Which theory emphasizes autonomy, relatedness, and competence as fundamental needs in motivation?

• A. Self-Determination Theory
• B. Motivational Interviewing
• C. Health Belief Model
• D. Transtheoretical Model

Answer: (A)

Motivation is strongest when three basic psychological needs are satisfied. Self-Determination Theory centers on autonomy (feeling in control of one’s actions), relatedness (feeling connected to others), and competence (feeling effective in what you do). When these needs are met, people are more intrinsically motivated, engaged, and likely to sustain their actions. This is why Self-Determination Theory is the best fit here: it explicitly identifies these three needs as the core drivers of motivation. The other theories focus on different ideas—one is a counseling approach aimed at eliciting change talk, another emphasizes beliefs about health threats and benefits, and another describes stages of readiness to change—none of which pin motivation to the trio of basic psychological needs.