Motivating disengaged and disenchanted adolescents: A literature review

Abstract

Self-determination theory, which focuses on autonomy, competence, and relatedness, needs to be modified to include a fourth essential psychological need: aesthetic experience. The following literature review uses a practical frame, in the form of the profiles of two adolescents, to review the literature which supports this notion. The goal of this work is to provide informed examples of how to support disengaged and disenchanted adolescents. Supported by the literature, the author outlines the rationality and benefits of modifying the current framework, and areas of future research are identified.