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Back to Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness by University of Rochester

4.8
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485 ratings

About the Course

Self-determination theory (SDT) is an empirically based theory of motivation and psychological development that is especially focused on the basic psychological needs that promote high quality motivation and wellness, and how they are supported in social contexts. SDT details how the styles and strategies of motivators such as parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and health-care professionals can promote or undermine engagement and the positive consequences that follow from it. In this course, Professor Richard Ryan, co-founder of the theory, will provide an overview of SDT with special emphasis on how autonomy, competence, and relatedness supports and facilitates behavioral persistence, quality of relationships, and healthy developmental processes, among other topics. He will also discuss the convergence of behavioral phenomenological and neuropsychological aspects of autonomy within SDT research. In addition, he will illustrate practical applications of SDT, with emphasis on educational, work, sport, healthcare and psychotherapy settings....

Top reviews

AY

Dec 19, 2020

Amazing course to learn about human motivation, development and wellnes. Also, for getting to know about research and resourses to promote them in different settings like education, sport or work.

CM

Nov 17, 2020

This course is very helpful. Once finished you will be able to fully understand the SDT. Richard Ryan is a great speaker. He explained the concepts very well. Thank you for this course!

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76 - 100 of 171 Reviews for Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness

By Jeannette F

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Mar 3, 2021

The amount of studies shared to demonstrate SDTs value was impressive. Overall, the content held my interest and the presentation was very well done. I wish there would have been more examples for how to provide autonomy support and nurture the competency and relatedness components — especially for one's self.

By Xinyuan X

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Mar 7, 2021

Great lecturer, content can be a bit repetitive at times. Watched the videos on 1.5 playback speed.

By Garima

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May 31, 2021

Prof. Ryan, abig thanks for making the course so much intresting, informative yet easy to sail through. I really liked the way course was delivered. i did the course I have deloped intrest in human well being amd I can say produdly that this is one of the nest things taht happend in this pandameic. I want to express my heartiest gratitute to prof Ryan and Courseera for offering this course. It has untangled many nots of dobuts which was not able to oprn from quite a some time. Again a big thanks.

By Zeynep B

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May 11, 2021

As a Coach, SDT brought me a very simple yet very useful perspective. From my coaching practices to my one to one relationships, I always look at these 3 basic psychological needs, to see where my team/coachees demotivated during a project or in interpersonal relationships. I am very very happy to meet SDT and hope to keep touch with SDT community for my and my coacheees self-development. I thank to Coursera to give me this opprtunity as well. Best! Zeynep B.

By Dawn M

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May 27, 2021

A good deal of content but well worth the effort. Given what the content so ably reveals, it leads a person to wonder why societies don't give this area more attention and sustained effort given the potential for multitudes of improvements across disciplines and societal arenas. Mental health, generally, doesn't seem to be a high enough priority for many societies and that is tragic for humanity overall.

By Muliani D

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Sep 16, 2020

This is definitely one of the best course I have ever taken online. The presenter presents the content in a very clear and simple manner. Not just that, the visual aids and notes provided help me to better connect with the material and resources. The links/reference shared are high quality and detailed, I definitely will keep them for future reference and knowledge sharing.

By Ann M

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Aug 2, 2021

I found this course to be challenging and informative. The professor was very clear and introduced a lot of scientific studies -- which he did well, emphasizing major points. I will be able to use this information personally as well as in my teaching and relationships with others. I highly recommend this course for any who are concerned about motivating others.

By Brendan M

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Sep 14, 2020

I loved this course. I think to fully appreciate it you need to buy the book on SDT that they recommend that accompanies it. It seems very simplistic at the start but when you read the text book you get an insight into the robust and important nature of the findings and also how it respects and integrates the other great psychological theories. Thanks!!

By Dr. W L

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Sep 23, 2021

It is a honor to participate in this course designed by Dr. Richard Ryan, a pioneer in studying SDT, and hear him talk about all his researches and findings about SDT over the years. I learn so much from this theory and feel even more validating to apply autonomy to my clients and my practice as a clinical psychologist which I have been doing.

By Marcia S

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Feb 22, 2021

Great course that helps you better understand motivation and how to use it. However, the Quiz were not perfectly laid out and caused quite some confusion with the answers being all over the page. Definitely learned a lot about motivation and wat drives people to excel and succeed when others support and encourage them

By Scott W

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Jan 10, 2022

I have a technology background so this course was outside my usual choice of course comfort zone. I'm very glad I completed it. This introductory course on SDT has increased my awareness of different ways people are motived. It has already had an affect on how I interact with family, friends, and coworkers.

By Jenni M

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Aug 12, 2021

I took this course to prepare for a public education session on self-determination of older adults who are connected with family or hired caregivers. This class is a helpful resource, and I plan to refer to the research throughout my presentation.

By Aedrian A

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Jan 18, 2021

This course elegantly presented the science behind the Self-Determination Theory by no less than one of its pioneers. The contents of this course and its implications have great potential for application in several settings to improve productivity.

By juan S

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Mar 31, 2021

A thoroughly enjoyable, useful and rewarding course to study. Just the right balance between video and reading. I will apply this new motivation theory in my workplace as the Learning and Development Manager in a large charity organisation.

By Cleydyr A

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Sep 28, 2020

Interesting introduction to SDT by one of the proposers and most prominent researchers on the theory. Good amount of examples and applications. Also, every lesson has links to rich material to deepen the understanding of the topic.

By Victor P

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Mar 30, 2021

An excellent introduction to Self-Determination Theory. Professor Ryan's videos are informative, insightful and well-organized. You'll want to read the corresponding chapters in the text to get the most out of this course however.

By Anderson B

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Jul 28, 2021

Um dos melhores cursos que já tive oportunidade de aprender, irei assistir novamente várias e várias vezes ainda. (One of the best courses I've ever had the opportunity to learn, I'll watch it again and again.)

By Aleksandra C

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Apr 3, 2021

Not an easy course, requires 100 % of attention, but this is how strong competiotion of knowledge is built. As not native English person I needed more time for week as predicted ( approx. one hour more).

By Andrés F Z Y

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Dec 20, 2020

Amazing course to learn about human motivation, development and wellnes. Also, for getting to know about research and resourses to promote them in different settings like education, sport or work.

By Mohd S

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May 21, 2022

Amazing course which covers psychological needs satisfaction over a wide range of cultures, socioeconomic statuses, professions, activities, skills and work settings.

By Sara A

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Nov 18, 2021

Brilliant course! one of the most amazing coursed I've completed in my entire life! Excellent professor and the material is beyong informative and exciting

By ChinMeng K

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May 20, 2021

I got interested in the SDT and decided on this course. Enjoyed every bit of it, and am still learning how to practice SDT in various life circumstances.

By Sridevi K

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May 9, 2021

This course is absolutely interesting and very informative! Everyone should know more about this theory and apply it in their everyday life :)

By Richard H

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Sep 16, 2020

An outstanding course, well designed and well presented. Recommended especially to anyone in the coaching profession. Dr. Ryan is the best.

By Natalya M K

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Oct 17, 2021

Well-structured and interesting course that provides an introduction to SDT and offers useful materials for further study.