A self-determination theory approach to psychotherapy: The motivational basis for effective change.
Abstract
The application of self-determination theory (SDT) to psychotherapy is particularly relevant because a central task of therapy is to support the client to autonomously explore, identify, initiate, and sustain a process of change. In this article, the authors discuss the experimental work, field studies, and clinical trials representing the application of SDT to the domain of psychotherapy. Evidence supports the importance of client autonomy for the attainment and maintenance of treatment outcomes. In addition, intervention studies suggest that therapist autonomy support enhances the likelihood that treatment gains will be achieved and maintained. The authors discuss some of the processes involved in enhancing autonomy, including the role of awareness, the importance of exploring and challenging introjects and external regulations, attention to need-related goal contents, and therapist attitudes required for a therapy approach that is process- rather than outcome-focused.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Empirical findings have supported SDT's claim that the provision of effective need support predicts treatment engagement and outcomes in healthcare and psychotherapy.
“Empirical findings have supported SDT’s claim that the provision of effective need support predicts treatment engagement and outcomes in healthcare [10, 11] and psychotherapy [12].”
From Suicide attempt survivors’ recovery-related agency in the relational context of services: a qualitative analysis (2024) · cites this paper as [12]
An understanding of recovery as co-created is in line with both the self-determination theory and recovery models of suicidality.
“An understanding of recovery as co-created is in line with both the SDT [10, 12] and recovery models of suicidality [18, 19].”
From Suicide attempt survivors’ recovery-related agency in the relational context of services: a qualitative analysis (2024) · cites this paper as [12]
Cites
The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000) · Psychological Inquiry · doi:10.1207/s15327965pli1104_01 · Cited by 34,210 · see citing works
Self-citationRyan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.68 · Cited by 27,815 · see citing works
Self-citationIntrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior
Miller, K. A. J., Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1988) · Contemporary Sociology A Journal of Reviews · doi:10.2307/2070638 · Cited by 15,361 · see citing works
Self-citationThe benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822 · Cited by 13,448 · see citing works
Self-citationOn Happiness and Human Potentials: A Review of Research on Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001) · Annual Review of Psychology · doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.141 · Cited by 11,567 · see citing works
Self-citationHuman agency in social cognitive theory.
Bandura, A. (1989) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037/0003-066x.44.9.1175 · Cited by 8,263 · see citing works
Handbook of Competence and Motivation
Elliot, A. J., & Dweck, C. S. (2013) · Cited by 4,671 · see citing works
Meany, J. O., Rogers, C. R., Dorfman, E., Gordon, T., & Hobbes, N. (1951) · The American Catholic Sociological Review · doi:10.2307/3707825 · Cited by 4,192 · see citing works
Perceived locus of causality and internalization: Examining reasons for acting in two domains.
Ryan, R. M., & Connell, J. P. (1989) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.57.5.749 · Cited by 3,311 · see citing works
Self-citationToward a hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Vallerand, R. J. (1997) · Advances in experimental social psychology · doi:10.1016/s0065-2601(08)60019-2 · Cited by 3,198 · cited 1× · see citing works
“These motives, with corresponding regulatory processes, vary along a continuum of relative autonomy (Ryan & Connell, 1989; Vallerand, 1997), and people typically have varied degrees of each type of motive.”
BackgroundFacilitating optimal motivation and psychological well-being across life's domains.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008) · Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne · doi:10.1037/0708-5591.49.1.14 · Cited by 2,900 · see citing works
Self-citationFurther Examining the American Dream: Differential Correlates of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Goals
Kasser, T., & Ryan, R. M. (1996) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167296223006 · Cited by 2,745 · see citing works
Self-citationControl and information in the intrapersonal sphere: An extension of cognitive evaluation theory.
