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Related Concept Videos

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...
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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...
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Related Experiment Video

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Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
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Exercise, physical activity, and self-determination theory: a systematic review.

Pedro J Teixeira1, Eliana V Carraça, David Markland

  • 1Technical University of Lisbon, Estrada da Costa, 1495-688, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal. pteixeira@fmh.utl.pt

The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
|June 26, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Self-determination theory (SDT) research shows autonomous motivation, particularly identified and intrinsic regulation, strongly predicts sustained exercise and physical activity. While generally supportive, some specific SDT constructs require further investigation for exercise promotion.

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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
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Published on: March 7, 2019

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Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
06:13

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Published on: December 1, 2023

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
05:59

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity

Published on: March 7, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Exercise science
  • Health psychology

Background:

  • Motivation is key for sustained exercise and health.
  • Self-determination theory (SDT) is increasingly studied for exercise motivation.
  • Previous reviews were largely theoretical; this study provides an empirical data review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review empirical data on SDT constructs and exercise behavior.
  • To examine relations between SDT-based motivation and physical activity outcomes.
  • To synthesize findings on SDT interventions for exercise behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 66 empirical studies (experimental, cross-sectional, prospective) up to June 2011.
  • Analysis of exercise causality orientations, autonomy support, need satisfaction, motives, and self-regulations.
  • Quantitative synthesis of findings on exercise/physical activity as the dependent variable.

Main Results:

  • Autonomous motivation (identified, intrinsic regulation) consistently predicts exercise participation and adherence.
  • Competence satisfaction and intrinsic motives positively predict exercise across diverse settings.
  • Mixed evidence exists for other motives (e.g., body-related) and introjected regulation.

Conclusions:

  • SDT effectively explains exercise behavior, highlighting autonomous motivation's role in physical activity.
  • Inconsistencies remain regarding specific SDT construct-exercise relations.
  • Further research is needed to refine SDT application in exercise promotion.