Role Of Autonomy Support Research Articles

Enhancing self-management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the role of autonomy support in health goal pursuit.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that significantly affects patients' physical, mental, and social health, as well as their overall quality of life. Effective management of the disease demands self-management skills, enabling patients to navigate the daily challenges associated with IBD, such as unpredictable flare-ups, frequent hospitalization, severe symptoms, pain, and physical changes. This study examines the motivational aspects of self-management for patients with IBD and focuses on the role of autonomy and directive support from healthcare professionals in enhancing their self-concordance and self-efficacy. From November 2022 to February 2023, a cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted at the IBD Center of Internal Medicine Clinic in Szeged, Hungary. A total of 374 adult patients with IBD completed the paper-pencil questionnaire, of whom 241 patients (64.4%) had Crohn's disease, and 133 patients (35.6%) had ulcerative colitis. Based on the findings of the path analysis (χ2 (8) = 18.914, p = 0.01, comparative fit index = 0.935, TLI = 0.837, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.06), autonomy support positively predicted self-concordance (β = 0.48) and self-efficacy (β = 0.02), particularly during disease relapse. In addition, self-concordance and self-efficacy predicted more positive (βs = 0.28 and 0.35) and fewer negative emotional experiences (βs = -0.09 and -0.20). The model's associations varied between the relapse and remission groups, indicating distinct impacts on different states of the disease. Overall, autonomy support from healthcare professionals has been shown to enhance self-management in patients with IBD, particularly during disease relapse. Meanwhile, self-concordance and self-efficacy act as positive internal factors, thus reducing negative emotional experiences, especially during remission. In sum, this study underscores the need for further exploration of the motivational aspects of self-management and provides insights into developing interventions that promote the health behaviors of patients with IBD.

The role of autonomy support from teachers in young learners’ self-regulation in dyadic contexts: An examination through three-level multilevel analysis

BackgroundAutonomy-supportive contexts are thought to promote students’ self-regulation. However, research looking at this link empirically, in naturalistic dyadic contexts and in young learners, is scarce. AimsTo address this gap, we adopted an observational approach and investigated whether autonomy-supportive teaching is related to pupils’ self-regulation in one-to-one music lessons. We explored specific aspects of positive self-regulation and the under-researched area of failures in self-regulation. Sample22 teachers and their 42 pupils (aged 5–11). MethodsWe video-recorded each teacher-pupil dyad during a one-to-one lesson, and 231 observation segments were collected. ResultsUsing 3-level multilevel modelling and DSEM (observations nested within pupils nested within teachers), our findings indicated that teachers' autonomy support is positively related with pupils' positive self-regulation, and negatively related to pupils’ failures in self-regulation. We also identified which specific autonomy-supportive behaviours were related to self-regulation. ConclusionsThis study can inform teaching practice and inspire further research into learners' self-regulation and teachers’ autonomy support.

Motivational Determinants of Students’ Academic Functioning: The Role of Autonomy-support, Autonomous Motivation, and Perceived Competence

ABSTRACT Inadequate academic functioning among students might be a main cause of the considerable dropout rates, and well-being and achievement problems in higher education. Few studies address the role of motivation for academic functioning. Thus, using Self-Determination Theory, the main goal of this study was to investigate motivational determinants of academic functioning among 406 biology students (mode age 21-25, 69.5% females) from nine higher education institutions in Norway. Data were collected using an online survey and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Results show that teacherś autonomy-support positively predicts autonomous motivation and perceived competence among the students. In turn, autonomous motivation and competence positively predicts vitality, and negatively predicts dropout intentions. Achievement was only predicted by perceived competence. We recommend that instructors adopt an autonomy-supportive teaching style, for example by providing a meaningful rationale when introducing teaching and learning activities, for students to feel more competent and autonomous in their motivation.

The Role of Autonomy Support and Job Crafting in Interest Incongruence: A Mediated Moderation Model

Interest incongruence, or the mismatch between employees’ vocational interests and their work environments, tends to induce negative work attitudes and behaviors among employees. Combining conservation of resources theory and person–environment fit research, we propose a mediated moderation model explaining how autonomy support and job crafting mitigate the detrimental effects of interest incongruence on job satisfaction and absenteeism. Using data collected across two time periods from a sample of 428 Chinese employees from diverse occupations, we found that autonomy support buffered the relationships between interest incongruence and job satisfaction and interest incongruence and absenteeism. Moreover, job crafting also had a buffering effect on these relationships and further mediated the moderating effect of autonomy support. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for employees coping with interest incongruence in organizations.

