Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness: Single Case Study

Self-determination Theory (SDT) is a theory of human motivation, personality development and wellness in social contexts. It proposes that all human beings have three basic psychological needs – the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness – the fulfilment of which is considered necessary and essential to vital, healthy human functioning. The present study assesses these three psychological needs of a 20 year old female using the Indian Adaptation of the Thematic Apperception Test (Choudhury, U., 1960). The results show the presence of the need for competence and relatedness, while the need for autonomy is only being partially fulfilled. There is presence of an environmental press of lack and loss and in spite of this there is hope and a striving to achieve her goals.