Changing Behavior Using Self-Determination Theory

doi:10.1017/9781108677318.008

8 - Changing Behavior Using Self-Determination Theory

from Part I - Theory and Behavior Change

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2020

Martin S. Hagger ,

Nelli Hankonen ,

Nikos L. D. Chatzisarantis and

Edited by

Nelli Hankonen and

Martin S. Hagger: Affiliation:
University of California, Merced
Linda D. Cameron: Affiliation:
University of California, Merced
Kyra Hamilton: Affiliation:
Griffith University
Nelli Hankonen: Affiliation:
University of Helsinki
Taru Lintunen: Affiliation:
University of Jyväskylä

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Summary

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

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Handbook of Behavior Change , pp. 104 - 119

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108677318.008 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2020

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