Psychologists have advanced two competing models of self-determination. I will call these the Intrinsic-Extrinsic Motivation Model and the Theory of 16 Basic Desires. Both models imply that you are motivated when you can freely choose what you do. The models differ significantly in how they encourage you to make life choices.
The Intrinsic-Extrinsic Motivation Model, advanced by Professors Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, asserts that people should make choices to enhance their competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Where did these three values come from? They came from theories of social psychology.
In contrast, the list of 16 basic desires is not based on theories, but on what ordinary people from diverse stations in life reported to be their values on anonymous questionnaires. It is about you, not us professors.
The two models differ significantly in how their practitioners try to motivate you. The professionals who practice the model of Intrinsic-Extrinsic Motivation try to boost your motivation by encouraging you to enhance your experiences of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Its message is the more you embrace these three values, the more intrinsically motivated you will become.
In contrast, my colleagues and I assess your needs so you can choose work, relationships, sports situations, etc. that satisfy them. We look at a comprehensive range of human needs; we assess which of 16 needs are most important to you. We help you become clear on who you are, not on who liberal college professors think you should become. We teach you how to use your values to make meaningful choices at work, home, and in your relationships.
We promote mutual understanding for parents and their teenagers, and for spouses with each other. We believe that mutual understanding builds teamwork, harmony, and cooperation and reduces conflict.
We discourage one size fits all value systems. They have the potential to lead to indoctrination, which undermines self-determination.
You are invited to compare the two models and select the one that works for you. Our practitioners from around the globe consistently report that our methods work. We believe we have a model that can help many people in their roles as employees, students, athletes, etc.
Noite: The easiest way to start to learn about the 16 basic desires is to read my book written for the general public.
Reiss, S, (2001). Who am I: The 16 Basic Desires. New York: Tarcher/Putnam.