Differentiating Relatedness and Belonging: Implications for Self-Determination Theory

• In Event: Broadening Perspectives on Belonging

Abstract

Self Determination Theory (SDT) is a motivational theory that posits the satisfaction of three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) can lead to intrinsic motivation. Within SDT, there is a dearth of research on relatedness. This has led to inconsistent definitions throughout articles defining relatedness with it often being equated to or defined the same as belongingness. This study is a systematic review including 180 articles that both define and measure relatedness attempting to provide insight to how relatedness is defined, and how it is differentiated from belongingness. Aspects of individual connections or community belonging were identified as a point of divergence between relatedness and belongingness definitions and a near even split was found in articles defining relatedness.

Authors

• Joseph Sireci, University of Oklahoma

• Kanvarbir Gill, University of Oklahoma

• H. Michael Crowson, University of Oklahoma