Test Of Self-determination Theory Research Articles

The Influence of Athletes’ Psychological Needs on Motivation, Burnout, and Well-Being: A Test of Self-Determination Theory

Sport provides a significant role in the lives of athletes; however, both positive and negative mental health effects may occur from sporting experiences, including burnout and/or well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted including 685 athletes (Mage = 23.39, SD = 6.22, 71% = male), testing multiple, complementary, self-determination theory hypotheses linked to well-being, and burnout. A multistage modeling approach encompassing confirmatory factor and path analysis was utilized, with results showing significant variance explained for well-being (R2 = .30) and burnout (R2 = .35). Several direct effects were found in line with self-determination theory, including between; needs-support and needs-satisfaction (β = 0.48), and needs-control and needs-frustration (β = 0.44); needs-satisfaction and motivational orientation (β = 0.25); needs-satisfaction and well-being (β = 0.37), and needs frustration and burnout (β = 0.25); and motivational orientation and burnout (β = −0.27), and motivational orientation and well-being (β = 0.18). Indirect effects were found for well-being and burnout via coach needs-support, needs-satisfaction, and motivational orientation in sequence (β = 0.24 and β = −0.22, respectively), in addition to burnout via coach needs-control, needs frustration, and motivational orientation in sequence (β = −0.12). To conclude, coach-based, sporting mental health interventions that promote the utilization of needs-supportive behaviors, while also highlighting the need to minimize needs-controlling behaviors, are recommended for the prevention of burnout and the promotion of well-being in athletes.

Physical activity and health-related fitness among Chinese older women: A test of self-determination theory

Regular physical activity (PA) contributes to maintaining health and improving the quality of life among older people. This cross-sectional study investigates the associations between motivations derived from self-determination theory (SDT) and physical activity levels, as well as health-related fitness indices, in older Chinese women. We recruited 92 retired older women (range: 60–85 years; mean age ± SD: 71.74 ± 5.39 years) from Hong Kong, China. We assessed participants' motivations (autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and amotivation) using the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire, and measured their moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and weekly walking using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. We also evaluated body fat (fat mass, fat percentage, and visceral fat) using the Tanita SC240MA, flexibility with the Back Scratch Test and Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, and muscle strength using the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test and "Timed Up and Go" Test. We analyzed the data using partial-least squares structural equation modeling with Warp PLS 8.0 software. The results showed that autonomous motivation was significantly and positively related to walking (β = .24, p < .01) and MVPA (β = .23, p < .01); controlled motivation was negatively associated with walking (β = -.26, p < .01) and positively associated with MVPA (β = .21, p < .05); and amotivation was significantly and negatively associated with walking and MVPA (β = -.17, p <.05; β = -.16, p < .05). The results also generally suggest that a higher PA level is linked to better health-related fitness. However, the expected indirect effects of motivation on health-related fitness outcomes were not statistically significant. Our results support SDT in explaining older women's participation in physical activity. Although physically active older women were more likely to be physically fitter, motivation in physical activity did not exert significant indirect effects on all health-related fitness outcomes.

Further validation of the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire for assessing motivations for responsible drinking: A test of self-determination theory.

Alcohol protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are cognitive-behavioral strategies used before, during, and/or after drinking to reduce alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Self-determination theory (SDT) provides a potentially useful framework to understand motivations for responsible drinking, which is operationalized in the present study as PBS use. In the present study, we examined the relation of motivations for responsible drinking, as assessed by the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ), with other SDT constructs (psychological need satisfaction and dispositional autonomy) and PBS use. A sample of 507 college students who reported consuming alcohol at least once in the past 3 months were recruited from a random sample of students enrolled at a Hispanic serving institution to complete an online survey. Consistent with SDT and previous studies of the TSRQ, we found support for a 4-factor structure of the TSRQ. The TSRQ demonstrated measurement invariance across several sociodemographic subgroups within the sample (e.g., biological sex, age, year in school), supporting the use of the TSRQ across these subgroups. Further, consistent with SDT-based hypotheses, greater psychological need satisfaction and dispositional autonomy were related to more self-determined motivations for responsible drinking. Also consistent with SDT, more self-determined motivations for responsible drinking were related to more frequent PBS use. The present findings further support the utility of the TSRQ for assessing motivations for responsible drinking and support SDT as a framework for understanding responsible drinking. Future directions for research applying SDT to understand and promote responsible drinking among college students are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

