Self-determination Theory Model Research Articles

Toward a flourishing workplace: exploring the impact of digitalization on young construction professionals’ physical–mental well-being

PurposeThe construction industry has more propensity to negatively affect employees’ physical–mental well-being due to the inherently intense and demanding nature of the work involved. Digitalization can streamline the construction processes, and reduce stress, overtime and overall job-related pressure generated due to the nature of employment, contributing to the well-being of employees. Hence, the authors examined how digitalization, technostress and individual resilience could contribute to construction professionals’ physical–mental well-being using the transaction model of stress, self-determination theory and job-demand resources theory.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 86 young professionals using a structured survey. The professionals were working in Indian construction organizations where digitalization is implemented extensively. The survey consists of 21 items to measure four latent variables namely digitalization, technostress, physical–mental well-being and individual resilience. The study employs a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to examine the theoretical model empirically.FindingsThe results revealed that digitalization was positively associated with physical–mental well-being and negatively associated with technostress. Further, individual resilience was a moderating variable in the relationship between digitalization and technostress. Finally, technostress partially mediated the relationship between digitalization and physical–mental well-being.Originality/valueDigitalization has emerged as a valuable tool to tackle these challenges and improve the overall well-being of construction personnel. In the present study, digitalization is found to augment the physical–mental well-being of young construction professionals. Also, digitalization helps to significantly reduce technostress, thereby improving the physical–mental well-being of young professionals.

Understanding Parental Adherence to Early Childhood Domestic Injury Prevention: A Cross-Cultural Test of the Integrated Behavior-Change Model.

Unintentional injuries pose a significant risk to children in early years globally. In particular, toddlers and preschoolers are vulnerable to injuries that occur at home. Despite the availability of preventive measures that can greatly reduce the risks of domestic injuries, some caregivers (e.g., parents) of children in early childhood may not fully implement these safety measures due to poor behavioral adherence or low awareness of the risk of domestic injury. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how caregivers in different cultural contexts approach injury prevention in the home environment. In this multi-cultural study, we investigated the motivational and belief processes underlying childhood domestic injury prevention among a total of 2059 primary caregivers (parents/guardians) of infant and toddlers (aged 2 to 6 years) across four societies, Australia (AU; N = 500), the United States (US; N = 500), Singapore (SG; N = 507), and Hong Kong (HK; N = 552), by applying the integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and theory of planned behavior (TPB). Our results support the key tenets of the integrated model and demonstrated cultural invariance model pathways across the four societies studied. In particular, the positive relationships among psychological need support, autonomous motivation, socio-cognitive beliefs, intention, and behavior adherence remained constant across societies. With a multi-cultural sample, this study provides valuable insights into the similarities and differences in motivation and beliefs surrounding childhood domestic injury prevention across these four societies.

Predicting Adolescents' Leisure-Time Physical Activity Levels: A Three-Wave Prospective Test of the Integrated Model of Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior.

A three-wave prospective study was conducted to provide a better understanding of the ability of the integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict future physical activity (PA) engagement among adolescents. Nearly 2500 secondary school students from China were recruited to test the hypothesized pathway from autonomous motivation from SDT at baseline (T1) through the constructs of TPB one month later (T2) on leisure-time PA levels of secondary school students three months later (T3). The findings revealed that the structural equation models yielded excellent fit indices with χ2 = 1858.989, df = 257, CFI = 0.936, TLI = 0.926, RMSEA = 0.050 [90% CI = 0.048 to 0.052], and SRMR = 0.032. In particular, autonomous motivation at T1 was positively associated with attitude (R2 = 0.160), subjective norms (R2 = 0.160), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) (R2 = 0.173) at T2 (β = 0.395 to 0.414, p < 0.001) and subsequently associated with intention at T2 (R2 = 0.875, β = 0.112 to 0.478, p < 0.001). T2 intention was positively associated with leisure-time PA levels (R2 = 0.004) at T3. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the motivational mechanisms and social cognition processes involved in predicting adolescents' leisure-time PA levels among adolescents.

Application of an integrated behaviour-change model on grandparental adherence towards childhood domestic injury prevention in Hong Kong: a longitudinal study

Background/purposeEvery year, unintentional injury claims thousands of children’s lives and causes disabilities in many more. For very young children, these injuries often occur at home. The risks of domestic injury...

Motivational processes: can perceptions of fairness augment effects of favourable autonomy supportive practices on satisfaction of the basic psychological needs?

