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Related Concept Videos

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI01:30

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI

Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory01:17

Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory

Self-Determination Theory (SDT), formulated by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, explains that human motivation is driven by three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, individuals experience personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and overall well-being.
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I

Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Self-Discrepancy Theory02:45

Self-Discrepancy Theory

One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
Self-Regulation01:25

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation, also known as self-control, encompasses a range of cognitive and behavioral processes that allow individuals to adjust their internal states and outward actions to align with socially acceptable norms and long-term goals. It plays a fundamental role in adaptive functioning, from resisting impulsive behaviors to persisting through challenging tasks. While its benefits are widely recognized, self-regulation is not limitless. Muraven and Baumeister's theory posits that...
Motivational Cycle01:20

Motivational Cycle

The motivational cycle is a key concept that explains how individuals are motivated to meet their needs. At its core, the cycle revolves around four distinct stages: need, drive, goal-directed behavior, and goal achievement. These stages respond to imbalances in the body or mind, prompting actions that restore balance.
The cycle begins with a need. This need can arise from various conditions, such as hunger, thirst, or temperature changes. For instance, when an individual feels cold, their body...

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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
05:10

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Motivation, self-determination, and long-term weight control.

Pedro J Teixeira1, Marlene N Silva, Jutta Mata

  • 1Faculty of Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal. pteixeira@fmh.utl.pt

The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
|March 6, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Understanding motivation is key for successful weight management. Focusing on the type of motivation, not just the amount, can improve long-term weight control and self-regulation.

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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Science
  • Psychology
  • Health Psychology

Background:

  • Weight management interventions often overlook the qualitative aspects of motivation.
  • Self-regulation is crucial for sustained weight control and behavior change.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of motivation type in weight management.
  • To present a self-determination theory-based approach to understanding motivation.
  • To review empirical evidence linking motivation and weight outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative analysis of motivation in weight control.
  • Review of studies using self-determination theory measures.
  • Examination of weight loss interventions employing Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Main Results:

  • Current weight control programs may neglect crucial motivational factors like autonomy.
  • A motivational disconnect can hinder long-term weight maintenance.
  • Internal motivation and perceived autonomy are linked to better weight outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Integrating self-determination theory can enhance weight management strategies.
  • Fostering autonomy and intrinsic motivation is vital for lasting behavior change.
  • Addressing the qualitative dimensions of motivation improves intervention effectiveness.