自我決定理論起源於 1985 年代。由美國心理學家 Edward L. Deci和 Richard M. Ryan 所提出，這一套理論早已在動機學界被視為指標，在教育的實踐和發展上綻放光芒。自我決定理論假定他人可以經由人類的三種心理需求－自主感、勝任感和連繫感產生動機。也就是說，每個人都想自己做一些事情，並因此體驗到自己不但有勝任感而且被社會正面肯定。應用到殯葬專業，即支持自我決定理論的認同調節，禮儀師已經瞭解到他們專業的意義與存在。如此，他們的動機才可成為自動自發的學習動力，讓更多人看見生命的尊嚴與價值。 本文首先說明禮儀師在殯葬教育的重要性及功能，其次探討自我決定理論的內涵、定義與種類，最後再闡述自我決定理論在禮儀師殯葬教育歷程的應用。

Self-determination theory was originated in 1985. It was proposed by two American psychologists, Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan. It has already been considered the indicator in the field of motive study, and has been widely used in the development and practices of education. Self-determination theory can fulfill people’s needs via three kinds of human psychological needs, i.e., autonomy, competence and relatedness. In other words, when people want to do things by themselves, they are the autonomous people; they can experience the sense of competence by themselves, and their attitudes can be accepted positively by their society. Thus, improving the standards of funeral business is the way to implement self-determination theory. In interment education, the funeral directors have gradually realized their specialty. Their motives are, obviously, automatic and spontaneous, and their services would enable more and more people to sense the dignity and values of life. This paper, first of all, illustrates the importance and functions of the funeral directors in interment education. It, then, explores the meanings, definitions and kinds of self-determination theory. Finally, it demonstrates the application of self-determination theory to interment education for the funeral directors.