![]() The opposite experience is feeling compelled or controlled in one’s behavior. Autonomy refers to feeling one has choice and is willingly endorsing one’s behavior.Self-determination theory suggests that all humans have three basic psychological needs-autonomy, competence, and relatedness-that underlie growth and development. However, when people are more autonomous-that is, when people are motivated more by their value for the behavior, or by their interest and enjoyment of the behavior-they tend to be more persistent in their behavior, feel more satisfied, and have higher well-being overall. When people are mainly motivated by rewards, punishments, and internal pressure, they have a harder time initiating and maintaining their behaviors over the long term. Interest/Enjoyment: People might try to lose weight because they really like exercising and eating in a healthy way.Value: People might try to lose weight because they want to be healthier and be a positive role model for their kids.Internal Pressure: People might try to lose weight because others have told them they should lose weight or they will be upset with them.Punishment: People might try to lose weight because their insurance company will raise the cost of their health insurance if they don’t lose weight.Reward: People might try to lose weight because their employer will pay them to lose weight.In simple terms, people can feel more pressured or controlled to behave in a certain way or they can feel they have a choice in how to behave. It can also be fueled by deeply held values or interest and enjoyment of the behavior itself. Motivated behavior can be driven by rewards, punishments and internalized pressures from others. ![]() ![]() The quality of motivation (autonomous or controlled) is key to both satisfaction and sustained success in achieving one’s goals. However, more than 40 years of research has shown that motivation is much more complex than this. MotivationĮarly ideas of motivation simply suggested that you either have it (you are motivated) or you don’t (you are not motivated, or unmotivated). Read on to learn more about the science behind Self-Determination Theory. Researchers have found through many studies that when people are more autonomously motivated, they are more likely to achieve their health goals over time. ![]() Alternatively, when our psychological needs are not well met or even thwarted through our social interactions, the quality of our motivation is more controlled. When our social environments, including the places where we receive health care, are more supportive of these psychological needs, the quality of our motivation is more autonomous. Motivation-energy directed at a goal-plays a big role in our lifestyle choices and in our ability to make sustained changes as needed to maintain our health.Īccording to SDT, all of us have three key psychological needs as depicted graphically below. Health is an intrinsic goal for us all that is strongly influenced by our habits and lifestyle choices. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a theory of motivation that has been applied in many life domains such as health, sport, education and work. Call (585) 602-0720 or email to learn more about our individual services and group programs. ![]()
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