Ryan, R. M. (1982) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.43.3.450 · Cited by 2,721 · see citing works
Self-citationA motivational approach to self: integration in personality.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1990) · PubMed · Cited by 2,704 · see citing works
Self-citationFacilitating Internalization: The Self‐Determination Theory Perspective
Deci, E. L., Eghrari, H., Patrick, B. C., & Leone, D. R. (1994) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1994.tb00797.x · Cited by 2,627 · see citing works
Self-citationPsychological Needs and the Facilitation of Integrative Processes
Ryan, R. M. (1995) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1995.tb00501.x · Cited by 2,245 · see citing works
Self-citationResearch design in clinical psychology
Kazdin, A. E. (1952) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/1097-4679(195201)8:1 · Cited by 2,153 · see citing works
Daily Well-Being: The Role of Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness
Reis, H. T., Sheldon, K. M., Gable, S. L., Roscoe, J., & Ryan, R. M. (2000) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167200266002 · Cited by 2,067 · cited 1× · see citing works
“It is a client-centered (Rogers, 1951) method that neither persuades nor coerces patients to change, but instead attempts to explore and resolve their ambivalence, allowing them to decide for themselves whether to change. Markland, Ryan, Tobin, and Rollnick (2005) pointed out that SDT provides a meaningful framework f…”
BackgroundSelf-citationMotivational predictors of weight loss and weight-loss maintenance.
Williams, G. C., Grow, V. M., Freedman, Z. R., Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (1996) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.70.1.115 · Cited by 1,610 · see citing works
Self-citationLa Guardia, J. G., Ryan, R. M., Couchman, C. E., & Deci, E. L. (2000) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.79.3.367 · Cited by 1,571 · see citing works
Self-citationWesten, D., Novotny, C. M., & Thompson-Brenner, H. (2004) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.631 · Cited by 1,212 · see citing works
Olding, A. (1983) · Theoria · doi:10.1111/j.1755-2567.1983.tb00176.x · Cited by 755 · see citing works
Nix, G. A., Ryan, R. M., Manly, J. B., & Deci, E. L. (1999) · Journal of Experimental Social Psychology · doi:10.1006/jesp.1999.1382 · Cited by 749 · see citing works
Self-citation(1995) · Cited by 745 · see citing works
Self-citationPelletier, L. G., Séguin-Lévesque, C., & Legault, L. (2002) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.94.1.186 · Cited by 741 · see citing works
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2008) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/j.1751-9004.2008.00098.x · Cited by 732 · see citing works
Self-citationRyan, R. M., Plant, R., & O'Malley, S. (1995) · Addictive Behaviours · doi:10.1016/0306-4603(94)00072-7 · Cited by 709 · see citing works
Self-citationMotivational Interviewing and Self–Determination Theory
Markland, D., Ryan, R. M., Tobin, V. J., & Rollnick, S. (2005) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.2005.24.6.811 · Cited by 690 · see citing works
Self-citationKoestner, R., Ryan, R. M., Bernieri, F., & Holt, K. (1984) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1984.tb00879.x · Cited by 669 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Yet research in SDT suggests that structure can be implemented in either controlling or autonomysupportive ways (e.g., Grolnick, 2003; Koestner et al., 1984), and this strongly moderates the likelihood of promoting proactivity and internalization.”
BackgroundSelf-citationSelf-concordance, goal attainment, and the pursuit of happiness: Can there be an upward spiral?
Sheldon, K. M., & Houser-Marko, L. (2001) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.80.1.152 · Cited by 663 · see citing works
Autonomous regulation and long-term medication adherence in adult outpatients.
Williams, G. C., Rodin, G. C., Ryan, R. M., Grolnick, W. S., & Deci, E. L. (1998) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037//0278-6133.17.3.269 · Cited by 642 · see citing works
Self-citationThe Emotional Costs of Parents' Conditional Regard: A Self‐Determination Theory Analysis
Assor, A., Roth, G., & Deci, E. L. (2003) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.0022-3506.2004.00256.x · Cited by 584 · see citing works
Self-citationWilliams, G. C., McGregor, H. A., Sharp, D. L., Levesque, C. S., Kouides, R. W., Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2006) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/0278-6133.25.1.91 · Cited by 579 · see citing works
Self-citationEfficacy, Agency, and Self-Esteem
Kernis, M. H. (1995) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4899-1280-0_12 · Cited by 536 · see citing works
Choice and Ego-Depletion: The Moderating Role of Autonomy
Moller, A. C., Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2006) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167206288008 · Cited by 535 · see citing works
Self-citationAttaining personal goals: Self-concordance plus implementation intentions equals success.
