teacher attrition

Self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) is a meta-theory that operates across contexts, such as competitive athletics, performing arts, healthcare, the workplace, parenting, and education. Building upon DeCharms’ (1968) concept of personal causation, SDT posits three universal human needs: 1) Autonomy represents a manifestation of a perceived internal locus of control for actions. 2) Competence represents a perceived expectation of performing activities at a prescribed level. 3) Relatedness concerns how individuals develop emotional connections with significant others. Social factors, such as parenting and education, can either support or thwart quality motivation. During the past 40 years, SDT researchers have shown how the quality of motivation diminishes when those in charge (parents, teachers, managers) use controlling rather than autonomy-supportive techniques. They pressure, demand, cajole, coerce, and seduce us to behave in ways that benefit them, undermining a more genuine or intrinsic form of motivation. Self-determination explains the process of internalizing extrinsic goals from amotivation to external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, integrated regulation, and intrinsic motivation.

Positive psychology, founded by psychologist Martin Seligman, is a scientific approach to studying and promoting human flourishing. It focuses on understanding and enhancing positive emotions, strengths, and virtues that contribute to optimal well-being and happiness. Shifting from traditional psychology's emphasis on addressing mental illness, positive psychology aims to build thriving individuals, communities, and societies. Core elements of positive psychology include cultivating positive emotions, fostering engagement in activities that promote flow, developing and leveraging character strengths, nurturing positive relationships, and pursuing a sense of meaning and purpose. By integrating these elements, positive psychology seeks to elevate life satisfaction, resilience, and overall mental health. This innovative field has been applied across various domains, including education, workplace, therapy, and personal growth, providing practical tools and interventions to empower individuals to lead more fulfilling, happier lives.

Flow theory, formulated by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, investigates the optimal state of human consciousness known as "flow." This mental state is marked by profound focus, enjoyment, and total immersion in an activity, often culminating in peak performance. Flow is achieved by harmonizing the challenge of a task with an individual's skill level, fostering increased motivation, creativity, and satisfaction. Key components of flow include a sense of timelessness, where one loses track of time due to deep engagement, and the optimal challenge, where the task is neither too easy nor too difficult. Flow also entails having clear goals, immediate feedback, and a sense of personal control over the activity. Additionally, it often involves merging action and awareness, leading to an effortless concentration on the task at hand. Flow theory has been applied across various fields, such as sports, arts, education, and business, with the aim of boosting productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. Understanding and fostering flow can lead to enhanced performance and personal fulfillment in both professional and personal pursuits.

Positive psychology, founded by psychologist Martin Seligman, is a scientific approach to studying and promoting human flourishing. It focuses on understanding and enhancing positive emotions, strengths, and virtues that contribute to optimal well-being and happiness. Shifting from traditional psychology's emphasis on addressing mental illness, positive psychology aims to build thriving individuals, communities, and societies. Core elements of positive psychology include cultivating positive emotions, fostering engagement in activities that promote flow, developing and leveraging character strengths, nurturing positive relationships, and pursuing a sense of meaning and purpose. By integrating these elements, positive psychology seeks to elevate life satisfaction, resilience, and overall mental health. This innovative field has been applied across various domains, including education, workplace, therapy, and personal growth, providing practical tools and interventions to empower individuals to lead more fulfilling, happier lives.