# Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior

- **Authors**: Edward L. Deci, Richard M. Ryan
- **Year**: 1985
- **Summary**: This book is a foundational text for Self-Determination Theory (SDT). It argues that humans have three innate psychological needs: autonomy (the need to feel in control of one's own behaviors and goals), competence (the need to gain mastery of tasks and learn different skills), and relatedness (the need to experience a sense of belonging and attachment to other people). The theory suggests that fulfilling these needs fosters the highest quality forms of motivation and engagement, especially intrinsic motivation.
- **Link**: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9780306420221
