A meta-analysis of self-determination theory-informed intervention studies in the health domain: effects on motivation, health behavior, physical, and psychological health

Ntoumanis, Nikos; Ng, Johan Y.Y.; Prestwich, Andrew; Quested, Eleanor; Hancox, Jennie E.; Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Cecilie; Deci, Edward L.; Ryan, Richard M.; Lonsdale, Chris; Williams, Geoffrey C.

doi:10.1080/17437199.2020.1718529

Cited by 1,154Motivation and Self-Concept in SportsBehavioral Health and InterventionsDiabetes Management and Education

A meta-analysis of self-determination theory-informed intervention studies in the health domain: effects on motivation, health behavior, physical, and psychological health

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Ntoumanis, Nikos, Ng, Johan Y.Y., Prestwich, Andrew, Quested, Eleanor, Hancox, Jennie E., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Cecilie, Deci, Edward L., Ryan, Richard M. +2 more·2021·Health Psychology Review

DOI 10.1080/17437199.2020.1718529

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Abstract

There are no literature reviews that have examined the impact of health-domain interventions, informed by self-determination theory (SDT), on SDT constructs and health indices. Our aim was to meta-analyse such interventions in the health promotion and disease management literatures. Studies were eligible if they used an experimental design, tested an intervention that was based on SDT, measured at least one SDT-based motivational construct, and at least one indicator of health behaviour, physical health, or psychological health. Seventy-three studies met these criteria and provided sufficient data for the purposes of the review. A random-effects meta-analytic model showed that SDT-based interventions produced small-to-medium changes in most SDT constructs at the end of the intervention period, and in health behaviours at the end of the intervention period and at the follow-up. Small positive changes in physical and psychological health outcomes were also observed at the end of the interventions. Increases in need support and autonomous motivation (but not controlled motivation or amotivation) were associated with positive changes in health behaviour. In conclusion, SDT-informed interventions positively affect indices of health; these effects are modest, heterogeneous, and partly due to increases in self-determined motivation and support from social agents.

