The self-determination theory by Richard and colleagues (1985) was chosen and applied as the theoretical framework in this study. The reason of chosen this theory because it is a empirically longstanding theory (or concept) which concern in autonomy regarding development and motivation as a core concept.
The core of this framework suggests that the extent to which behavior is autonomous, or volitional and regulated by the self rather than by external contingencies, predicts a variety of positively experienced events and behaviors (Ryan & Deci, 2004).
The autonomous individual is also open to and interested in self-exploration and can utilize awareness of his or her values, feelings, and needs to act in a congruent fashion. Low autonomy reflects a pervasive sense that one’s behavior is regulated by controlling influences and is characterized by attributions that one’s behavior stems from external contingencies including social pressures (de Charms, 1968; Ryan & Connell, 1989). Individual differences in autonomy are a matter of degree and the ongoing regulation of behavior can vary from typically being highly autonomous or truly self-regulated to typically being regulated by controlling influences (Deci & Ryan, 1985).