How does faculty research motivation type relate to success? A test of self-determination theory

Studies show institutional, demographic, and social-environmental factors to be incomplete predictors of professor research productivity; meanwhile, the effects of motivation on faculty research are relatively understudied. The current study tested the extent to which self-determined motivation served as a predictor of faculty research success. Analysis of 1846 USA faculty from 19 institutions using structural equation modeling found autonomous motivation (enjoyment, value) positively related to self-reported research productivity and number of publications, beyond demographics and position details. The basic needs of autonomy and competence predicted autonomous motivation, and indirectly predicted achievement. External motivation (rewards) had relatively smaller positive relationships with research productivity, while introjected motivation (guilt) had no relationships. The results contribute to both the faculty development and motivation research literatures.

Use of Facebook in physical activity intervention programme: a test of self-determination theory.

Use of Facebook in physical activity intervention programme: a test of self-determination theory.

Test of Self-Determination Theory in Swimmers With and Without Down Syndrome

Abstract Self-determination theory (SDT) may offer insight into the motives behind sport participation by individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The Pictorial Motivation Scale (PMS), developed by Poulin (1992), evaluated the motivation of junior athletes with (n = 15) and without DS (n = 15) participating in inclusive community-based swimming. In line with SDT, cluster analyses showed that intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation were all present in athletes with and without disabilities. Swimmers with DS scored significantly higher in intrinsic motivation than non–self-determined extrinsic motivation (−0.45, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and amotivation (−1.28, p &amp;lt; 0.001), suggesting involvement in community-based inclusive sport may promote enhanced psychological functioning in this sample. Further research may be warranted into the motivation of athletes with DS across longer periods of time.

Intrinsic Motivation, Performance, and the Mediating Role of Mastery Goal Orientation: A Test of Self-Determination Theory

ABSTRACT Although intrinsic motivation has been linked repeatedly to performance and outcomes, the causal relationship between the two has remained unclear. To explain the link, this study considered the focusing influence of mastery goals. Using a three-wave panel study and hypotheses drawn from self-determination theory and achievement goal theory, the current study sought to clarify the relationships between intrinsic motivation, mastery goal orientation, and performance. Specifically, the current study hypothesized and found that mastery goals mediated (explained) the relationship between intrinsic motivation and performance.

Goal contents, motivation, psychological need satisfaction, well-being and physical activity: A test of self-determination theory over 6 months

ObjectivesThis investigation examined how Goal Contents Theory, Organismic Integration Theory, and Basic Psychological Needs Theory collectively explain well-being and behavioral outcomes related to physical activity over 6 months. Specifically we examined a model whereby changes in relative intrinsic goal contents → changes in motivation → changes in psychological need satisfaction → well-being and physical activity. Methods and designParticipants were 203 adults from the general population (68.00% female; Mage = 32.57 years, SD = 15.73). Two identical questionnaire packages containing assessments of goal contents, motivational regulations, basic psychological need satisfaction, indicators of well-being and physical activity behavior, separated by six months were given to participants. Residualized change scores were analyzed with path analysis. ResultsResults supported the hypothesized sequence of SDT. Changes in psychological need satisfaction mediated the relationship between changes in autonomous motivation and well-being. A more complex pattern of results emerged for the indirect effects of motivation and psychological need satisfaction between relative intrinsic goals → well-being. Changes in competence satisfaction mediated the relationship between autonomous motivation and physical activity behavior. Moreover, changes in autonomous motivation through competence satisfaction mediated the relationship between relative intrinsic goals and physical activity. ConclusionsFindings support a model based on 3 mini-theories of SDT and suggest that psychological need fulfillment during physical activity could be a key mechanism that facilitates increased well-being and behavior. Findings also highlight the importance of examining competence, autonomy, and relatedness independently (rather than as a composite).

