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Changing Behavior Using Self-Determination Theory

Hagger, Martin S.
Hankonen, Nelli
Chatzisarantis, Nikos L.D.
Ryan, Richard Michael
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Abstract
Self-determination theory is a generalized theory of behavior that focuses on motivation quality and psychological need satisfaction as preeminent behavioral determinants. The theory distinguishes between autonomous and controlled forms of motivation. Autonomous motivation reflects willingly engaging in behaviors for self-endorsed reasons, whereas controlled motivation reflects engaging in behavior for externally or internally pressured or controlled reasons. Satisfaction of the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness is necessary for optimal functioning and well-being, and influences the form of motivation, autonomous or controlled, experienced by individuals when acting. Autonomous motivation is consistently related to sustained behavior change and adaptive outcomes. Interventions to promote autonomous motivation have targeted psychological need support provided by social agents (e.g., leaders, managers, teachers, health professionals), particularly autonomy need support. Interventions using need-supportive techniques have demonstrated efficacy in promoting autonomous motivation, behavior change, and adaptive outcomes. Research has identified behaviors displayed, and language used, by social agents, or communicated by other means, that support autonomous motivation. Autonomy-support training programs have been developed to train social agents to promote autonomous motivation and behavior change. Future research needs to examine the unique and interactive effects of specific autonomy-support techniques, provide further evidence for long-term efficacy, and examine “dose” effects and long-term efficacy.
Keywords
intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, basic psychological needs, autonomy support, need support, relatedness, competence, internalization, locus of causality
Date
2020
Type
Book chapter
Journal
Book
The Handbook of Behavior Change
Volume
Issue
Page Range
104
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
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Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© Cambridge University Press 2020
This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press.