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Self-Determination Theory, Person-Centered Approaches, and Personal Goals: Exploring the Links

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Interdisciplinary Handbook of the Person-Centered Approach

Abstract

This chapter discusses self-determination theory (SDT) and its applications to personal goal-setting. SDT is a well-supported theory of optimal motivation, based on the assumption that human beings are inherently growth oriented. I will argue that SDT constitutes the best body of empirical support for PCA and Rogerian concepts. The chapter explores the crucial role of “authority autonomy support,” the process by which mentors (coaches, therapists, parents, teachers, managers) can help subordinates (athletes, clients, children, students, workers) to develop internalized motivation within a domain of activity. I also summarize research on the “organismic valuing process,” (OVP) a capacity possessed by all humans, which helps people to select “self-concordant” goals—goals that allow people to meet their psychological needs. An empirical example is presented in some detail, showing how SDT concepts can be integrated into a single process model of thriving in law students.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, 112 McAlester Hall, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA

    Kennon Sheldon

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  1. Kennon Sheldon
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Correspondence to Kennon Sheldon .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Missouri State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, 65897, Missouri, USA

    Jeffrey H. D. Cornelius-White

  2. , Computer Science Didactics and Learning, University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 29/6.41, Vienna, 1010, Austria

    Renate Motschnig-Pitrik

  3. Rehabilitationszentrum Quellenhof, Neurologisches, Kuranlagenallee 2, Bad Wildbad, 75323, Germany

    Michael Lux

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Sheldon, K. (2013). Self-Determination Theory, Person-Centered Approaches, and Personal Goals: Exploring the Links. In: Cornelius-White, J., Motschnig-Pitrik, R., Lux, M. (eds) Interdisciplinary Handbook of the Person-Centered Approach. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7141-7_16

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