Koestner, R., Lekes, N., Powers, T. A., & Chicoine, E. (2002) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.83.1.231 · Cited by 526 · see citing works
Reeve, J., Nix, G., & Hamm, D. (2003) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.95.2.375 · Cited by 520 · see citing works
Kasser, T., Ryan, R. M., Zax, M., & Sameroff, A. J. (1995) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/0012-1649.31.6.907 · Cited by 518 · see citing works
Self-citationExtrinsic Life Goals and Health‐Risk Behaviors in Adolescents<sup>1</sup>
Williams, G. C., Hedberg, V. A., Cox, E. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000) · Journal of Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2000.tb02466.x · Cited by 423 · see citing works
Self-citationThe Significance of Autonomy and Autonomy Support in Psychological Development and Psychopathology
Ryan, R. M., Deci, E., Grolnick, W., & Guardia, J. (2015) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9780470939383.ch20 · Cited by 421 · see citing works
Self-citationEffects of performance standards on teaching styles: Behavior of controlling teachers.
Deci, E. L., Spiegel, N. H., Ryan, R. M., Koestner, R., & Kauffman, M. (1982) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.74.6.852 · Cited by 369 · see citing works
Self-citationPelletier, L. G., Tuson, K. M., & Haddad, N. K. (1997) · Journal of Personality Assessment · doi:10.1207/s15327752jpa6802_11 · Cited by 279 · see citing works
Dienstbier, R. A. (2022) · doi:10.5040/9798216424055.ch-24 · Cited by 256 · see citing works
Autonomous motivation for therapy: a new common factor in brief treatments for depression
Zuroff, D. C., Koestner, R., Moskowitz, D. S., McBride, C., Marshall, M., & Bagby, M. R. (2007) · Psychotherapy Research · doi:10.1080/10503300600919380 · Cited by 233 · see citing works
Deci, E. L., & Moller, A. C. (2005) · Cited by 190 · see citing works
Self-citationWild, T. C., Cunningham, J. A., & Ryan, R. M. (2006) · Addictive Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.01.002 · Cited by 186 · see citing works
Self-citationShahar, G., Henrich, C. C., Blatt, S. J., Ryan, R. M., & Little, T. D. (2003) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/0012-1649.39.3.470 · Cited by 181 · see citing works
Self-citationWong, P.-M., & Fry, P. S. (1998) · University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) · Cited by 165 · see citing works
Motivation, Autonomy Support, and Entity Beliefs: Their Role in Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Zeldman, A., Ryan, R. M., & Fiscella, K. A. (2004) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.23.5.675.50744 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
Self-citationRyan, R. M. (2005) · Development and Psychopathology · doi:10.1017/s0954579405050467 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
Self-citationPerson-Centered Personality Theory: Support from Self-Determination Theory And Positive Psychology
Patterson, T. G., & Joseph, S. (2006) · Journal of Humanistic Psychology · doi:10.1177/0022167806293008 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
A Group Motivational Treatment for Chemical Dependency
Foote, J. P. (1999) · Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment · doi:10.1016/s0740-5472(99)00003-3 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
Michalak, J., Klappheck, M. A., & Kosfelder, J. (2004) · Psychotherapy Research · doi:10.1093/ptr/kph017 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Evidence based psychotherapy: special case or special pleading?
Parry, G. (2000) · Evidence-Based Mental Health · doi:10.1136/ebmh.3.2.35 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Cicchetti, D. (2016) · Wiley eBooks · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
2 of the 57 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Self-determination theory: A macrotheory of human motivation, development, and health
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008) · Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne · doi:10.1037/a0012801 · Cited by 6,664 · see citing works
Self-citationDeci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2012) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195399820.013.0006 · Cited by 1,384 · see citing works
Self-citationA Meta-analysis of the Effectiveness of Intervention Programs Designed to Support Autonomy
Su, Y.-L., & Reeve, J. (2011) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-010-9142-7 · Cited by 924 · see citing works
Motivation, self-determination, and long-term weight control
Teixeira, P. J., Silva, M. N., Mata, J., Palmeira, A. L., & Markland, D. (2012) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-22 · Cited by 422 · see citing works
Ryan, R. M., Lynch, M. F., Vansteenkiste, M., & Deci, E. L. (2011) · The Counseling Psychologist · doi:10.1177/0011000009359313 · Cited by 429 · see citing works
Self-citationThe role of mindfulness and psychological capital on the well-being of leaders.
Roche, M., Haar, J. M., & Luthans, F. (2014) · Journal of Occupational Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0037183 · Cited by 400 · see citing works
A Multilevel Model of Employee Innovation
Wallace, J. C., Butts, M. M., Johnson, P. D., Stevens, F. G., & Smith, M. B. (2013) · Journal of Management · doi:10.1177/0149206313506462 · Cited by 394 · see citing works
Reflections on self-determination theory.
