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The University of Jordan (UJ) has officially launched a new international research group dedicated to exploring human motivation and autonomy. The newly established group centers its efforts on studying intrinsic motivation through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) across various domains, including education, sports, mental health, and political contexts—with a particular emphasis on marginalized and underserved groups in society.

The group aims to promote the fulfillment of individuals’ basic psychological needs—namely autonomy, competence, and relatedness—through descriptive and experimental research, as well as specialized lectures and targeted courses. It also seeks to create environments that foster intrinsic motivation, contributing to improved performance, enhanced quality of life and psychological well-being, and empowering individuals to make more autonomous decisions, thereby boosting their contribution to sustainable development.

The group comprises a diverse team of researchers from prestigious universities and educational institutions worldwide. Among them are Prof. Manal Bayyat from the School of Sport Sciences; Dr. Mohammad Abu Rumman from the Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah II School of Political Science and International Studies and Prof. Mohammad Abu Altaieb from the University of Jordan; Dr. Nurwina Anuar from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Prof. Febrianin Fajar Ekawati from Sebelas Maret University in Indonesia; Dr. Candace Brown from the University of North Carolina in the United States; Dr. Ali Al-Yauribi and Prof. Kashef Zayed from Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman; researcher Anas Al-Dabbas from the Center for Strategic Studies and the Policy and Society Institute; and graduate student Maryana Dodokh from the University of Jordan.

The Human Motivation and Autonomy research group also seeks to build effective partnerships with local and global communities by leveraging scientific knowledge to address pressing societal challenges. Through this approach, the group aspires to bridge the gap between theory and practice—enhancing the social impact of academic research and supporting individual autonomy and well-being.

https://research.ju.edu.jo/research/groups/HMA/home.aspx