Tibak: A Self-Determination Theory Approach to Understanding Motivations of Student Activists

Abstract

Students from the University of the Philippines are the usual participants of social movements. Amidst the fact that student activists in the Philippines are facing a decline in number, there are still those who are very dedicated .in their participation in social movements. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that motivate the students to participate in social movements and whether these are self-determined by looking into the satisfaction of their basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and their behavior regulations (external, introjected, identified, integrated). The study employed a quantitative approach in understanding the phenomenon. Two scales were used to measure the variables to be studied, namely: The Basic Needs Satisfaction, and The Self-Regulation Scale, that were also used in different studies on work and ]earning motivation, and exercise. Forty (40) respondents participated in the study, half of which are male, and the remaining half, female, by answering the self-administered questionnaire. Scale results were analyzed using SPSS, following the established scoring procedures of the scales. It has been found out that the motivations of students who participate in social movements are self-determined. This result confirmed the assumptions of the theory that individuals are :motivated specifically because the behavior that they engage in fulfils their need of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The fulfilment of these needs is also supported by the different behavior regulations that the students use in perceiving their membership and participation in social movements. The findings give significance to the development of the psychological well-being of the students who participate in social movements. This study attempted to use Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory of motivation as it was applied in different research domains such as education, work, and exercise. Confirmation of the theory's assumptions in this study adds to its applicability to other areas of studies as well.