Vallerand, R. J., Pelletier, L. G., & Koestner, R. (2008) · Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne · doi:10.1037/a0012804 · Cited by 381 · see citing works
Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2016) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781119125556.devpsy109 · Cited by 307 · see citing works
Self-citationIntegrative emotion regulation: Process and development from a self-determination theory perspective
Roth, G., Vansteenkiste, M., & Ryan, R. M. (2019) · Development and Psychopathology · doi:10.1017/s0954579419000403 · Cited by 270 · see citing works
Self-citationRyan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2010) · Cross-cultural advancements in positive psychology · doi:10.1007/978-90-481-9667-8_3 · Cited by 262 · see citing works
Self-citationHodge, K. P., & Lonsdale, C. (2011) · Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1123/jsep.33.4.527 · Cited by 250 · see citing works
The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation
Ng, B. (2018) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci8020020 · Cited by 230 · see citing works
Koh, D., Lee, K., & Joshi, K. (2019) · Journal of Organizational Behavior · doi:10.1002/job.2355 · Cited by 208 · see citing works
The Design of Ecological Momentary Assessment Technologies
Doherty, K., Balaskas, A., & Doherty, G. J. (2020) · Interacting with Computers · doi:10.1093/iwcomp/iwaa019 · Cited by 187 · see citing works
Levels of Analysis, Regnant Causes of Behavior and Well-Being: The Role of Psychological Needs
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2011) · Psychological Inquiry · doi:10.1080/1047840x.2011.545978 · Cited by 191 · see citing works
Self-citationMoulard, J. G., Raggio, R. D., & Folse, J. A. G. (2020) · Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science · doi:10.1007/s11747-020-00735-1 · Cited by 185 · see citing works
Vansteenkiste, M., Williams, G. C., & Resnicow, K. (2012) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-23 · Cited by 174 · see citing works
Developing a Conceptual Framework for Life Skills Interventions
Hodge, K. P., Danish, S. J., & Martin, J. (2012) · The Counseling Psychologist · doi:10.1177/0011000012462073 · Cited by 165 · see citing works
Self-Determination and Meaningful Work: Exploring Socioeconomic Constraints
Allan, B. A., Autin, K. L., & Duffy, R. D. (2016) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00071 · Cited by 165 · see citing works
Fall, E., Izaute, M., & Chakroun, N. (2017) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2017.1401623 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Koh, C., Tan, H. S., Tan, K. C., Fang, L., Fong, F. M., Kan, D., Lye, S. L., & Wee, M. L. (2010) · Journal of Engineering Education · doi:10.1002/j.2168-9830.2010.tb01059.x · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Motivational determinants of integrating positive and negative past identities.
Weinstein, N., Deci, E., & Ryan, R. M. (2011) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0022150 · Cited by 135 · see citing works
Self-citationRyan, R. M., Soenens, B., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2019) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/jopy.12440 · Cited by 171 · see citing works
Self-citationTechnological adjuncts to increase adherence to therapy: A review
Clough, B. A., & Casey, L. M. (2011) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.03.006 · Cited by 125 · see citing works
Rivkin, W., Diestel, S., & Schmidt, K. (2016) · Journal of Occupational Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/ocp0000039 · Cited by 125 · see citing works
Aelterman, N., Vansteenkiste, M., Keer, H. V., & Haerens, L. L. (2015) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.10.007 · Cited by 123 · see citing works
Alfonsson, S., Olsson, E., & Hursti, T. (2016) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.5352 · Cited by 118 · see citing works
The Way Forward in Mindfulness and Sustainability: a Critical Review and Research Agenda
Thiermann, U. B., & Sheate, W. R. (2020) · Journal of Cognitive Enhancement · doi:10.1007/s41465-020-00180-6 · Cited by 121 · see citing works
Britton, P. C., Patrick, H., Wenzel, A., & Williams, G. C. (2011) · Cognitive and Behavioral Practice · doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.06.004 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
Integrating Health Behavior Theory and Design Elements in Serious Games
Cheek, C., Fleming, T., Lucassen, M. F., Bridgman, H., Stasiak, K., Shepherd, M., & Orpin, P. (2015) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/mental.4133 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Roosen, L., Klöckner, C. A., & Swim, J. K. (2017) · World Art · doi:10.1080/21500894.2017.1375002 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
“I will guide you” The indirect link between overparenting and young adults׳ adjustment
Rousseau, S., & Scharf, M. (2015) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.016 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
Knapstad, M., Nordgreen, T., & Smith, O. R. F. (2018) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1838-0 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
Vrangalova, Z. (2014) · Archives of Sexual Behavior · doi:10.1007/s10508-013-0255-1 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
