The concept of basic psychological needs: An explanatory approach to the positive effects of well-being and intrinsic motivation in teaching and learning

Studies on the impact of well-being and intrinsic motivation on learning do not yield consistent results. The author advocates the thesis that a lasting positive effect on learning is only to be expected if the experience-related qualities connected with the state of well-being and instrinsic motivation can be interpreted as the feedback of a subconciously active system of motivation and control based on basic psychological needs. Since the concept of basic needs and its theoretical foundation within the theories of motivation developed by Nuttin as well as by Deci and Ryan is only little known, the article sketches the major premises and the most important arguments referred to by both theories in their foundation of the postulate of basic needs. It becomes evident that the two theories correspond to a high degree in their central assumptions despite the fact that they evolved more or less independently. In a final part, the author discusses some of the conclusions which can be drawn regarding the explanation of the differential effect of well-being and intrinsic motivation.