Living well: a self-determination theory perspective on eudaimonia |
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Authors: | Richard M Ryan Veronika Huta Edward L Deci |
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Institution: | (1) University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA |
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Abstract: | This article distinguishes between hedonic and eudaimonic approaches to wellness, with the former focusing on the outcome
of happiness or pleasure and the latter focusing not so much on outcomes as on the process of living well. We present a model
of eudaimonia that is based in self-determination theory, arguing that eudaimonic living can be characterized in terms of
four motivational concepts: (1) pursuing intrinsic goals and values for their own sake, including personal growth, relationships,
community, and health, rather than extrinsic goals and values, such as wealth, fame, image, and power; (2) behaving in autonomous,
volitional, or consensual ways, rather than heteronomous or controlled ways; (3) being mindful and acting with a sense of
awareness; and (4) behaving in ways that satisfy basic psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy. In fact,
we theorize that the first three of these aspects of eudaimonic living have their positive effects of psychological and physical
wellness because they facilitate satisfaction of these basic, universal psychological needs. Studies indicate that people
high in eudaimonic living tend to behave in more prosocial ways, thus benefiting the collective as well as themselves, and
that conditions both within the family and in society more generally contribute toward strengthening versus diminishing the
degree to which people live eudaimonic lives. |
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Keywords: | autonomy awareness happiness intrinsic aspirations mindfulness self-determination theory the good life wellness |
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