Psychological needs, motivation, and well-being: A test of self-determination theory across multiple domains

The present investigation examined the associations between psychological need satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and subjective well-being simultaneously across multiple domains. Two hundred and three adults completed questionnaires about important life domains in which they were involved, resulting in ratings of over 800 domains. Results show that need satisfaction is strongly related to both autonomous motivation and well-being in multiple domains. Additionally, we demonstrate that motivation acts as a partial mediator of the path between need satisfaction and well-being. By using an idiographic approach, this study looks at the differences and similarities between the many important life domains in which individuals are involved. The current paper also supports the universality of SDT processes by assessing need satisfaction, motivation and well-being simultaneously in multiple life domains.

Perceived Teaching Behaviors and Self-Determined Motivation in Physical Education: A Test of Self-Determination Theory

Perceived Teaching Behaviors and Self-Determined Motivation in Physical Education: A Test of Self-Determination Theory

“Everyone rolls up their sleeves and mucks in”: Exploring volunteers’ motivation and experiences of the motivational climate of a sporting event

Research examining volunteer motivation and satisfaction has been criticised for the limited explanation of the cognitive and social processes that may underpin the proposed relationships among motivation, satisfaction, performance and retention (Costa, C.A., Chalip, L., Green, B.C., & Simes, C. (2006). Reconsidering the role of training in event volunteers’ satisfaction. Sport Management Review, 9(2), 165–182.; Cuskelly, G., Hoye, R., & Auld, C. (2006). Working with volunteers in sport. Theory and practice. London: Routledge.). Self-determination theory (SDT) (Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum.; Ryan, R.M., & Deci, E.L. (2000a) has proven useful in both for- and not-for-profit domains (e.g., Baard, P.P. (1994). A motivational basis for consulting with not-for-profit organizations: A study of church growth and participation. Consulting Psychology Journal, 46(3), 19–31.; Deci, E.L., Connell, J.P., & Ryan, R.M. (1989). Self-determination in a work organisation. Journal of Applied Psychology, 74(4), 580–590.; Hollembeak, J., & Amorose, A. J. (2005). Percevied coaching behaviors and college athletes’ intrinsic motivation: A test of self-determination theory. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 17(1), 20–36.) and appears particularly suited to understanding volunteer motivation. Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.). Therefore the purpose of this study was to examine sport event volunteers’ motivation and experiences of the motivational climate at a large sport event using self-determination theory. The participants were volunteers at the NZ Master's Games held biannually in Dunedin, NZ. They participated in focus group interviews in which their experiences as volunteers at the event were discussed. In general, the findings support tenets of self-determination theory. Participants reported intrinsic motivation toward volunteering but also forms of extrinsic motivation toward some volunteer tasks. With regard to the motivational climate, volunteers experienced support for their autonomy, and felt that their competence and sense of relatedness were fostered. These findings suggest that SDT is a viable framework for examining volunteer motivation.

Actual environments do affect motivation and psychological adjustment: A test of self-determination theory in a natural setting

This study examined the impact of the actual environment on changes in psychological adjustment over time. According to Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci and Ryan, Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior, 1985a, Plenum, New York; J Res Pers 19:109–134, 1985b; Psychol Inq 11:227–268, 2000), environments that are objectively supportive of autonomy should facilitate psychological adjustment through their impact on people’s subjective perceptions of autonomy and self-determined motivation. The present study tested this hypothesis using a prospective design with nursing homes residents. Results from structural equation modeling showed that actual autonomy-supportive nursing home environments were positively associated with residents’ perceptions of autonomy that in turn predicted self-determined motivation in major life domains. Self-determined motivation, in turn, predicted increases in psychological adjustment over a one-year period. Theoretical implications of the present findings are discussed in line with SDT.

A Test of Self-Determination Theory with Wheelchair Basketball Players with and Without Disability

Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the present study examined the sport motivation and coping skills of male and female wheelchair basketball players with and without disability (N = 72). In line with SDT, results showed that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as well as amotivation was found to be present in this sample of wheelchair basketball players. Results also demonstrated that the participants surveyed in the present study scored higher on self-determined types of motivation than non self-determined types of motivation, thus replicating past research with athletes without disability. Furthermore, wheelchair basketball players with and without disability did not differ significantly with respect to sport motivation and coping skills, suggesting that they are more alike than dissimilar. Finally, results revealed that self-determined motivation is associated with enhanced psychological functioning.

