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From psychological need satisfaction to intentional behavior: testing a motivational sequence in two behavioral
Martin S Hagger1, Nikos L D Chatzisarantis, Jemma Harris
1School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK. martin.hagger@nottingham.ac.uk
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|December 31, 2005
Summary
Psychological need satisfaction influences health behaviors like exercise and dieting. This motivation impacts intentions and actions directly and indirectly, offering a unified model for volitional behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Self-determination theory explains psychological needs crucial for motivation.
- The theory of planned behavior outlines factors influencing intentions and behavior.
- Integrating these theories offers a comprehensive framework for understanding volitional actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a motivational sequence linking global psychological need satisfaction to behavior.
- To examine direct and indirect pathways through contextual motivation and situational decision-making.
- To integrate self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior for volitional behavior.
Main Methods:
- Two samples of 511 university students participated.
- Measures assessed psychological need satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and theory of planned behavior constructs.
- Structural equation modeling analyzed the proposed motivational sequence.
Main Results:
- The motivational sequence was supported in both samples.
- Indirect effects were observed for exercise behavior.
- Both direct and indirect effects were found for dieting behavior.
Conclusions:
- Global psychological need satisfaction influences health behaviors.
- The integrated model provides a comprehensive explanation for volitional behavior.
- Findings support both self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior.
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