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Motivation activation and social support may be interpreted through Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in sustaining behavior.
“Motivation activation and social support may be interpreted through Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in sustaining behavior (29).”
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“Indeed, previous research indicated that promoting patients’ self-determination is related to benefits in terms of disease-related behaviors in psychosomatic medicine [113,114,115,116,117].”
From A Single-Session Process-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Combined with Multimodal Rehabilitation Treatment for Chronic Pain Associated with Emotional Disorders (2024) · cites this paper as [113]
Meta-analyses have found social interaction, mindfulness or experiential acceptance, increased self-efficacy, immersion in green spaces, neurobiological mechanisms, and acute positive affect to be associated with decreases in depressive symptoms.
“Meta-analyses have found each of these factors to be associated with decreases in depressive symptoms, but no single treatment covers all mechanisms.”
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Ng, J. Y. Y., Ntoumanis, N., Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Stott, K., & Hindle, L. (2013) · Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12011 · Cited by 83 · cited 1× · see citing works
“For instance, in the context of weight management, there is correlational evidence on the potential undermining effects of a need thwarting social environment and how such an environment can frustrate one’s psychological needs (Ng et al., 2013).”
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Intervention to reduce recreational screen-time in adolescents: Outcomes and mediators from the ‘Switch-Off 4 Healthy Minds’ (S4HM) cluster randomized controlled trial
Babic, M. J., Smith, J. J., Morgan, P. J., Lonsdale, C., Plotnikoff, R. C., Eather, N., Skinner, G., Baker, A. L., Pollock, E., & Lubans, D. R. (2016) · Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.07.014 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
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The effect of need supportive text messages on motivation and physical activity behaviour
Kinnafick, F., Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., & Duda, J. L. (2016) · Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-016-9722-1 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
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Short-term effects of a non-dieting lifestyle intervention program on weight management, fitness, metabolic risk, and psychological well-being in obese premenopausal females with the metabolic syndrome
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Long term effects of self-determination theory and motivational interviewing in a web-based physical activity intervention: randomized controlled trial
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Effect of guided self-determination youth intervention integrated into outpatient visits versus treatment as usual on glycemic control and life skills: a randomized clinical trial in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Husted, G. R., Thorsteinsson, B., Esbensen, B. A., Gluud, C. N., Winkel, P., Hommel, E. E., & Zoffmann, V. (2014) · Trials · doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-321 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
Promotion of autonomy for participation in physical activity: a study based on the trans-contextual model of motivation
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Self-determined motivational predictors of increases in dental behaviors, decreases in dental plaque, and improvement in oral health: A randomized clinical trial.
Halvari, A. E. M., Halvari, H., Bjørnebekk, G., & Deci, E. L. (2012) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0027062 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
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Aspiring to physical health: The role of aspirations for physical health in facilitating long-term tobacco abstinence
Niemiec, C. P., Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L., & Williams, G. C. (2008) · Patient Education and Counseling · doi:10.1016/j.pec.2008.08.015 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
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A moderated mediation of motivation on physical activity in the context of the Physical Activity Counseling randomized control trial
Fortier, M., Wiseman, E., Sweet, S. N., O’Sullivan, T. L., Blanchard, C. M., Sigal, R. J., & Hogg, W. (2010) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.08.001 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
The use of a mental imagery intervention to enhance integrated regulation for exercise among women commencing an exercise program
Duncan, L. R., Hall, C. R., Wilson, P. M., & Rodgers, W. M. (2012) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-011-9271-4 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Randomised controlled feasibility study of a school-based multi-level intervention to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviour among vocational school students
Hankonen, N. E., Heino, M. T. J., Hynynen, S.-T., Laine, H., Araújo‐Soares, V., Sniehotta, F. F., Vasankari, T. J., Sund, R., & Haukkala, A. (2017) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0484-0 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Bristol Girls Dance Project Feasibility Trial: outcome and process evaluation results
Jago, R., Sebire, S. J., Cooper, A. R., Haase, A. M., Powell, J. E., Davis, L., McNeill, J., & Montgomery, A. A. (2012) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-83 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Evaluating quality of implementation in physical activity interventions based on theories of motivation: current challenges and future directions
Quested, E., Ntoumanis, N., Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Hagger, M. S., & Hancox, J. E. (2016) · International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1080/1750984x.2016.1217342 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
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The Outcomes of a 12-Week Internet Intervention Aimed at Improving Fitness and Health-Related Quality of Life in Overweight Adolescents: The Young & Active Controlled Trial
Riiser, K., Løndal, K., Ommundsen, Y., Småstuen, M. C., Misvær, N., & Helseth, S. (2014) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0114732 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Effects of a Self-Determination Theory–Based Mail-Mediated Intervention on Adults' Exercise Behavior
Levy, S. S., & Cardinal, B. J. (2004) · American Journal of Health Promotion · doi:10.4278/0890-1171-18.5.345 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Texting to Increase Adolescent Physical Activity: Feasibility Assessment
Thompson, D. I., Cantu, D., Ramirez, B., Cullen, K. W., Baranowski, T., Mendoza, J. A., Anderson, B. J., Jago, R., Rodgers, W. M., & Liu, Y. (2016) · American Journal of Health Behavior · doi:10.5993/ajhb.40.4.9 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
The Influence of the Social Context on Students In-Class Physical Activity
Perlman, D. (2013) · Journal of Teaching in Physical Education · doi:10.1123/jtpe.32.1.46 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Feasibility of a Self-Determination Theory-based exercise intervention promoting Healthy at Every Size with sedentary overweight women: Project CHANGE