Predicting attitudes and physical activity in an “at-risk” minority youth sample: A test of self-determination theory

Objectives The present work sought to extend past research by (i) testing a model of motivational processes based on the tenets of self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan [1991. A motivational approach to self: Integration in personality. In R. Dienstbier (Ed.), Nebraska symposium on motivation. Vol. 38. Perceptives on motivation (pp. 237–288). Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press]) in an “at-risk” minority youth sample, (ii) exploring the relationship between motivation and physical activity behavior and attitudes, and (iii) assessing autonomy-support for physical activity from two social agents. Design A field cross-sectional design, including an assessment of physical activity over 4 days using pedometers. Methods Complete data were obtained from 237 predominantly low socioeconomic Hispanic 5th–8th grade students ( M age=12.11 years; SD=1.21) from an elementary school located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. Four days of physical activity data, height and weight measurements, and responses to a multi-section inventory were collected. A model of hypothesized relationships among the study variables was examined using structural equation modeling. Results The proposed model demonstrated a very good fit to the data [Satorra-Bentler χ 2 (24)=46.88, p<.01; CFI=.94; IFI=.95; SRMR=.052]. Supporting the study hypotheses, the model showed that students who perceived autonomy-support toward physical activity to be promoted by their teachers and their parents experienced greater levels of need satisfaction variables (viz., autonomy, competence, and relatedness). In turn, the satisfaction of these psychological needs positively predicted autonomous motivation towards physical activity. Autonomous motivation positively predicted greater levels of (i) physical activity and (ii) positive attitudes towards physical activity. Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to be a negative predictor of physical activity. Conclusions Collectively, the results of the present work provide support for SDT and the application of the framework to enhance our understanding of motivational processes as they relate to physical activity within “at-risk” minority youth.

Autonomy-supportive coaching and self-determined motivation in high school and college athletes: A test of self-determination theory

Objectives Using self-determination theory as a framework, this study tested whether perceived competence, autonomy, and relatedness mediated the relationship between perceived autonomy-supportive coaching and athletes’ motivational orientation. Design A cross-sectional, survey study conducted during a regularly schedule training session. Method Male and female high school and college athletes ( N=581) completed questionnaires assessing the key variables of interest. Results Structural equation modeling revealed support for a mediational effect. Specifically, results indicated that the degree to which athletes perceived their coaches to be autonomy-supportive significantly predicted the athletes’ perceived competence, autonomy, and sense of relatedness, which, in turn, each predicted their motivational orientation. This pattern of relationships was invariant across gender and level of competition. Conclusions Results support self-determination theory and highlight the motivational benefits of autonomy-supportive coaching behaviors.

Perceived Coaching Behaviors and College Athletes' Intrinsic Motivation: A Test of Self-Determination Theory

Using self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework, this study tested whether perceived competence, autonomy and relatedness mediated the relationships between perceived coaching behaviors and athletes' intrinsic motivation (IM). Male and female college athletes (N = 280) completed questionnaires assessing perceived coaching behaviors (i.e., training and instruction, positive feedback, social support, and autocratic and democratic behavior), as well as their IM, perceptions of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Structural equation modeling revealed support for a mediational effect. Specifically, results indicated that all of the coaching behaviors, with the exception of social support, significantly predicted perceived competence, autonomy and/or relatedness, which, in turn, predicted IM. Only perceived autocratic and democratic behaviors had a significant indirect effect on IM. Results are discussed in relation to SDT and coaching effectiveness.

Internalization of biopsychosocial values by medical students: a test of self-determination theory.

Two studies tested self-determination theory with 2nd-year medical students in an interviewing course. Study 1 revealed that (a) individuals with a more autonomous orientation on the General Causality Orientation Scale had higher psychosocial beliefs at the beginning of the course and reported more autonomous reasons for participating in the course, and (b) students who perceived their instructors as more autonomy-supportive became more autonomous in their learning during the 6-month course. Study 2, a 30-month longitudinal study, revealed that students who perceived their instructors as more autonomy-supportive became more autonomous in their learning, which in turn accounted for a significant increase in both perceived competence and psychosocial beliefs over the 20-week period of the course, more autonomy support when interviewing a simulated patient 6 months later, and stronger psychosocial beliefs 2 years later.

Internalization of biopsychosocial values by medical students: A test of self-determination theory.

Internalization of biopsychosocial values by medical students: A test of self-determination theory.