15. SDT Mini-Theories Continued: Continuum of Motivation, Personality Aspects, Goal Orientations, and Relationships

This chapter introduces the balance of the mini-theories of self-determination theory. First is the concept that motivation is not a dichotomous construct (intrinsic or extrinsic). SDT researchers have confirmed that there are actually differing levels of extrinsic motivation and should be viewed as being on a continuum. They found that extrinsic motivations can become more self-regulated through a process known as internalization. The next SDT mini-theory, causality orientations theory (COT) provides an explanation to that question and pertains to personal characteristics that determine how people uniquely perceive and organize information. They have identified three distinct personality types, referred to as causality orientations. While these orientations are relatively stable aspects of our personality, we all possess levels of these orientations to some degree depending upon the environment. Goal orientations are also integral to motivation and well-being. SDT researchers found that desiring and achieving some goals satisfied basic psychological needs of autonomy, competency, and relatedness while others did not. Finally, the latest mini-theory to be added to SDT, relationship motivation theory (RMT), focuses on our perceptions about the basis of our relationships.