Self-Determination Theory and the Educational Motivations of the Recently Incarcerated

The primary research objective of this qualitative study is to determine if self-determination theory is applicable to the population of the recently incarcerated. If it is applicable, self-determination theory may be a new method of examining the educational motivations of prisoners and the recently incarcerated. Twelve subjects from the western region of Virginia were interviewed. Each had been in prison for more than six months within the past five years; each also held a general education diploma or equivalent. Subject responses were coded via the three major tenets of self-determination theory: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. Additionally, the researcher coded language that indicated a motivation as well as external and internal motivation. The results should assist researchers in determining the efficacy of applying self-determination theory to the specific population of the recently incarcerated.