Freedom vs. Fear: On the Defense, Growth, and Expansion of the Self
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2003
Keywords
self-determination theory, terror management theory, self, freedom, fear
Abstract
The authors believe that by specifying how the defense motives emphasized by terror management theory (TMT) and the acquisitive motives emphasized by self-determination theory (SDT) interact, a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of human behavior can be achieved. Although these 2 motive systems operate according to different principles, and sometimes orient the individual toward different goals, human behavior results from the dialectic interplay between them. To elucidate this interplay, the authors outline the conceptualization of the workings of these 2 systems, consider how each system can facilitate and interfere with the other, and discuss ways in which defensive needs can be served while allowing the individuals to optimize their creative potential and freedom.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Freedom vs. Fear: On the Defense, Growth, and Expansion of the Self, in M. R. Leary & J. P. Tangeny (Eds.), Handbook of Self and Identity, Guilford Press, p. 314-343
Scholar Commons Citation
Pyszczynski, Tom; Greenberg, Jeff; and Goldenberg, Jamie L., "Freedom vs. Fear: On the Defense, Growth, and Expansion of the Self" (2003). Psychology Faculty Publications. 1519.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/psy_facpub/1519
