The Self-Determination Scale (SDS)

Scale Description | The Scale

Download the complete packet for the Self-Determination Scale in a Word file

Scale Description

The Self-Determination Scale (SDS) was designed to assess individual differences in the extent to which people tend to function in a self-determined way. It is thus considered a relatively enduring aspect of people’s personalities which reflects (1) being more aware of their feelings and their sense of self, and (2) feeling a sense of choice with respect to their behavior. The SDS is a short, 10-item scale, with two 5-item subscales. The first subscale is awareness of oneself, and the second is perceived choice in one’s actions. The subscales can either be used separately or they can be combined into an overall SDS score.

Articles in which the SDS has been used.

Thrash, T. M., & Elliot, A. J. (2002). Implicit and self-attributed achievement motives: Concordance and predictive validity. Journal of Personality, 70, 729-755.
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Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R. M., & Reis, H. (1996). What makes for a good day? Competence and autonomy in the day and in the person. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 22, 1270-1279.
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Sheldon, K. M. (1995). Creativity and self-determination in personality. Creativity Research Journal, 8, 25-36.
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Elliot, A. J., & McGregor, H. A. (2001). A 2 X 2 achievement goal framework. Journal of Peronality and Social Psychology, 80, 501-519.
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