Meaning
Psychological Relatedness
In Self-Determination Theory, psychological relatedness refers to the experience of connection, belonging, and mutual significance. In RoleCraft ID, we use the term Meaning—the need to feel that your work matters to someone beyond yourself, and that you are not operating in isolation from human consequence.
Meaning is not sentimentality. It has contextual significance.
People who rank Meaning highest are not necessarily expressive or relational by temperament. They are motivated by knowing that their effort contributes to people, communities, or outcomes they care about. When Meaning is present, they sustain effort through difficulty. When it is absent, even autonomy and mastery eventually feel hollow.
What Meaning Actually Is (and Is Not)
Meaning is:
Knowing who benefits from your work.
Experiencing mutual respect and recognition.
Feeling connected to outcomes beyond personal gain.
Understanding how your contribution fits into a larger whole.
Meaning is not:
Constant affirmation.
Emotional intensity.
Social approval.
Mission statements without lived behavior.
How to Know Meaning Is Your Primary Need
Meaning is likely your top Self-Determination priority if:
You disengage when work feels transactional.
You need to know who is affected by your effort.
You tolerate difficulty better than disconnection.
You lose motivation when values and actions diverge.
In Conclusion
Meaning is not idealism.
It is connecting to a deeper identity and sense of belonging.
When meaning is present, your RoleCraft ID endures pressure, ambiguity, and change—because it knows why it persists.
To learn how to apply Self-Determination Priorities to your Role and Craft, consult the RoleCraft ID manual.