Examining positive emotions, autonomy support and learning strategies: Self-directed versus teacher-directed learning environments

An increasing number of German schools have suspended teacher-directed learning (TL) in favor of self-directed learning (SL) modules. We used the broaden-and-build theory and self-determination theory as a theoretical framework to determine whether students in self-directed and teacher-directed learning environments differ in the interplay of positive emotions and learning strategies of students in secondary education. The study also compares the mediating role of autonomy support on the relationship between positive emotions and learning strategies. Questionnaire data from 787 German secondary school students in the sixth and seventh grades were analyzed. The results of the latent mean comparison indicated that students in the self-directed learning environment demonstrated more adaptive learning behaviors. Further, a multigroup structural equation model identified strong differences in the interplay of the variables between students in the self-directed and teacher-directed learning environments. In the teacher-directed learning environment, autonomy support was not found to mediate the relationship between positive emotions and learning strategies.

Satisfaction with life in Special Olympic athletes: the role of autonomy support and basic need fulfilment

Aims: Athletes in the general population report higher satisfaction of basic needs when coaches are providing an autonomy supportive sport climate (ASSC). Our study aims at investigating whether ASSC is associated with satisfaction with life in athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) and whether this association is mediated by basic need satisfaction. Method: During the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017, 168 athletes with ID (M = 33.86 years; SD = 10.47) completed questionnaires measuring ASSC, basic need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and satisfaction with life. Multiple linear regression analyses and mediation analyses were performed. The mediation model was controlled for the potential impact of participating in team vs. individual sports. Additionally, gender effects were explored. Results: ASSC was significantly associated with satisfaction with life (β = .38, p < .001). This association was mediated by competence (indirect effect: ab1 = .15; CI [.05; .32]) but not by autonomy or relatedness. No effects were found related to participating in team vs. individual sports or gender. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that an ASSC is associated with athletes perceiving themselves as more competent and reporting more satisfaction with life.

Supplemental Material for Perfectionism, Burnout, and Engagement in Dance: The Moderating Role of Autonomy Support

Supplemental Material for Perfectionism, Burnout, and Engagement in Dance: The Moderating Role of Autonomy Support

Relationship partner social behavior and continuous positive airway pressure adherence: The role of autonomy support.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious respiratory disorder, confers increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Adherence to the standard and effective treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is often poor. Personal relationships can influence adherence, but some forms of partner involvement (e.g., support, encouragement) have positive effects on CPAP adherence, whereas others (e.g., criticism, blame) are counterproductive. In the former, constructive partner efforts may enhance a patient's sense of autonomy, an important foundation for self-care. The present study examined how patients' perceptions of autonomy support from an intimate partner predict adherence to CPAP, and whether it is an independent predictor, relative to generally positive partner behavior (i.e., partner responsiveness) and partner negativity (i.e., negative social control). Ninety-two married or cohabiting OSA patients (mean age 49.7 years) completed measures of perceived partner autonomy support, responsiveness, and negative social control at Days 14 and 60 of CPAP treatment. Objective daily CPAP machine adherence data were collected for 60 days. Perceived partner autonomy support predicted more minutes of CPAP used per night and increasing CPAP use over time. These effects were independent of the significant adverse effects of partner negative social control and the more limited beneficial effects of partner responsiveness. The study findings establish perceived partner autonomy support as an interpersonal predictor of adherence that is independent of negative social control and perceived partner responsiveness, and may inform psychosocial interventions for CPAP adherence and more general couple approaches to chronic illness management. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Early maternal autonomy support and mathematical achievement trajectories during elementary school

Increasing evidence suggests that maternal autonomy support fosters mathematical achievement in children. However, the role of autonomy support in mathematical achievement trajectories has never been investigated, despite findings showing that mathematical achievement evolves markedly during elementary school years. In addition, few studies have considered the role of child general cognitive abilities in the links between maternal autonomy support and mathematical achievement. With a sample of 113 mother–child dyads, the current study investigated whether patterns of growth in mathematical achievement during the first three years of elementary school were predicted by the interaction between maternal autonomy support and child general cognitive abilities, both assessed in infancy. Results suggest that early maternal autonomy support is related to later mathematical achievement trajectories in children, although this relation unfolds differently based on children's baseline cognitive abilities. These findings suggest that maternal autonomy support in infancy may confer long-lasting benefits for children's acquisition of mathematical knowledge.

