Setting the stage: social-environmental and motivational predictors of optimal training engagement

In this paper, we will firstly explore the central tenets of SDT. Research that has examined the social-environmental and motivation-related correlates of optimal training, performance and health-related engagement through the theoretical lens of SDT will be reviewed. Drawing from SDT-driven work undertaken in educational, sport and dance settings, we will draw conclusions and suggest future directions from a research and applied perspective

The development of the five mini-theories of self-determination theory: an historical overview, emerging trends, and future directions

Self-determination theory is a macro-theory of human motivation, emotion, and personality that has been under development for 40 years following the seminal work of Edward Deci and Richard Ryan. Self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985b, 2000; Niemiec, Ryan, & Deci, in press; Ryan & Deci, 2000; Vansteenkiste, Ryan, & Deci, 2008) has been advanced in a cumulative, research-driven manner, as new ideas have been naturally and steadily integrated into the theory following sufficient empirical support, which has helped SDT maintain its internal consistency. To use a metaphor, the development of SDT is similar to the construction of a puzzle. Over the years, new pieces have been added to the theory once their fit was determined. At present, dozens of scholars throughout the world continue to add their piece to the ‘‘SDT puzzle,’’ and hundreds of practitioners working with all age groups, and in various domains and cultures, have used SDT to inform their practice. Herein, we provide an historical overview of the development of the five mini-theories (viz., cognitive evaluation theory, organismic integration theory, causality orientations theory, basic needs theory, and goal content theory) that constitute SDT, discuss emerging trends within those mini-theories, elucidate similarities with and differences from other theoretical frameworks, and suggest directions for future researc

Towards a comprehensive model of managers wellbeing: The role of self-determination theory

The present study extends the testing of dimensions from self determination theory (SDT) to include the three facilitators (global aspirations, mindfulness and global motivation), the three needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence and relatedness), and perceived autonomous support (PAS) towards the wellbeing of 386 New Zealand managers. The theory suggests that individuals with higher SDT dimensions will achieve greater motivation and wellbeing, although few studies test more than one dimension. Findings showed that global aspirations reduced negative affect, while mindfulness, global motivations and PAS increased life satisfaction, positive affect, and subjective wellbeing, and reduced negative effect. Of the three needs satisfaction, autonomy increased life satisfaction and subjective wellbeing, while competence increased positive affect and subjective wellbeing, and reduced negative effect. In addition, PAS was tested as a moderator of facilitators and needs satisfaction and a number of significant interactions were found, generally providing support for PAS enhancing the beneficial nature of the SDT dimensions. Overall, the study provides evidence of superior wellbeing outcomes for organizations and employees encompassing SDT dimensions, including the interaction effects of PAS

Detection of large magneto-anisotropy of electron spin dephasing in a high-mobility two-dimensional electron system in a [001][001] GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well

In time-resolved Faraday rotation experiments we have detected an inplane anisotropy of the electron spin-dephasing time (SDT) in an $n$--modulation-doped GaAs/Al$_{0.3}$Ga$_{0.7}$As single quantum well. The SDT was measured with magnetic fields of $B\le 1$ T, applied in the $[110]$ and $[1\bar{1}0]$ inplane crystal directions of the GaAs quantum well. For fields along $[1\bar{1}0]$, we have found an up to a factor of about 2 larger SDT than in the perpendicular direction. Fully microscopic calculations, by numerically solving the kinetic spin Bloch equations considering the D'yakonov-Perel' and the Bir-Aronov-Pikus mechanisms, reproduce the experimental findings quantitatively. This quantitative analysis of the data allowed us to determine the relative strengths of Rashba and Dresselhaus terms in our sample. Moreover, we could estimate the SDT for spins aligned in the $[110]$ {\em inplane} direction to be on the order of several nanoseconds, which is up to two orders of magnitude larger than that in the perpendicular {\em inplane} direction.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, to be published in PR

Trade preferences and differential treatment of developing countries : a selective survey

Nonreciprocal trade preferences and provisions in the GATT/WTO that allow developing countries greater leeway to retain or use protectionist policies are two of the central planks of so-called special and differential treatment (SDT) for developing countries in the multilateral trading system. The authors survey the literature on the rationales, institutional features, and economic effectiveness of SDT. A large literature has emerged on SDT in the past 50 years, by both proponents and opponents. They summarize a number of key contributions on the subject, with a special emphasis on the evaluation of the impact of SDT, especially preferential market access. The issue of SDT has become very topical again, following a period during which it was viewed as an outdated concept for the multilateral trading system. The authors therefore devote attention as well to a number of recent contributions that discuss (1) whetherthere is a continued need for SDT, and (2) how this might be designed from both a development (recipient) objective and from the perspective of the trading system more generally. A major theme of the survey is that most of the issues that are debated today were already being discussed in the 1960s. The authors conclude that those who questioned the value of unilateral preferences have proven to be prescient.TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT,Environmental Economics&Policies,Economic Theory&Research,Trade Policy,Trade and Regional Integration

The motivational pull of video game feedback, rules, and social interaction: Another self-determination theory approach

This paper argues that most video game enjoyment can be understood in terms of the type of feedback used, the rules set out by the game and the social elements of the game - concepts that have been identified as critical to video games. Self-determination theory (SDT) is used as a lens for understanding the mechanism by which these traits might lead to enjoyment. Specifically, the argument is that feedback, rules, and social elements of games will fulfill the dimensions of SDT - competence autonomy, and relatedness. Then, the dimensions of SDT will predict enjoyment. Participants were presented with a game that emphasized feedback, rules, or social elements. Games that emphasized flexible rules led to feelings of competence while games that emphasized social elements led to feelings of relatedness. Competence and elatedness then led to feelings of enjoyment. In doing so, this study identifies key elements of video games while illuminating ways to understand video game enjoyment

Special Treatment and Policy Space for the Developing Economies in the Multilateral Trade Regime

The contemporary multilateral trading system comprises members ranging from high- to very low-income countries; this range has a bearing on the operations of the multilateral trade regime. Presence of a large number of low-income members is the new systemic reality. Special and differential treatment (SDT) has operated for the developing economies, principally for the small, low-income ones, for many decades. The concept of SDT grew in three basic stages, on which this article elaborates. Theoretically this concept was meaningful and significant, but in reality it has not engendered substantial benefits to the intended beneficiary groups, the developing economies. The Uruguay and the Doha Rounds of multilateral trade negotiations (MTNs) reaffirmed faith in SDT. The Doha Development Agenda (DDA) was clear about reaffirming the importance of SDT to the multilateral trade regime and referred to it as an integral part of the WTO Agreement. During the Fifth Ministerial Conference in Cancún and the subsequent WTO meeting in Geneva in July 2004, small developing countries held together as the Group-of-Ninety (G-90). They made their presence felt in the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference as well. As SDT has not spawned large benefits for the target groups of countries, there is a pressing need to refine the concept. Academics and policy makers have debated over what future shape SDT should take so that it will be able to meet the expected goals. Taking these concerns into account, this article presents a comprehensive set of recommendations.International Relations/Trade,