Self-Determination Theory: A Triad Of Needs
Introduction
Self-Determination theory is a heavily studied aspect of cognitive psychology — it deals with the “why” behind motivation. In this article, we will describe the main idea about the theory: the SDT Triad of Needs.
Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness
Even though successful people constantly seem motivated, their motivation does not simply come out of thin air. Self-Determination theory proposes that the “fuel” of motivation comes from stabilized emotional needs. There are three: Motivation, Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness.
1. Autonomy:
2. Competence:
3. Relatedness:
When all three emotional needs are stable, motivation feels natural and sustainable. When one is missing, motivation starts to weaken — oftentimes, the frustration of one need leads to another, ultimately leading to a complete collapse of motivation.
Introduction
Self-Determination theory is a heavily studied aspect of cognitive psychology — it deals with the “why” behind motivation. In this article, we will describe the main idea about the theory: the SDT Triad of Needs.
Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness
Even though successful people constantly seem motivated, their motivation does not simply come out of thin air. Self-Determination theory proposes that the “fuel” of motivation comes from stabilized emotional needs. There are three: Motivation, Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness.
1. Autonomy:
- Sounds like “I get to choose”. Feels like being trusted (by yourself and others).
- You feel motivated when you have some say in what you’re doing, or at least understand why you’re doing it.
- The start of motivation, as it comes intrinsically.
2. Competence:
- Sounds like “I’m getting better”. Feels like confidence in one’s skill.
- Motivation grows when you feel capable, improving, and steady.
3. Relatedness:
- Sounds like “I’m not alone in this”. Feels like being cared about.
- We’re more motivated when we feel supported, understood, or connected to others.
When all three emotional needs are stable, motivation feels natural and sustainable. When one is missing, motivation starts to weaken — oftentimes, the frustration of one need leads to another, ultimately leading to a complete collapse of motivation.
Contributed by Adrian Zhang, 02/2026.
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