Based on Self-Determination theory and social interaction models of social justice, in this article we examined whether perceptions of fairness catalysed the positive effects autonomy support on motivational and well-being outcomes. The study was conducted in the context of an all-boys school with 302 students, adopting a prospective design. Using surface analysis to estimate the dependent variables to be tested in non-liner regressions, the current research empirically extends social interaction models of distributive justice by testing, for the first time, whether perceptions of fairness can moderate the effects of autonomy supportive practices on satisfaction of psychological needs. The results demonstrated that perceptions of fairness engendered positive effects of favourable forms of autonomy support on satisfaction of the psychological need for competence. No analogous positive effects on other outcomes were found. Therefore, the perceptions of fairness constitute an important component of autonomy-supportive class climates that catalyse positive effects of favourable forms of autonomy support on satisfaction of the psychological need for competence. This evidence suggests that students are more likely to experience high levels of competence during physical education classes when they perceive that their favourable treatment is fair, though the effect does not generalise to autonomous motivation or subjective well-being.

Psychological determinants and technology acceptance in mobile learning for overseas students studying Chinese in China: A self-determination theory perspective

Emerging research in language education increasingly recognizes the transformative potential of mobile learning. Anchored in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study employed Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to investigate how psychological factors—specifically perceived competence, autonomy, and relatedness—affect overseas students studying Chinese in China. It examined the interaction of these factors with Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) in mobile learning environments and their impact on learners' satisfaction and intention to continue using these learning platforms. Involving 515 participants in a bilingual online survey, the research delved into the dynamics of these psychological determinants on learners' attitudes towards mobile learning technologies. The SEM analysis revealed a complex interplay, where competence, autonomy, and relatedness significantly forecast PU and PEU, thereby shaping learner satisfaction and commitment to ongoing use. The findings highlighted the critical role of social interaction, cultural exchange, and personalized learning experiences in enhancing mobile learning effectiveness. Implications of the findings were discussed to enhance learner engagement and educational achievement in Chinese language learning.

Students’ motivation for learning languages inself-determination

The article concentrates on the relationship between self-determined motivation and language learning. It focuses on different types of motivation such as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how they affect students' engagement and performance in language learning. The study was researched through a Google form survey consisting of 10 questions. The study examines a model of self-determination theory that emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness in the development of motivation. In addition, the article discusses the relevance of understanding integrative and instrumental motivation in the context of language learning. The article also highlights the importance of self-determined motivation in developing autonomous language learning and increasing students' readiness for language learning. The research is based on the model of self-determination theory, which emphasizes autonomy, competence and interconnectedness as key elements contributing to motivation. In addition, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding integrative and instrumental motivation in language learning. It also highlights the key role of self-motivation in language learning and increasing students' readiness to master the language.

Students’ perceptions of physical education teachers’ (de)motivating styles via the circumplex approach: Differences by gender, grade level, experiences, intention to be active, and learning

Grounded in self-determination theory, an integrative and fine-grained circumplex model, based on teachers’ autonomy support, structure, control, and chaos, has been proposed. The present study aimed to examine possible differences in students’ perceptions of physical education (PE) teachers’ motivating and demotivating styles and the eight different approaches, respectively, regarding students’ socio-demographic variables, and different affective, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. A sample of 669 Spanish secondary students aged 12–17 years (mean age ( Mage) = 14.65; standard deviation ( SD) = 1.47; 52% girls) participated in this cross-sectional study. Boys reported significantly higher values in the chaotic style and the domineering approach than girls. Second- and third-cycle students (Year 10, Year 11, and Year 12) reported significantly higher values in autonomy-supportive and structuring styles, and significantly lower values in the domineering approach than first-cycle students (Year 8 and Year 9). Second-cycle students (Year 10 and Year 11) reported significantly higher values in the demanding approach than first-cycle students (Year 8 and Year 9). Third-cycle students (Year 12) reported significantly lower values in the awaiting approach than the first-cycle students (Year 8 and Year 9). Finally, as a whole, students who reported positive experiences in PE, high learning, and high intention to participate in physical activity reported significantly higher values in autonomy-supportive and structuring styles, as well as the demanding approach, and significantly lower values in the chaotic style. The results highlight the importance of PE teachers adopting motivating styles and avoiding demotivating styles, especially with boys and lower grade levels, to promote meaningful experiences in PE and an active lifestyle.

