17/03/2026
Last month, a bright spark in the universe went out. To say the impact of Edward Deci, along with Richard Ryan, and their work on self-determination was expansive and significant to my understanding of motivation and human development is insufficient at best.
Deci’s seminal exploration of the negative impact of rewards and punishment processes on human motivation, performance and self-actualisation were revelatory during my Masters project and encouraged me to explore self-determination theory more deeply. What followed was no less than foundational structuring of both my practical approach in my PhD work, and a recognition of a philosophy of human striving and growth that is energising and empowering my model and practice. His work guided me through imagining an alternative approach to working with ADHD to understanding the lived experience from an entirely new perspective.
I was honoured to hear him speak in 2019 at my first SDT conference, and to see him warmly greet attendees and speakers at the conference in 2023. I am infinitely grateful for his dedication to building an evidence base for human flourishing and am more determined than ever that the reach and impact of his work will change and strengthen the lives of many.
I look forward to the conference this summer, where his life and work will continue to be celebrated.
