my little brother Noah, he is three years old. I choose this photo of him because he is a person in my life who motivates me to stay in school and keep trying. My little brother is young and full of life and it is my goal to be the best big sister I can be. Being a big sister means setting an example for him and showing him that with hard work anything is possible! Noah is my motivation!