Amplifying local identity while capitalizing on the assets of globalization

ABSTRACT The characteristics of a strong local identity and place attachment are revealed, drawing upon a systematic review of the scholarly literature. Then, drawing upon yet another literature review, a summary of both positive and negative effects of globalization on local communities is presented. The argument is made that communities with strong local identities are more capable of maximizing potential benefits from globalization and minimizing the negative impacts, or disbenefits, of globalization. A structural model of self-determination theory is then presented, with specific insights about how to reinforce local identity by responding to core human needs among individuals that form a community. The paper concludes with a posing of nine essential questions that should be reflected upon by community members as they design a process to proactively capture a desired flow of benefits from globalization that form recursive reinforcement of strong local community identity.

Mediating Role of Self Congruity on Retail Patronage Decisions among Supermarket Shoppers in Kenya

Self-congruity results when a consumer’s self-image matches their image of a typical store shopper with respect to how they would look like and behave. The objective of this study was to determine the mediating effect of self-congruity on the relationship between store image and retail patronage among supermarket customers in Nairobi, Kenya. The research was based on integrated theory of patronage preference and behavior, self-determination theory and integrative model of retail environment, self-congruity and retail patronage. The positivism research philosophy and exploratory research design were deployed. Supermarkets were selected from Nairobi County as a representative of the whole country with 30% of the supermarkets participating. Every 4th random customer was chosen from the 30 supermarkets for a desired sample size of 384. Primary data was collected from 311 customers using structured questionnaire and data was analysed using path analysis. The results of the study showed that self-congruity mediate the relationship between store image and retail patronage among supermarket customers in Nairobi, Kenya. This indicated that supermarkets in Kenya should consider updating their stores to match with the consumer’s self-image and image of a typical store shopper. This study concludes that self-congruity is an important predictor of retail patronage and that managers should be on the lookout for the self-concepts of their shoppers and try to provide environments that would maximize shopping experiences.

Analyzing the Relationship between Exercise Frequency and Stress Reduction in Working Professionals in Madrid

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between exercise frequency and stress reduction in working professionals in Madrid.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low-cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.&#x0D; Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the relationship between exercise frequency and stress reduction in working professionals in Madrid. Preliminary empirical review revealed that tracking exercise habits and perceived stress levels of working professionals increased. Relationship between exercise frequency and stress reduction were found in most of the studies reviewed.&#x0D; Implications on Theory, Practice and Policy: The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Theory, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Health Belief Model (HBM) may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between exercise frequency and stress reduction in working professionals. Organizations should consider fostering a culture that promotes physical activity during work hours, such as providing designated break times for exercise or supporting workplace wellness programs. Policy initiatives could also play a pivotal role in encouraging exercise as a stress reduction strategy for working professionals. Government agencies and public health bodies could collaborate with workplaces to develop guidelines and resources that emphasize the importance of exercise frequency for stress management

Influence of Family Sports Atmosphere on College Students Exercise Behavior The Mediating Role of Self-efficacy

Based on the theoretical model of social ecology, self-determination theory, and field dynamics theory, in order to explore the influence of family sports atmosphere on college students exercise behavior and the mediating role of self-efficacy in it, 120 college students were investigated by using family sports atmosphere scale, self-efficacy scale and physical exercise behavior scale. Using SPSS and Amos mathematical statistics tools to analyze the reliability, validity and correlation of the survey results, and establish a structural model. The final results show that: (1) family sports atmosphere has a positive impact on college students exercise behavior and self-efficacy; (2) self-efficacy cant significantly positively affect college students exercise behavior. The family sports atmosphere can directly affect the exercise behavior of college students, but it cannot affect it through the intermediary mechanism of self-efficacy. This study helps to understand the mechanism of family sports atmosphere on college students exercise behavior, and provides a new path for strengthening college students exercise behavior.

Explaining teachers’ behavioural intentions towards differentiated instruction for inclusion: using the theory of planned behavior and the self-determination theory

ABSTRACT A cornerstone of inclusive education is teacher’s readiness to respond adequately to different educational needs of students in their diverse classroom. Differentiated instruction, referring to the process by which teachers carefully monitor students’ needs and progress, and adapt their instruction according to these differences, is a means to meet the needs of students of different levels. High-quality differentiated instruction is a complex process for teachers which needs careful preparation. This makes teachers’ intentions relating to differentiated instruction particularly relevant. In this article we compare two theoretical models to explain teachers’ intentions to differentiate: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Self-determination theory (SDT). Secondary school teachers (n = 180) responded to a questionnaire in which we measured their intentions and predictor variables relating to both of the theoretical models. Linear regression showed that both the TPB as well as the SDT model significantly predicted teachers’ intentions (p < .01), but that the TPB model showed a better fit with the data (48 versus 32% explained variance). We conclude that in addition to the factors included in the TPB, autonomy might be a relevant factor in explaining teachers’intentions.

