Richard Ryan's research focuses on the effects of social contexts on human motivation, personality development, and well-being. His current research interests include the acquisition and impact of materialism and other extrinsic goals in human development and culture; facilitation versus undermining of intrinsic motivation and self-determination; the determinants of subjective vitality and "energy;" and the sources of within-person variability in attachment, well-being, and life satisfaction. He is also involved in applied motivational research in the domains of health care, education, sport, religion, work, and psychotherapy.