Rigby, C. S., Schultz, P. P., & Ryan, R. M. (2014) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118294895.ch12 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
Self-citationSmoking Cessation Apps for Smartphones: Content Analysis With the Self-Determination Theory
Choi, J., Noh, G.-Y., & Park, D.-J. (2014) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.3061 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
A Trial of Family Partnership and Education Interventions in Heart Failure
Dunbar, S. B., Clark, P. C., Reilly, C. M., GARY, R. A., Smith, A. A., McCarty, F., Higgins, M. K., Grossniklaus, D. A., Kaslow, N. J., Frediani, J. K., et al. (2013) · Journal of Cardiac Failure · doi:10.1016/j.cardfail.2013.10.007 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Self-citationMaghool, S. A. H., Moeini, S. H. I., & Arefazar, Y. (2018) · International Journal of Architectural Research Archnet-IJAR · doi:10.26687/archnet-ijar.v12i3.1719 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Using self-monitoring: implementation of collaborative empiricism in cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cohen, J. S., Edmunds, J. M., Brodman, D. M., Benjamin, C. L., & Kendall, P. C. (2013) · Cognitive and Behavioral Practice · doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2012.06.002 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
Analysis of Well-Being and Anxiety among University Students
Lopes, L. F. D., Chaves, B. M., Fabrício, A., Porto, A., de Almeida, D. M., Obregon, S. L., Lima, M. P., da Silva, W. V., Camargo, M. E., da Veiga, C. P., et al. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17113874 · Cited by 93 · see citing works
Why we eat what we eat: the role of autonomous motivation in eating behaviour regulation
Teixeira, P. J., Patrick, H., & Mata, J. (2011) · Nutrition Bulletin · doi:10.1111/j.1467-3010.2010.01876.x · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Tee, J., & Kazantzis, N. (2011) · Clinical Psychology Science and Practice · doi:10.1111/j.1468-2850.2010.01234.x · Cited by 93 · see citing works
Persson, S., Hagquist, C., & Michelson, D. (2016) · Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/1359104516656722 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
Coerced addiction treatment: Client perspectives and the implications of their neglect
Urbanoski, K. A. (2010) · Harm Reduction Journal · doi:10.1186/1477-7517-7-13 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
Lösch, S., Traut‐Mattausch, E., Mühlberger, M. D., & Jonas, E. (2016) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00629 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Live as we choose: The role of autonomy support in facilitating intrinsic motivation
Meng, L., & Ma, Q. (2015) · International Journal of Psychophysiology · doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2015.08.009 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Treatment motivation among caregivers and adolescents with substance use disorders
Cornelius, T. M., Earnshaw, V. A., Menino, D. D., Bogart, L. M., & Levy, S. (2017) · Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment · doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2017.01.003 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Vandereycken, W., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2009) · European Eating Disorders Review · doi:10.1002/erv.917 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
The impact of self-efficacy, expectations, and readiness on hearing aid outcomes
Ferguson, M., Woolley, A., & Munro, K. J. (2016) · International Journal of Audiology · doi:10.1080/14992027.2016.1177214 · Cited by 82 · see citing works
Serious game‐based and nongame‐based online courses: Learning experiences and outcomes
Hess, T., & Gunter, G. A. (2013) · British Journal of Educational Technology · doi:10.1111/bjet.12024 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
In Search of a Theoretical Structure for Understanding Motivation in Schizophrenia
Medalia, A. A., & Brekke, J. S. (2010) · Schizophrenia Bulletin · doi:10.1093/schbul/sbq073 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
Emadpoor, L., Lavasani, M. G., & Shahcheraghi, S. M. (2015) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-015-9608-4 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Bandura, C. T., & Kavussanu, M. (2018) · International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching · doi:10.1177/1747954118768242 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Holtbrügge, D., & Engelhard, F. (2015) · Academy of Management Learning and Education · doi:10.5465/amle.2015.0128 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Thiermann, U. B., & Sheate, W. R. (2020) · Ecological Economics · doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106668 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
Career Decision‐Making Self‐Efficacy Change in Italian High School Students
Chiesa, R., Massei, F., & Guglielmi, D. (2016) · Journal of Counseling & Development · doi:10.1002/jcad.12077 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Arnold, C., Villagonzalo, K.-A., Meyer, D., Farhall, J., Foley, F., Kyrios, M., & Thomas, N. (2019) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2019.100266 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“Autonomous motivations are driven by personal interest and choice, with behaviour identified as of personal value and importance (Ryan and Deci, 2008).”
