An eighth grader named Marianne consistently refuses to do difficult classroom assignments because she's afraid of failing at them. Which one of the basic needs described in the textbook is Marianne most clearly trying to address?
A) Her need for relatedness
B) Her need for self-determination
C) Her need for arousal
D) Her need for competence

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marianne's fear of failure suggests that she is seeking to fulfill her need for competence. According to self-determination theory, competence is one of the three basic psychological needs that must be satisfied for individuals to experience optimal motivation and well-being. Marianne's refusal to attempt challenging assignments suggests that she does not feel competent enough to handle them, and therefore avoids them to protect her sense of self-esteem.

An Eighth Grader Named Marianne Consistently Refuses to Do Difficult