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Key moments and achievements from Edward Deci's life.
Edward was born
· Rochester, New York, U.S.
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Deci joined the University of Rochester psychology department in 1970, beginning a career at the institution that would span his entire academic life. He became Professor of Psychology and Gowen Professor in the Social Sciences, and directed the Human Motivation Program.
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Deci joined the University of Rochester psychology department in 1970, beginning a career at the institution that would span his entire academic life. He became Professor of Psychology and Gowen Professor in the Social Sciences, and directed the Human Motivation Program.
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In 1971, Deci published his seminal paper on the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation, demonstrating that external rewards could actually undermine peoples internal drive. This groundbreaking finding spawned decades of collaborative research and challenged conventional assumptions about motivation.
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In 1971, Deci published his seminal paper on the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation, demonstrating that external rewards could actually undermine peoples internal drive. This groundbreaking finding spawned decades of collaborative research and challenged conventional assumptions about motivation.
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Together with University of Rochester colleague Richard Ryan, Deci co-founded Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which became among the most cited theories in the history of psychology. The theory identified autonomy, competence, and relatedness as fundamental human psychological needs.
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Together with University of Rochester colleague Richard Ryan, Deci co-founded Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which became among the most cited theories in the history of psychology. The theory identified autonomy, competence, and relatedness as fundamental human psychological needs.
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In 1985, Deci and Ryan published Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior, the foundational text of Self-Determination Theory. The book laid out the theoretical framework that would influence education, healthcare, psychotherapy, and organizational management worldwide.
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In 1985, Deci and Ryan published Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior, the foundational text of Self-Determination Theory. The book laid out the theoretical framework that would influence education, healthcare, psychotherapy, and organizational management worldwide.
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In 1991, Deci published Why We Do What We Do, a widely accessible book that brought the insights of Self-Determination Theory to a general audience. The book explained how supporting peoples autonomy leads to greater motivation, creativity, and well-being.
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In 1991, Deci published Why We Do What We Do, a widely accessible book that brought the insights of Self-Determination Theory to a general audience. The book explained how supporting peoples autonomy leads to greater motivation, creativity, and well-being.
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Self-Determination Theory became widely applied across diverse settings worldwide, influencing how people are taught, treated, motivated, and supported in education, healthcare, psychotherapy, organizational life, and public policy. The theorys global impact represents one of psychologys most significant practical contributions.
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Self-Determination Theory became widely applied across diverse settings worldwide, influencing how people are taught, treated, motivated, and supported in education, healthcare, psychotherapy, organizational life, and public policy. The theorys global impact represents one of psychologys most significant practical contributions.
Edward Deci passed away
