Testing Self-Determination Theory via Nigerian and Indian adolescents

Abstract

We tested the generalizability of five propositions derived from Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000) using school-aged adolescents living in India ( N = 926) and Nigeria ( N = 363). Consistent with past U.S. research, perceived teacher autonomy-support predicted students’ basic need-satisfaction in the classroom and also predicted positive class evaluations. The three basic needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness also predicted positive class evaluations, and furthermore predicted students’ general life-satisfaction. Also, balance among the three needs had positive associations with life-satisfaction independent of the amount of need-satisfaction. Finally, perceived maternal and paternal autonomy-support both predicted life-satisfaction. Support was also found for two demographic hypotheses: older students perceived less autonomy-support from parents and teachers, and Indian students reported greater life-satisfaction than Nigerian students.