BackgroundA daily diary study of work-life balance in managers: utilizing a daily process model
Haar, J. M., Roche, M., & ten Brummelhuis, L. L. (2017) · The International Journal of Human Resource Management · doi:10.1080/09585192.2017.1314311 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Flückiger, C., Münder, T., Re, A. C. D., & Solomonov, N. (2023) · Psychotherapy Research · doi:10.1080/10503307.2023.2181718 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
van der Kaap‐Deeder, J., Vansteenkiste, M., Soenens, B., Verstuyf, J., Boone, L., & Smets, J. (2014) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.22266 · Cited by 65 · see citing works
Oriol, X., Miranda, R., Bazán, C., & Benavente, E. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00907 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
Coventry, P. A., Neale, C., Dyke, A., Pateman, R. M., & Cinderby, S. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16152712 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
Rivkin, W., Diestel, S., & Schmidt, K. (2015) · Journal of Vocational Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2015.03.005 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Chan, G. H., Lo, T. W., Tam, H.-L., & Lee, G. K. W. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16111934 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Revisiting the Happy-Productive Worker Thesis from a Eudaimonic Perspective: A Systematic Review
Peiró, J., Montesa, D., Soriano, A., Kożusznik, M. W., Villajos, E., Magdaleno, J., Djourova, N. P., & Ayala, Y. (2021) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su13063174 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Robson, E., & Greenwood, K. (2022) · Schizophrenia Bulletin Open · doi:10.1093/schizbullopen/sgac012 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Vandenkerckhove, B., Soenens, B., Van der Kaap-Deeder, J., Brenning, K., Luyten, P., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2019) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2018.11.009 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Chen, F.-C., Ku, E. C. S., Shyr, Y.-H., Chen, F.-H., & Chou, S.-S. (2009) · Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal · doi:10.2224/sbp.2009.37.10.1429 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Mindfulness and Self-compassion as Unique and Common Predictors of Affect in the General Population
López, A., Sanderman, R., & Schroevers, M. J. (2016) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-016-0568-y · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Bulanda, J. J., & McCrea, K. T. (2012) · Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal · doi:10.1007/s10560-012-0281-1 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Bouchard, S., Allard, M., Robillard, G., Dumoulin, S., Guitard, T., Loranger, C., Green-Demers, I., Marchand, A., Renaud, P., Cournoyer, L.-G., et al. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02164 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Webber, K. H., Gabriele, J. M., Tate, D. F., & Dignan, M. B. (2010) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/1479-5868-7-4 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Experiences of place attachment and mental wellbeing in the context of urban regeneration
Lomas, M. J., Ayodeji, E., & Brown, P. (2021) · Health & Place · doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102604 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Roest, J. J., van der Helm, P. G., & Stams, G. J. J. M. (2016) · Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal · doi:10.1007/s10560-016-0438-4 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Lee, S. T., & Lin, J. (2016) · Journal of Health Communication · doi:10.1080/10810730.2016.1157651 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Parenting Style, Basic Psychological Needs, and Emotional Creativity: A Path Analysis
Moltafet, G., Firoozabadi, S. S. S., & Pour-Raisi, A. (2018) · Creativity Research Journal · doi:10.1080/10400419.2018.1446748 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Nostalgic emotions, meaning in life, subjective well-being and revisit intentions
Karagöz, D., & Ramkissoon, H. R. (2023) · Tourism Management Perspectives · doi:10.1016/j.tmp.2023.101159 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Self-esteem mediates the effect of the parent–adolescent relationship on depression
Hu, J., & Ai, H. (2014) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105314541315 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
The self and depression: Four psychological theories and their potential neural correlates.
