Purpose
This article is deliberately written with a non-psychological audience in mind, aiming to make complex concepts about identity and meaning more accessible to everyday readers. It is the shorter and layman’s version of “A Logoteleological Meaningful Purpose-Oriented Reframing of Identity Self-Theories.” It introduces the ideas behind Ryan and Deci’s Identity Theory and Marrero’s Meaningful Purpose Psychology (logoteleology), breaking them down into simple, relatable terms. For those seeking a deeper, more technical exploration of these topics, this article complements a more detailed version intended for academic or professional audiences.
Two Perspectives on Identity
Our sense of identity—who we are and what drives us—has been a central focus of psychology for decades. Two popular approaches to understanding identity offer different explanations: one comes from researchers Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, and the other from Luis A. Marrero’s Meaningful Purpose Psychology, also called logoteleology. Both perspectives are important, but they approach identity from different angles. Let’s explore their key ideas in simple terms.
Ryan & Deci’s Identity Theory: Autonomy and Personal Growth
Deci and Ryan focus on how people grow and thrive based on their internal motivations. They developed something called Self-Determination Theory, which says that people are at their best when three things are in place:
Autonomy – Feeling free to make your own choices.
Competence – Believing you are capable of achieving your goals.
Relatedness – Feeling connected to others.
According to their theory, our identity is shaped by how much control we feel we have over our lives, how confident we are in our abilities, and how strong our relationships are. For example, a student who feels supported by their family (relatedness), has the freedom to choose their career path (autonomy), and believes they can succeed in school (competence) is more likely to have a strong sense of identity and motivation.
In short, Deci and Ryan focus on how our sense of "self" grows when our needs are met and when we feel in charge of our lives.
Logoteleology: Identity and Meaningful Purpose
Luis A. Marrero takes a different approach by asking a more profound, existential question: “What gives your life meaning?” His work in Meaningful Purpose Psychology emphasizes that our identity is not just about personal control or relationships but the purpose and meaning behind our actions.
In this view, your identity forms through the pursuit of meaningful goals—things you find truly valuable and worthwhile. Marrero also highlights that these goals must be backed by justifiable reasons or "causes." For example, a nurse might see their identity not just as a career choice but as part of a larger meaningful purpose: helping others heal and live better lives. This purpose makes their work meaningful and shapes who they are.
Marrero’s perspective builds on the work of Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, who believed that finding meaning—even in the face of suffering—is what keeps us motivated and resilient.
Key Differences
Here’s a simple way to think about the two approaches:
Deci and Ryan focus on the "how" of identity. They explore how we thrive when our needs are met, and we feel empowered to grow.
Logoteleology focuses on the "why" of identity. It asks what makes your life and choices meaningful and sees identity as rooted in a purpose larger than yourself.
While both approaches help explain how we develop our sense of self, Marrero’s logoteleology adds a layer of depth by connecting our identity to our personal and existential search for meaning.
Why These Perspectives Matter
Understanding these perspectives can help us see identity more holistically. Deci and Ryan remind us of the importance of personal freedom, relationships, and confidence in shaping who we are. Marrero challenges us to think beyond ourselves and consider how our lives contribute to something meaningful and how we can benefit not only our lives but the lives of others.
Whether you’re pursuing a career, building relationships, or reflecting on your life’s direction, both theories offer tools to help you understand your identity and find fulfillment. Together, they paint a fuller picture of what it means to be human. Together, they can help you live a meaningful life!
Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose. Discovering Life’s Answers. ™
Sources
Here are the citations for the content discussed above:
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Springer.
Frankl, V. E. (1985). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
Marrero, L. A. (2013). The Path to a Meaningful Purpose: Psychological Foundations of Logoteleology. iUniverse.
Marrero, L. A. (2020). Blog articles on logoteleology science. Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose www.bostonimp.com
Marrero, L. A. & Daniel Persuitte. (2022). Meaningful Purpose: A Primer in Logoteleology. iUniverse
Marrero, L. A. (2025). A Logoteleological Meaningful Purpose-Oriented Reframing of Identity Self-Theories. https://www.bostonimp.com/post/a-logoteleological-meaningful-purpose-oriented-reframing-of-identity-self-theories
To learn more about how Meaningful Purpose Psychology can help your practice, join our yearly cohort of practitioners who seek certification. Select the following link for more information. Become a Meaningful Purpose Practitionerhttps://www.bostonimp.com/post/meaningful-and-meaningless-meanings-what-s-the-difference-and-why-does-it-matter
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