Relationship Motivation Theory: Motivation, Development, and Wellness. New York: Guilford Press

Relationship Motivation Theory is an extension of Self-Determination Theory and Basic Psychological Needs Theory that focuses on how close relationships satisfy needs of wellbeing and intrinsic motivation. It states that when relationships support autonomy, competence, and relatedness, individuals experience optimal functioning and well-being. Fulfillment of relatedness alone is not enough - autonomous and competence needs must also be supported by close others. The theory also describes how autonomy is fulfilled through freedom of choice in relationships and that relationships are based on mutual understanding and support between both members.

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Relationship Motivation Theory: Motivation, Development, and Wellness. New York: Guilford Press

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Minza Jehangir

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RELATIONSHIP MOTIVATION THEORY

It is the latest sub-theory of self-determination theory and extended version of basic

psychological need theory on interpersonal relation context, which focuses on the importance of
close relations that plays a vital role in satisfying the needs of wellbeing and intrinsic motivation.
This states that when three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness
are supported by social relations (i.e. Family, friends, or partner) it brings up optimal satisfaction
of functioning and well-being (Deci & Ryan, 2014)This theory describes that it is essential to
have the support of a close relationship for satisfying the relatedness need of BPNT.
In BPNT relatedness is defined as the desire of staying connected with significant others.
However, fulfillment of relatedness is not enough for the highest level of satisfaction when along
with relatedness need other psychological needs autonomous or competence are also supported
by the close ones. According to (Ryan & Deci, 2017), people will have optimal satisfaction
when BPNT assumptions meet and improve their relationships, enhances attachment security,
and mental wellbeing. It is the natural tendency of humans to feel care, love, or a sense of
significance that highlights the importance of having interpersonal relations.
Further, the theory elaborates autonomy in the social context that when an individual is coming
into the relationship through their freedom of choice instead of force (perceived behavior
control) more their need of relationship is being fulfilled and experience full potential level of
self-development. For example, if a college student has given an option of choosing their
teachers for a specific course then productivity will be more because they selected teachers with
their freedom of choice.
Lastly, there should be a given and take in a relationship. The theory tells that people make close
relationships on mutual understanding, so both the members equally expect that they will be
cared for, or supported by their partner. According to (Legault, 2017), if an individual wants to
experience real support from his/her partner then he/she will not only desire that only their need
of relatedness should be satisfied but also they will like to give unconditional support and respect
in exchange. Thus dynamic of interpersonal relationships is difficult to understand and involving
a lot of effort into bringing to the optimal level.
References.
Deci, E., & Ryan, R. (2014). Autonomy and Need Satisfaction in Close Relationships:
Relationships Motivation Theory. In (pp. 53-73).
Legault, L. (2017). Self-Determination Theory. In.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in
motivation, development, and wellness. New York: Guilford Press.