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2 - Optimal relationships as mutual fulfillment of self-determination theory’s basic psychological needs

from Part I - Major theoretical perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2016

By
C. Raymond Knee ,
Benjamin W. Hadden  and
Zachary Baker
Edited by
C. Raymond Knee  and
Harry T. Reis
C. Raymond Knee
Affiliation:
University of Houston
Harry T. Reis
Affiliation:
University of Rochester, New York
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Summary

This chapter examines how self-determination theory’s concept of basic psychological needs, and the interpersonal processes and mechanisms that stem from mutual need fulfillment, offer a novel and integrative perspective on optimal relationship development. We first present self-determination theory’s perspective on basic psychological needs. We then discuss how need fulfillment facilitates true-self involvement and self-determined relationship motivation, along with their downstream relationship benefits. Finally, we offer an integration of SDT with several major theoretical perspectives, concepts, and mechanisms on optimal close relationships (presented in this volume) to illustrate the utility and explanatory power of this framework.
Type
Chapter
Information
Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development , pp. 30 - 55
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2016

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