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Reflections on self-determination theory as an organizing framework for personality psychology: Interfaces, integrations, issues, and unfinished business
Richard Ryan Bart Soenens Maarten Vansteenkiste
Richard Ryan
Bart Soenens
Maarten Vansteenkiste
Abstract
Objective
This special issue focuses on self‐determination theory (SDT) as an integrative framework for the wider field of personality research. In this commentary our aims include: reflecting on the utility and strengths of SDT as such a general framework and responding to the various contributions in this issue regarding their use of SDT as a guiding, complementary, or contrasting framework.
Methods and Results
We describe how SDT has developed organically and conservatively from “within” based on the emerging patterns of evidence, as well through the ongoing challenges from other models and frameworks. We then discuss each of the various contributions to this special issue, addressing themes that include SDT’s breadth of methods, and its relevance to topics such as narcissism, wisdom, individual differences, Big‐Five traits, and the neuropsychology of motivation, among others. Across these discussions, we highlight fruitful avenues for research and cross‐fertilization across the fields of personality, development, motivation, and neuroscience. At the same time, we counter some claims made about SDT, and forward certain cautions regarding the integration of SDT and other personality frameworks and models.
Conclusions
We conclude by revisiting the value of broad theory, and SDT in particular, for coordinating complex research findings concerning motivation, personality development and wellness across multiple levels of analysis and, perhaps more importantly, for pointing researchers to the right questions within today’s prolific empiricism
Keywords
autonomy, Big‐Five, narcissism, self‐determination theory, wisdom
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Personality
Book
Volume
87
Issue
1
Page Range
115-145
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled