An exploration of existential needs and self-determination theory within an educational context
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Date
2018
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
In this concept paper ideas of the psychology of motivation in
the twenty first century are explored as an introductory study
on motivation theory. Drawing from the work of Leontiev (2012
a, b) and Längle (1999, 2012), as well as Deci and Ryan (1985,
2000), an overview of existentialist motivation is presented.
Längle (1999) proposes that the four fundamental existential
motivations centre on having a place in the world, a valued
existence, a shared existence, and a meaningful existence.
This section is followed by an analysis of the more traditional
and mainstream approach of Self-Determination Theory,
which explores issues of self-regulation and self-determination
from existential underpinnings. Further exploration of Self-
Determination Theory and the needs of competence, autonomy
and relatedness, as well as the conceptualisation of intrinsic
and extrinsic motivation as a continuum, follows. Concluding
comments are made as to the relevance of the overview for an
educational context.
Description
Keywords
Self determination theory, Existential needs