-
Essay / Self-Determination Theory and Childhood Obesity: A...
With Self-Determination Theory, in order to be considered a "successful and functioning self", it is essential that people achieve satisfaction in three universal necessities which are as follows: competence, autonomy and relationship. According to the article Self-Determination Theory and Actualization of Human Potential (2013), “competence is the ability to effectively interact with a person's environment, relatedness is the need to establish close emotional bonds and secure with significant others and to feel part of collectives such as hobbies or political groups or even culture, and autonomy is said to be the feeling of choice, will and volition when a person self comprises”. That being said, it is also important to develop the crucial autonomous behaviors that support oneself so that a person is truly "fully functioning", which will directly relate to the issue of physical activity in youth and the factors which can contribute or help motivate them to become more physically active and lead an overall healthier and more balanced life.