The Effect of L2 Self-Guides and Autonomous Motivation on L2 Motivated Behavior

The present study is aimed at examining the links between L2 self-guides and self-determination theory (SDT). 429 Korean university students participated in the study and their responses to the questionnaires on L2 self-guides in the 2 × 2 model and autonomous motivation of SDT were analyzed. The results show that, first, promotion focused L2 self-guides were found to share some characteristics with autonomous motivation, that is, intrinsic motivation and identified motivation. Second, these two types of motivation appeared to have stronger predictor values for motivated learning behavior than L2 self-guides with a promotion focus. Lastly, these L2 self-guides’ relationship with motivated behavior was found to be completely mediated by autonomous motivation. This indicates that when considering the relationship between students’ L2 self-guides and their motivated effort, autonomous motivation should be taken into account.

Sustainable water supply: Wastewater recycling in gold mining communities in Ghana

Increasing small-scale mining has resulted in water pollution in various mining communities. Supplying potable water is certainly a very important task that needs to be addressed properly at local, national, and international levels. Based on this, the need for wastewater recycling in mining communities becomes necessary. This study combines the Self-Determination theory and Norm activation model with community identity to investigate willingness to recycle (WTR) wastewater in mining communities. Using data from 504 miners and adopting the partial least square structural equation modeling, analysis has been made. It is revealed that intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation positively influence WTR. Awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibilities both have a positive influence on personal norms. Personal norm is a positive predictor of WTR. Community identity positively influences motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), personal norms, and WTR. The mediating roles of personal norms and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are also established in the designed model. Theoretical and practical implications have been outlined and discussed for future studies and authorities. Collaboration from the government, private sectors, NGOs, localists, and concession owners is needed for a sustainable water supply.

A cross-sectional study of the psychosocial predictors of re-engaging in team sport during early motherhood

BackgroundMothers with young children in Australia have significantly low rates of participation in physical activity and sport. This is potentially due to the postpartum transition to motherhood, and the expectation of the maternal role. This study aimed to apply an extended model of self-determination theory to compare mothers who have and have not re-engaged in team sports since their child was born and investigate the psychosocial factors that may have influenced their re-engagement in team sports. MethodsA cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 191 mothers (M = 32.2) who were either currently playing or had previously played team sport. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to predict mother's motivation to re-engage using self-determination theory factors (autonomy, relatedness, competence), postpartum mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) and maternal identity. A hierarchical binary logistic regression was then conducted to predict the likelihood of re-engagement based on motivation, postpartum mental health, and maternal identity. ResultsFindings showed that autonomy, competence, anxiety, and maternal identity play key roles in predicting the motivation of mothers to engage in team sport. Additionally, greater motivation increased the likelihood of a mother re-engaging in team sport. ConclusionThis study has important theoretical and practical implications in that it expands the knowledge of the unique population of ‘everyday’ mothers within a sport and physical activity context, as well as provides preliminary directions for applied research in motivating mothers to re-engage in team sports.

Effectiveness of a theory-driven mHealth intervention in promoting post-surgery rehabilitation adherence in patients who had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized clinical trial

RationalePatients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction often have poor adherence to post-surgery rehabilitation. ObjectiveThis study applied the integrated model of self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior to examine the effects of a smartphone-delivered intervention on the recovery outcomes of patients with an ACL rupture during post-surgery rehabilitation period. Additionally, we explored the effects of the intervention on participants with different beliefs toward rehabilitation at baseline. MethodsThe randomized control trial recruited 96 eligible participants (M age = 27.82 years, SD = 8.73; female = 39%) who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 41), which received standard post-surgical treatment (usual-care) and smartphone application (“ACL-Well”), or a usual-care control group (n = 55). The primary outcomes were recovery outcomes from ACL surgery measured by knee muscle strength and laxity, and subjective knee evaluation completed 4-month post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were the psychological and behavioral outcomes measured at baseline, at 2- and 4-month post-intervention. ResultsANCOVA indicated no significant between-group differences in primary outcomes: knee muscle strength, knee laxity and subjective knee evaluation, Fs(1, 27 to 55) = 0.01 to 1.36, p = .25 to .99, η2 = 0.01 to 0.03. For the secondary outcomes, growth mixture modelling revealed self-determined treatment motivation declined significantly over the intervention period in the control group (M slope = −0.39 to −0.12, p = .01 to .04), but not in the intervention group (M slope = −0.19 to −0.08, p = .06 to .38). ConclusionsThe smartphone application fell short in promoting orthopedic outpatients' recovery outcomes. Yet, it shows some promises as a mean to maintain patients’ motivation and adherence to treatment.