Supplemental Material for Relationship Partner Social Behavior and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence: The Role of Autonomy Support

Supplemental Material for Relationship Partner Social Behavior and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence: The Role of Autonomy Support

Diabetes self-management and glycemic control: The role of autonomy support from informal health supporters.

Effective diabetes self-management can prevent long-term health complications but is often complex and difficult to achieve. Health care professionals' support for patients' autonomy (autonomy support) in managing their diabetes contributes to better diabetes self-care and glycemic control. Most adults with diabetes also receive self-management support from informal health supporters. Yet, the role of autonomy support from these informal health supporters has not been explored. We examined patients' perceived autonomy support from their main health supporter (family member or friend) in relation to their diabetes distress, self-efficacy, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), medication adherence, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Three hundred twenty-six veterans with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for complications, who identified a main health supporter, were surveyed using self-report measures of social support, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and self-care. HbA1c and prescription fill data were extracted from VA electronic records for the 12-months before and after the survey. Linear regression and linear mixed models examined the associations of autonomy support with diabetes distress, self-efficacy, SMBG, medication adherence, and glycemic control, controlling for participant-supporter relationship characteristics and patient-factors. In adjusted models, greater autonomy support was associated with lower diabetes distress (B = -.323, SE = .098, p = .001), greater self-efficacy (B = .819, SE = .148, p < .001), more frequent SMBG (B = .297, SE = .082, p < .001), and better subsequent 12-month glycemic control (B = .257, SE = .085, p = .003) but not with medication adherence (B = .001, SE = .020, p = .994). Autonomy support from main health supporters is significantly associated better diabetes related attitudes, self-care, and glycemic control after adjusting for relationship and patient characteristics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Diabetes Self-Management and Glycemic Control: The Role of Autonomy Support From Informal Health Supporters

Supplemental Material for Diabetes Self-Management and Glycemic Control: The Role of Autonomy Support From Informal Health Supporters

Live as we choose: The role of autonomy support in facilitating intrinsic motivation

According to Self-determination Theory (SDT), autonomy is a basic psychological need, satisfaction of which may lead to enhanced intrinsic motivation and related beneficial outcomes. By manipulating the opportunity to choose between tasks of equal difficulty, throughout the motivational process, the effect of autonomy support was examined both behaviorally and electrophysiologically. More negative stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) and an enlarged FRN loss–win difference wave (d-FRN) indicated an enhanced expectation toward the positive outcome (during the anticipation stage) as well as intensified intrinsic motivation toward the task (during the outcome appraisal stage) when choice was available. Taken together, results of the present study suggest d-FRN upon feedback as a real-time electrophysiological indicator of intrinsic/autonomous motivation and illustrate the important role of autonomy-supportive job design in the workplace.

Autonomy supportive fathers beget system-supporting children: The role of autonomy support on protesting behavior

In this paper we examined the influence of father autonomy support on protesting behavior. Drawing from Relational Model Theory and Self-determination Theory, we hypothesized that individuals' perception and interactions with authority figures are shaped by their experiences with their fathers. When people experience their fathers as empathetic and caring, they are more likely to view other authority figures positively and make benevolent interpretations of their actions. We found support for our hypothesis in two studies conducted in Malaysia and Canada with self-reported engagement in political causes. As expected, perceived father autonomy support was related to positive perception of the government and less protesting against the government. Overall, the present paper provides evidence that children's internalized representations of their fathers are related to intentions and behaviors to change the social systems.

University Students’ Subjective Well-being: The Role of Autonomy Support from Parents, Friends, and the Romantic Partner

This study investigated the relations between perceived autonomy support from three significant sources (parents, friends, and the romantic partner) and university students’ subjective well-being (SWB) using two approaches: a variable-centered and person-centered approach. Participants were 256 university students (191 women, 65 men) involved in a romantic relationship. Results from both approaches revealed that students’ perception that significant individuals support their autonomy predicted higher levels of SWB. Furthermore, results from a person-centered approach suggested that students reported the highest levels of SWB when all sources were perceived to be highly autonomy supportive. Together, these findings support a sensitization process of need satisfaction. Implications for SWB and self-determination theory are discussed.

