MetaSDT
A research project of Monash University and the Center for Self-Determination Theory

A living meta-analysis of self-determination theory

All of the data behind SDT, in one open database (at least that's the plan!).

Explore the data
Pooled estimates for any pair of variables, by domain and country.
About this project
What MetaSDT is, how it works, and how to contribute.
Domain Satisfaction · 206 effect sizesDepression · 183 effect sizesVitality · 212 effect sizesWellbeing (General) · 254 effect sizesPositive Self-Evaluation · 191 effect sizesLife Satisfaction · 244 effect sizesNegative Affect · 317 effect sizesPositive Affect · 443 effect sizesRole Functioning · 6 effect sizesSocial Functioning · 9 effect sizesPhysiological Markers · 12 effect sizesPhysical Functioning · 17 effect sizesPsychological / Emotional Wellbeing · 17 effect sizesSleep Quality · 16 effect sizesSelf-Rated Health · 26 effect sizesHRQOL (Composite) · 24 effect sizesReduced Personal Accomplishment · 42 effect sizesDepersonalization / Cynicism · 44 effect sizesLoneliness · 44 effect sizesBurnout · 73 effect sizesPhysical Symptoms · 72 effect sizesMeaning In Life · 75 effect sizesEmotional Exhaustion · 105 effect sizesGeneral Symptoms · 94 effect sizesStress · 93 effect sizesAnxiety · 167 effect sizesWellbeing (Eudaimonic) · 134 effect sizes
5,078
Studies
7,101
Samples
6,475,856
Participants
100
Countries
11
Life domains
Database v0.1 · updated 15 June 2026
Life domains

Evidence by life domain

samples · participants
Education
1,873·2.2M
Workplaces
1,519·1.3M
Physical education
614·340K
Sport
486·149K
Health
324·391K
General life
236·118K
Exercise
222·90K
Technology use and gaming
215·138K
Countries

Evidence by country

samples · participants
United States
1,142·824K
China
572·445K
Canada
466·265K
Spain
349·198K
United Kingdom
293·236K
Belgium
219·379K
Germany
160·89K
Netherlands
150·73K
Samples per country

Global distribution of samples

Sample density across the countries represented in the database. Hover a country for its sample and participant counts.

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Samples
1 → 500+
96 countries · most-studied: United States, China, Canada