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Motivation is a central concept in behavioral change. This article reviews the self-determination theory with an emphasis on "intrinsic motivation," which is facilitated when three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) are met. Intrinsic motivation is associated with improved well-being and sustained behavioral change.
Keywords: self-determination; theory; motivation; intrinsic motivation
ONF, 44(2), 155-156.
doi: 10.1188/17.ONF.155-156
Motivation is essential in any aspect of behavioral change. For practicing nurses intervening with patients to promote specific behaviors, consideration of the theoretical underpinning for motivation to change or initiate behaviors is key in delivering effective nursing care. Similarly, nurse researchers whose study requires active engagement of individual participants need to consider motivation for adherence to study procedures and interventions. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of intrinsic motivation as presented in selfdetermination theory (SDT).
Self-Determination Theory
The SDT of motivation was developed by psychologists Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan at the University of Rochester. Deci and Ryan identified their theoretical approach as organismic and dialectic (SDT, 2017). An organismic worldview understands individuals as active organisms with goals of mastering and integrating new experiences. This predisposition for growth is affected by interactions with the environment; the exchange, or dialectic, occurs between an individual and his or her social environment.
SDT includes six minitheories based on laboratory and field research. An international cadre of researchers and a dedicated website provide extensive resources and information. Professionals in a wide range of disciplines, including healthcare, have used SDT. A metaanalysis of 184 health-related studies using SDT revealed favorable support for the SDT framework and constructs (Ng et al., 2012). Theoretically derived interventions based on SDT have been found to promote long-term sustained behavioral change in areas such as smoking...