Novelty as a basic psychological need in the educational context

Abstract

The teaching style adopted by teachers is a determining factor in student motivation for learning. In light of the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT), understood as a subtheory of the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), three fundamental psychological needs support self-determined motivation and well-being: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Recently, novelty has been proposed as a potential fourth basic psychological need, including in educational contexts such as Physical Education. The present study, of a theoretical nature and outlined as a literature review, aimed to critically analyze the inclusion of novelty as a basic psychological need in light of the criteria established by the BPNT. The evidence gathered suggests that the need for novelty has conceptual and empirical foundations that qualify it as a possible complement to the basic needs already established in SDT. The argumentative thesis of the articles analyzed indicates that satisfaction with novelty is an important variable for the promotion of self-determined motivation and well-being in educational and physical exercise contexts, justifying its consideration as a fourth basic psychological need in Self-Determination Theory. However, the need for additional empirical investigations, especially longitudinal studies, that explore the satisfaction and frustration of the need for novelty over time is highlighted.