Self determination is the cognitive process by which a person controls their life and makes their own choices, free from external coercion. This fundamental human capacity is central to psychological well-being, motivation, and overall flourishing, impacting areas like intrinsic motivation, proactive behavior, and personal agency. Academically, the study of self determination spans developmental psychology, social psychology, and political science, examining its origins, influences, and consequences across the lifespan and within societal structures. Practically, understanding and fostering self determination is crucial in fields such as education, healthcare, and organizational leadership, promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness – key tenets of Self-Determination Theory. Related concepts include autonomy support, locus of control, empowerment, volition, and personal causation, all contributing to a nuanced understanding of individual agency and its impact on goal pursuit and life satisfaction. In this section of our website, we provide a comprehensive library featuring the latest graduation theses, master’s dissertations, and doctoral theses covering self determination, available for download in PDF format.


