Eugene Lee Davids & Nicolette Vanessa Roman 
Self-Determination Theory [PDF ebook] 
A Family Perspective

Nicolette V. Roman is an Associate Professor heading the Child and Family Studies Programme in the Social Work Department at the University of the Western Cape. She has a Ph D in Psychology and has an interest in the area of child and family wellbeing focusing on the parent-child relationship. As a past itinerant educator and child development lecturer, she has a keen interest in the development of children and creating an environment, which is conducive for child growth, development and wellbeing. Currently she supervises masters and Ph D students who are developing various intervention strategies to improve child and family wellbeing. She has published chapters in two international books on parenting. Professor Roman has also been a keynote speaker on topics regarding resilient families, diverse parenting in South Africa and responsible fatherhood at seminar and conference presentations arranged by the Department of Social Development. She has also been involved in the finalisation of the new Family Policy and participates in the Family Forum. The theory of self-determination is an evidence-based theory that has been shifted from a conceptual perspective to practical implementation for the past four decades. The theory is grounded within positive psychology and has the basic assumption that every human being has the motivation and potential to be psychologically sound. In order to attain a state of psychological wellness, our basic psychological needs, which are the desire for autonomy, relatedness and competence, must be satisfied. If these needs are attained, people are therefore motivated to function optimally and at their fullest potential. In addition to satisfying basic human psychological needs, a supportive environment is required as well. In the case of this book, the family is presented in each chapter as the hypothetical environment for optimal functioning of the individual. The chapters highlight the role of family structure, family conflict, family involvement, adverse experiences within the family, parenting styles and practices. Self-Determination Theory: A Family Perspective includes reviews and primary research studies from authors in South Africa, Portugal, Belgium and Nigeria.Target Audience:This book is aimed at parents, researchers, policy and programme specialist, theorists, psychologists, social workers, academics and health professionals.