The Role of Autonomy Support and Motivation in the Prediction of Interest and Dropout Intentions in Sport and Education Settings

Based on the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Vallerand, 1997), the purpose of the present research was to propose and test a model that posits that individuals’ perceptions of autonomy support from their supervisor in an activity (e.g., coach, teacher) and their global autonomous motivation jointly promote their autonomous (contextual) motivation toward the activity. In turn, contextual autonomous motivation positively predicts interest in the activity, whereas it negatively predicts intentions to drop out of the activity. In Study 1, the model was tested with a sample of 206 competitive athletes registered in the French Skiing Federation. In Study 2, a short longitudinal design was used, and the sample was composed of 206 French high school students (128 female, 78 male). Results from structural equation modeling analyses supported the hypothesized model. These results provided support for the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Vallerand, 1997). The implications of the findings and future research avenues are discussed in light of the hierarchical model and self-determination theory.

In the beginning: Role of autonomy support on the motivation, mental health and intentions of participants entering an exercise referral scheme

Self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000, Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behaviour. New York: Plenum Publishing) highlights the impact autonomy supportive environments can have on exercise motivation and positive health outcomes. Yet little is known about whether differential effects occur as a function of which significant other is providing this support. Further, no research has examined the relationship between motivation and the social environment with participants’ mental health and intentions to be physically active before entering an exercise intervention. Study participants were 347 British adults who were about to start an exercise referral scheme. Regression analyses revealed that the effects of autonomy support on mental health and physical activity intentions differed as a function of who provided the support (offspring, partner or physician), with the offspring having the weakest effects. A structural model was supported, indicating that autonomy support and more autonomous regulations led to more positive mental health outcomes and stronger intentions to be physically active. Knowledge of the social environmental and personal motivation of those about to commence an exercise programme can provide important insights for professionals supporting such efforts.

Promoting self-determined motivation for exercise in cardiac rehabilitation: The role of autonomy support.

Using self-determination theory (SDT), we examined relationships between cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants' perceived autonomy support, motivation for exercise, and exercise behavior. Male CR outpatients (N = 53; M age = 62.83 +/- 10.78 years). The design was correlational (cross-sectional and prospective), examining relationships between perceived autonomy support and motivation for exercise at Week 4 of CR participation as well as motivation and CR attendance and other indicators of exercise behavior (frequency, duration, total exercise time) at a 1-week follow-up, 10 weeks later. Perceived autonomy support was correlated with self-determined motivation, r(53) = .32, p < .05. Self-determined motivation predicted total exercise volume at follow-up, r(53) = .34, p < .05, as well as length of exercise session duration (R(2) = .27; beta = .52, p < .001). Results support SDT and the potential for autonomy support from interventionists to affect self-determined motivation and exercise behavior of participants involved in CR.

Autonomy Support and its Links to Physical Activity and Competitive Performance: Mediations Through Motivation, Competence, Action Orientation and Harmonious Passion, and the Moderator Role of Autonomy Support by Perceived Competence

The purpose of the present study was to test a Self‐Determination Theory (SDT) process model in relation to involvement in physical activity and competitive performance among students (N = 190). In this model, perceived autonomy support from teachers and coaches was expected to be positively related to autonomous motivation, perceived competence, harmonious passion and action orientation, and that they would be positively related to involvement in physical activity and competitive performance. In using LISREL to test the model, autonomy support was positively linked with perceived competence, autonomous motivation, and action orientation. In turn, perceived competence (through harmonious passion), autonomous motivation, and action orientation were all positively associated with involvement in physical activity, whereas perceived competence and autonomous motivation were positively correlated with competitive performance.

On the Development of Harmonious and Obsessive Passion: The Role of Autonomy Support, Activity Specialization, and Identification With the Activity

Recent research (Vallerand et al., 2003) has supported the existence of two types of passion for activities: a harmonious and an obsessive passion. The purpose of this investigation was to study the processes likely to lead to the development of passion. Three studies using correlational and short-term longitudinal designs with varied populations ranging from beginners to experts reveal that identification with the activity, activity specialization, parents' activity valuation, and autonomy support predict the development of passion. Furthermore, results show that children and teenagers whose environment supports their autonomy are more likely to develop a harmonious passion than an obsessive one. Conversely, children and teenagers who highly value activity specialization, who rely heavily on their activity for self-definition, and whose parents highly value the activity are more likely to develop an obsessive passion.