The Relationship Between Self-Determination and Positive Personality Characteristics

Abstract

<p>The aim of this thesis was to examine the relationship between self-determination, as described by Self-Determination Theory, with positive personality characteristics. An associated aim was to test whether positive affect might be a mediator in these relationships. The Broaden and Build Theory presents a foundation for the expectation that positive affect might be a connection between greater self-determination and a higher level of positive characteristics. </p> <p>Five studies (reported in four separate manuscripts in journal article format) comprised the program of research. Study 1 was a quantitative meta-analysis of correlational effect sizes between intrinsic motivation and positive and negative affect reported in a number of studies. Study 2 was a quantitative meta-analysis of correlational effect sizes between basic need satisfaction and positive and negative affect found in a number of studies. Study 3 had two components. First, a correlational analysis examined the relationships between intrinsic motivation, positive affect, and positive personality characteristics, including self-compassion, empathy, self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and character strengths" and also assessed whether positive affect was a mediator in the relationships between intrinsic motivation and the positive characteristics. The second component of the study was an experimental intervention, which aimed to increase intrinsic motivation and assessed the resulting impact on positive affect and self-compassion, a selected positive personality characteristic. Study 4 included a correlational analysis, which examined the relationships between basic needs satisfaction, positive affect, and positive personality characteristics" and also assessed whether positive affect might be a mediator in the relationships between basic needs satisfaction and positive personality characteristics. Study 5 consisted of an experimental intervention, which aimed to increase basic need satisfaction and assessed the impact of this on positive affect and selfefficacy, a selected positive personality characteristic.</p> <p>The results across studies suggested that greater self-determination, represented by intrinsic motivation and basic needs satisfaction, is related to a higher level of positive personality characteristics, and that positive affect is a mediator in this relationship. Further, the experimental components of the studies provided some evidence of a causal relationship between intrinsic motivation and self-compassion, and basic need satisfaction and self-efficacy, with positive affect being a mediator in these relationships. This set of studies advances theoretical understanding of Self-Determination Theory and adds to empirical findings regarding self-determination, positive affect, and positive psychological outcomes. The findings have implications for positive psychology interventions, specifically for those focused on facilitating positive personality characteristics.</p>