According to Deci (2013), Self-Determination theory came from the Early Humanistic theory. They used organismic meta-theory that focused on the nature of growth in people. Although the concept of potential is prevalent, “self-actualization,” is not a term that …show more content…
Both concepts are geared towards human potential. Self-Determination Theory, or SDT, focuses a lot on self-regulation and the direct path toward well-being and developmental outcomes. Deci (2013) also states that the concept of self is essential for SDT. The person must be satisfied with the basic psychological needs in their life before “fully functioning.” There are three types of autonomously motivated functioning; Intrinsic, extrinsic, and emotional motivation. Intrinsic motivation functions with productivity and is self-sustaining. It is enhanced by social contexts but can unravel with punishment, evaluations and controlling rewards. Extrinsic motivation has four subcategories: external, introjected, identified, integrated, and regulation. Extrinsic motivation often is maintained by intrinsic motivation. The effects of extrinsic motivation diminish with controlling cold or critical social environments. The last form of motivation is emotional …show more content…
As mid-lifers confront mortality, they realize their potential for growth. The actualization process has previously been seen as a very individualistic goal, but, there is no reason that is has to be. Everingham (2003), believes that people can share their moral content in an inconclusive way and make their goals communal rather than strictly personal. Acting as a team rather than just as one person, can add a whole new horizon to self-actualization. We are not what we are supposed to be we are what we make ourselves.
I have always thought of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in a relatively simple context. I relate it to the unfortunate people that are unhappy and homeless. They do not have shelter, so they cannot be happy. They do not have the basic needs, so they are not happy. However, there are some very happy homeless people. They may not be “self- actualizing,” or reaching their potential, but, they don’t have to. We may or may not be built with potential inside of us to do something great. Maybe the homeless people are perfectly fulfilled just the way they