Cognitive Explanation of addiction - SDT

Question 1

3 basic human needs that are part of SDT

Answer 1

A need to feel competent

A sense of autonomy over one’s life

Relatedness (need to belong)

Question 2

When these three needs are met, one’s behavior is…

Answer 2

intrinsically motivated

Question 3

When these three needs are not met, one’s behavior is…

Answer 3

externally motivated

Question 4

Talk about level of a sense of autonomy over one’s life in relation to addiction

Answer 4

Individuals with a high internal locus of control (a sense of control over their lives and their environment) are less likely to engage in heavy substance use or fall for social pressure. This concept goes both ways.

Question 5

Wong & Rowland (2013)

Answer 5

Aim: Investigate the role of autonomy in alcohol consumption among American University students.

Procedure: over 600 students completed a series of online questionnaires as a part of a larger longitudinal study regarding substance use.

Findings: They found that students with a higher sense of autonomy were more likely to report that they did not drink in the last 6 months. Conversely, those who had a lower sense of autonomy, were more likely to report that they had drunk.

Question 6

a sense of autonomy over one’s life meaning

Answer 6

feeling that your life is under your own control

Question 7

1 pro of SDT

Answer 7

Complex theory that takes a holistic view of an individual’s behavior

Question 8

3 cons of SDT

Answer 8

Variables of “intrinsic” and “extrinsic” motivation are hard to measure (low construct validity)

Evidence for the theory is highly reliant on surveys and questionnaires.

Unclear how the 3 factors in SDT (autonomy, competency, relatedness) interact to produce behavior.