How to facilitate intrinsic aspirations: An intervention through self-determination theory perspectives

Abstract

Facilitating intrinsic aspirations remains a challenge in studies on self-determination theory. This article, comprising two studies, focuses on the development of an educational intervention that provides individuals with opportunities to consider their life aspirations. In Study 1, a total of 320 undergraduates participated in a survey designed to confirm the validity of the Japanese version of the Aspirations Index. The results showed that the scale had reasonable reliability and construct validity. Then, in study 2, we administered the program and tested its effectiveness for 42 undergraduate students (48 undergraduates for the comparison). The results of a generalized linear mixed model and mixed-design ANOVA indicated that the intervention successfully increased the participants’ intrinsic aspirations, but not their extrinsic aspirations. Additionally, from qualitative data, almost all participants reported deriving benefits from the intervention program and obtaining new perspectives on their career issues and intrinsic aspiring. Overall, we conclude that the proposed educational intervention may be a valid method of strengthening intrinsic aspirations of youth.