Motivation and behaviour change techniques based on self-determination theory: a consensus analysis

Abstract

Background: Self-determination theory (SDT) is increasingly being used to inform the design of health behavior change interventions. Despite ongoing theoretical and empirical work, a formal characterization of the intervention elements of SDT that actively contribute to autonomous motivation and sustained behavior change has not yet been fully developed. This study aims to identify, isolate, and describe the techniques most likely to influence the three psychological needs described by SDT as key mechanisms of action underlying motivation change. Methods: An initial list of intervention techniques was produced based on the available narrative and empirical SDT literature, and on measures of psychological need support. A panel of SDT experts was then consulted in a systematic and iterative fashion to evaluate and refine the techniques until a structured final set of autonomy-, competence-, and relatedness-supportive techniques was produced. Techniques were also classified according to their central (vs. complementary) nature regarding effective need support; to their specificity (vs. generality) to the needs; and to their focus on content vs. form/style. Findings: Nine techniques were isolated for autonomy (e.g. “Facilitate discussion of client’s views on condition or behaviorâ€); eight for relatedness (e.g. “Acknowledge and accept the client’s perspectivesâ€), and nine for competence (e.g. “Offer concrete, clear, and relevant feedbackâ€). This talk will present an overview of an initial consensus on SDT-based motivation and behavior change techniques and address its usefulness and limitations. Discussion: Discussion will address the application of this knowledge to future health behavior change interventions and its evaluation in research studies.