Impact of workplace incivility and emotional exhaustion on job outcomes – a study of the higher education sector

PurposeThe main goal of this research study is to look at the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion in the association between workplace incivility and job outcomes (job stress, job satisfaction and employee turnover intentions) in the higher education sector.Design/methodology/approachThe authors gathered field data from individuals working in the Higher Education Sector of Jammu and Kashmir to test the proposed study paradigm. A total of 550 respondents reported their perceptions of workplace incivility, emotional exhaustion and job-related outcomes (job stress, job satisfaction and employee turnover intention) at Time 1 in the Kashmir division and Time 2 in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir via a two-wave data collection design.FindingsThe findings supported the hypothesized relationships, demonstrating that emotional exhaustion acts as a mediator between workplace incivility and employee job outcomes (job stress, employee job satisfaction and employee intention to leave).Research limitations/implicationsThe research was undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir's higher education sectors. As a result, the findings may not apply to other sectors because workplace incivility may be regarded differently in different sectors.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research study will assist organizations and practitioners in comprehending the significance of workplace incivility and emotional exhaustion, as well as how they positively impact job-related outcomes (employee job stress, turnover intention) and negatively on job satisfaction.Originality/valueThis research study added to the existing Self-Determination Theory model developed by Deci and associates (2017) by incorporating Emotional Exhaustion, and workplace incivility as autonomous intrinsic and workplace context factors respectively into the SDT model to study work behaviors in terms of job outcomes. This study adds to existing knowledge on SDTs by suggesting and testing emotional exhaustion as a mechanism for determining the impact of workplace incivility on employee job outcomes.Contribution to impact

Improving disease management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the potential role of self-concordant health goals.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Previous research indicates that patients with IBD have a higher prevalence of anxiety compared to the general population and other chronic diseases. This pilot study aimed to investigate the relationships between goal integration, positive and negative emotions, goal self-efficacy, and trait anxiety as the outcome variable, focusing on patients' self-management strategies. Drawing from the Self-Concordance Model (SCM) of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the study explored how goal integration is associated with more fulfilling and enjoyable experiences and fewer negative emotions, ultimately improving psychological well-being. Health-related goals were evaluated using the Personal Project Analysis technique, while the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was utilized to measure general anxiety levels. Among the 141 participants with inflammatory bowel disease, 96 reported having health-related goals. Of these, 66 were female (68.75%), and 30 were male participants (31.25%). Path analysis revealed a moderate negative association between self-concordance (SC) and negative emotions, which, in turn, predicted higher levels of trait anxiety. Furthermore, the alternative model tested indicated that trait anxiety predicted a lower level of self-concordance. Setting well-integrated health goals involves an internal capacity, enabling patients to experience less negative emotions during self-management activities. Anxiety can hinder individuals from accessing their inner needs, resulting in less self-concordant aspirations and more negative emotions. These findings may contribute to developing prevention and intervention programs to enhance IBD patients' adherence to lifestyle changes, ultimately improving their overall well-being.

Self-Determined Intention to Vote and the Mediating Role of Politicized Identification

Abstract. This study tested the Politicized Identification Model of Intention to Vote as an integrated model of political participation and self-determination theory to understand what motivates young people to vote and inform policy and communication efforts. The results of path analyses on survey data from a representative sample of 1,960 young Italians (age range, 20–35 years) revealed that participative efficacy positively and negatively predicted internalized motivation and amotivation, respectively. In addition, politicized identification mediated the positive relation between the internalized motivations and intention to vote. Finally, amotivation negatively predicted voting intention. Civic education campaigns should promote young people’s awareness that they can contribute to society by voting (i.e., participative efficacy) and support internalized motivations to vote.