Kopala-Sibley, D., & Zuroff, D. C. (2020) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/jopy.12456 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Different types of virtual natural environments enhance subjective vitality through restorativeness
Theodorou, A., Romano, L., Bratman, G. N., Carbone, G. A., Rodelli, R., Casagrande, G., & Panno, A. (2023) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.101981 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Gupta, P. D., Bhattacharya, S., Sheorey, P. A., & Coelho, P. (2017) · Industrial and Commercial Training · doi:10.1108/ict-03-2017-0023 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Stathi, A., Withall, J., Greaves, C. J., Thompson, J. L., Taylor, G. T., Medina‐Lara, A., Green, C., Bilzon, J., Gray, S. F., Johansen‐Berg, H., et al. (2018) · Trials · doi:10.1186/s13063-018-2603-x · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Collaborative risk assessment in secure and forensic mental health settings in the UK
Markham, S. (2020) · General Psychiatry · doi:10.1136/gpsych-2020-100291 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Motivational interviewing to improve diabetes outcomes in African Americans adults with diabetes
Chlebowy, D. O., El-Mallakh, P., Myers, J., Kubiak, N., Cloud, R., & Wall, M. P. (2015) · Western Journal of Nursing Research · doi:10.1177/0193945914530522 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Autonomous Motivation: A Predictor of Treatment Outcome in Bulimia‐Spectrum Eating Disorders
Mansour, S., Bruce, K. R., Steiger, H., Zuroff, D. C., Horowitz, S., Anestin, A. S., & Sycz, L. (2012) · European Eating Disorders Review · doi:10.1002/erv.2154 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Alfonsson, S., Johansson, K., Uddling, J., & Hursti, T. J. (2017) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-017-0172-5 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Belrhiti, Z., Damme, W. V., Belalia, A., & Marchal, B. (2020) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031160 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Domenico, S. I. D., Le, A., Liu, Y., Ayaz, H., & Fournier, M. A. (2016) · Cognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience · doi:10.3758/s13415-016-0436-1 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Davis, A., Solberg, V. S. H., de Baca, C., & Hargrove, T. (2014) · Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR) · doi:10.1080/10824669.2014.972506 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Kimiagari, S., & Baei, F. (2022) · IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management · doi:10.1109/tem.2022.3147169 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
The Relationships between Big Five Personality Traits and Subjective Vitality
Deniz, M. E., & Satıcı, S. A. (2017) · Anales de Psicología · doi:10.6018/analesps.33.2.261911 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Overholser, J. C. (2011) · Clinical Psychology Science and Practice · doi:10.1111/j.1468-2850.2011.01235.x · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Zuroff, D. C., Koestner, R., Moskowitz, D. S., McBride, C., & Bagby, R. M. (2012) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.2012.31.9.903 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Week-to-week interplay between teachers’ motivating style and students’ engagement
Michou, A., Altan, S., Mouratidis, A. A., Reeve, J., & Malmberg, L. (2021) · The Journal of Experimental Education · doi:10.1080/00220973.2021.1897774 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Bélanger, M. F., Caissie, I., Beauchamp, J., O’Loughlin, J. L., Sabiston, C. M., & Mancuso, M. (2013) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-649 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Piumatti, G. (2017) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.009 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Dwyer, L., Hornsey, M. J., Smith, L. G. E., Oei, T. P. S., & Dingle, G. A. (2011) · Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1521/jscp.2011.30.1.24 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Perceptions of quality of life among Ugandan patients living with HIV: a qualitative study
Mwesigire, D. M., Seeley, J., Martin, F., & Katamba, A. (2014) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-343 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Information literacy self-efficacy: The effect of juggling work and study
Ross, M., Perkins, H., & Bodey, K. L. (2013) · Library & Information Science Research · doi:10.1016/j.lisr.2013.04.008 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
- Authors
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L.
- Affiliations
- University of Rochester (US)
- Venue
- Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne
- Published
- 2008-08
- Volume
- 49
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 186-193
- ISSN
- 0708-5591 (ISSN-L)
- 1878-7304
- OpenAlex
- W2170728205
- Cited by
- 629
- References
- 57
- Citations by year
- 2026: 26 · 2025: 43 · 2024: 48 · 2023: 41 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 33 · 2020: 57 · 2019: 38 · 2018: 36 · 2017: 38 · 2016: 34 · 2015: 37 · 2014: 42 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 34
- FWCI
- 23.18
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne (publishedVersion)
- Research Bank (Australian Catholic University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Keywords
- self-determination theory, psychotherapy, client autonomy, motivation, treatment modification, maintenance of treatment effects, introjects, external regulation, process-oriented therapy, therapist attitudes
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
