[wallflower]

> The findings in this study support Self-Determination Theory, a well-established theory of human motivation developed by two of the paper's authors, Deci and fellow University psychologist Richard Ryan.

"well-established" makes me think that this article functions more as a PR piece for SDT. However, I've never heard of SDT befor reading this article, and I find SDT interesting as it seems to be a functional lens through which to study basic human needs - like the need for relationships.

"SDT suggests that there are three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness that underlie growth and development"

"[Self-Determination Theory] begins with the assumption that people are active organisms, with innate tendencies toward psychological growth and development, who strive to master ongoing challenges and to integrate their experiences into a coherent sense of self. This natural human tendency does not operate automatically, however, but instead requires ongoing nutriments and supports from the social environment in order to function effectively."

http://www.psych.rochester.edu/SDT/theory.php