Self-determination theory (wk6)

Question 1

Motivation regulations - key concepts of self-determination theory
-Psychological theory

Answer 1

‘Framework which specifies a series of inter-related psychological factors, which are assumed to work together to influence a specific outcome’

Question 2

Motivation regulations
-Draw out the self determination theory and behaviour change theories applied to PA/ exercise contexts

Question 3

Motivation regulations
-Explain motivation regulations and draw out the ‘why’ of regulations

Answer 3

-Motivation regulations -> The ‘why’ of motivation. Intrinsic and identified = autonomous motivation. Introjected and external = controlled motivation.

Question 4

How different types of motivation relate to levels of PA engagement

Answer 4

-Motivation regulations can range on a continuum from more controlled types of motivation, to more autonomous types of motivation
-Autonomous motivation encourages higher physical activity engagement, whereas controlled motivation may lead to less physical activity engagement
-Fostering autonomous motivation towards physical activity may have positive implications for promoting physical activity/exercise behaviour change
-Evidence provides support for the importance of motivation regulations (support self-determination theory). Autonomous motivation positively associated with higher levels of physical activity.

Question 5

Basic psychological needs
-Identify and explain the 3 basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness)

Answer 5

-Autonomy -> Personal control and volition. Choice and a voice.
-Competence -> Feel efficacious
-Relatedness -> Feel connected and cared for

Question 6

Basic psychological needs
-Explain how 3 basic needs integrate within the wider context of self-determination theory

Answer 6

-The 3 basic psychological needs are important for motivation regulations
-When the 3 basic needs are high, there will be high supported autonomous motivation (and vice versa for low)
-Try to have controlled high basic needs to have more positive outcomes

Question 7

What is thwarting

Answer 7

-Thwarting – prevent (someone) from accomplishing something

Question 8

Autonomy
-Supporting and thwarting table

Question 9

Competence
-Supporting and thwarting

Question 10

Relatedness
-Supporting and thwarting

Question 11

Describe the link between basic needs and PA and well-being, and why this is important for sport, exercise and PA interventions

Answer 11

-Autonomous motivation flourishes and promotes optimal functioning (e.g. more physical activity, enhanced well-being) when the basic psychological needs are satisfied
-Need for interventions which focus on need supportive strategies and minimise need thwarting.
-Conclusion from research studies -> Evidence provides support for the importance of basic psychological need support (supports self-determination theory). Satisfaction/support of the 3 basic needs positively associates with higher levels of physical activity/sport engagement.

Question 12

The social environment
-Describe ‘social environment’ in the context of self-determination theory

Answer 12

-Social environment -> ‘The immediate social setting in which people live or on which something happens or develops. It includes the culture that the individual was educated or lives in, and the people and institutions with whom they interact’
-The social environment is created by the intrapersonal behaviours of significant others within a particular physical activity/exercise context.
-Two social environments -> autonomy supportive and controlling

Question 13

Outline and describe key characteristics of autonomy supporting environments

Answer 13

-Autonomy supportive:
* Promotes choice and understanding
* Provides rationale
* Input into decision making
* Considers the individual’s point of view

Question 14

Outline and describe key characteristics of controlling social environments

Answer 14

-Controlling:
* Exerts pressure and is coercive
* Limits choice
* Negative conditional regard
* Devalues the individual’s perspective

Question 15

Key messages from social environment and PA

Answer 15

• The social environment is created by the interpersonal behaviours of individuals within a particular context (e.g. coach, PE teacher, health care professional)
• From the standpoint of self-determination theory, social environments are typically autonomy supportive (giving a ‘choice and a voice’), or controlling
• More autonomy supportive social environments facilitate satisfaction of the 3 basic psychological needs, which leads to more autonomous motivation (and better outcomes)