This theory explores how people are motivated to act and how to move others to act. People constantly seek new experiences and challenges to master. This theory describes intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and people’s tendency toward growth. People’s intrinsic motivation toward growth relies on three core needs: competence, autonomy and relatedness.
Citation: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York, NY: Plenum.