Hsu, Y.-T., Buckworth, J., Focht, B. C., & O'Connell, A. A. (2012) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.11.007 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Randomised feasibility trial of a teaching assistant led extracurricular physical activity intervention for 9 to 11 year olds: Action 3:30
Jago, R., Sebire, S. J., Davies, B. R., Wood, L., Edwards, M. J., Banfield, K., Fox, K. R., Thompson, J. L., Powell, J. E., & Montgomery, A. A. (2014) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s12966-014-0114-z · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Short- and long-term effectiveness of a three-month individualized need-supportive physical activity counseling intervention at the workplace
Arrogi, A., Schotte, A., Bogaerts, A., Boen, F., & Seghers, J. (2017) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3965-1 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
How important are individual counselling, expectancy beliefs and autonomy for the maintenance of exercise after cardiac rehabilitation?
Mildestvedt, T., Meland, E., & Eide, G. E. (2008) · Scandinavian Journal of Public Health · doi:10.1177/1403494808090633 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Effectiveness of a Training Course for General Practice Nurses in Motivation Support in Type 2 Diabetes Care: A Cluster-Randomised Trial
Juul, L., Maindal, H. T., Zoffmann, V., Frydenberg, M., & Sandbæk, A. (2014) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0096683 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“Girls on the Move” intervention protocol for increasing physical activity among low-active underserved urban girls: a group randomized trial
Robbins, L. B., Pfeiffer, K. A., Vermeesch, A., Resnicow, K., You, Z., An, L., & Wesolek, S. M. (2013) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-474 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Effects of a giant exercising board game intervention on ambulatory physical activity among nursing home residents: a preliminary study
Mouton, A., Gillet, N., Mouton, F., van Kann, D., Bruyère, O., Cloes, M., & Buckinx, F. (2017) · Clinical Interventions in Aging · doi:10.2147/cia.s134760 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Effect of a school-based intervention on physical activity and quality of life through serial mediation of social support and exercise motivation: the PESSOA program
Quaresma, A. M. M., Palmeira, A. L., Martins, S., Minderico, C. S., & Sardinha, L. B. (2014) · Health Education Research · doi:10.1093/her/cyu056 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Increasing students’ physical activity during school physical education: rationale and protocol for the SELF-FIT cluster randomized controlled trial
Ha, A. S. C., Lonsdale, C., Lubans, D. R., & Ng, J. Y. Y. (2017) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4553-8 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
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Effectiveness of a Stroke Risk Self-Management Intervention for Adults with Prehypertension
Song, H., & Nam, K. A. (2015) · Asian Nursing Research · doi:10.1016/j.anr.2015.10.002 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Effect of a non-dieting lifestyle randomised control trial on psychological well-being and weight management in morbidly obese pre-menopausal women
Borkoles, E., Carroll, S., Clough, P., & Polman, R. C. J. (2015) · Maturitas · doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.09.010 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
‘It’s just PE’ till ‘It felt like a computer game’: using technology to improve motivation in physical education
Nation-Grainger, S. (2017) · Research Papers in Education · doi:10.1080/02671522.2017.1319590 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Health Behavior Change
Prestwich, A., Kenworthy, J. B., & Conner, M. T. (2017) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781315527215 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
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Worksite intervention effects on motivation, physical activity, and health: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Pedersen, C., Halvari, H., & Williams, G. C. (2017) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.11.004 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
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A school-based rope skipping program for adolescents: Results of a randomized trial
Ha, A. S. C., Lonsdale, C., Ng, J. Y. Y., & Lubans, D. R. (2017) · Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.06.001 · Cited by 30 · cited 1× · see citing works
“$ denotes results following removal of one multivariate outlier (Ha et al., 2017); this study did not assess physical health.”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Empowering adolescents to be physically active: Three-year results of the Sigue la Huella intervention
Pardo, B. M., Bengoechea, E. G., Clemente, J. A. J., & Lanaspa, E. G. (2014) · Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.04.023 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
When effects of the universal psychological need for autonomy on health behaviour extend to a large proportion of individuals: A field experiment
Chatzisarantis, N. L. D., Hagger, M. S., Kamarova, S., & 川端, 雅. (2012) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02073.x · Cited by 28 · see citing works
A Web-Based Intervention to Encourage Walking (StepWise): Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Hargreaves, E. A., Mutrie, N., & Fleming, J. D. (2016) · JMIR Research Protocols · doi:10.2196/resprot.4288 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Feasibility and acceptability of a nursing intervention with family caregiver on self-care among heart failure patients: a randomized pilot trial
Cossette, S., Belaid, H., Heppell, S., Mailhot, T., & Guertin, M. (2016) · Pilot and Feasibility Studies · doi:10.1186/s40814-016-0077-8 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Short- and long-term effects of a need-supportive physical activity intervention among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Vanroy, J., Seghers, J., Bogaerts, A., Devloo, K., Cock, S. D., & Boen, F. (2017) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0174805 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Physical activity and motivational predictors of changes in health behavior and health among DM 2 and CAD patients
Halvari, H., Healey, J. S., Olafsen, A. H., Byrkjeland, R., Deci, E. L., & Williams, G. C. (2016) · Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports · doi:10.1111/sms.12757 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
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Testing an Online, Theory-Based Intervention to Reduce Pre-drinking Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Harm in Undergraduates: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Caudwell, K. M., Mullan, B. A., & Hagger, M. S. (2018) · International Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12529-018-9736-x · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Health Behavior Change: Theories, Methods and Interventions
Prestwich, A., Kenworthy, J. B., & Conner, M. T. (2017) · Cited by 23 · see citing works
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The development and validation of the Interpersonal Support in Physical Activity Consultations Observational Tool
Rouse, P. C., Duda, J. L., Ntoumanis, N., Jolly, K. B., & Williams, G. C. (2014) · European Journal of Sport Science · doi:10.1080/17461391.2014.987320 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
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Application of Two Intervention Programs in Order to Optimize Motivation and to Improve Eating Habits in Adult and Elderly Women
Román, M. L., Batista, M., Lobato, S., Carrón, M. I. A., & Castuera, R. J. (2017) · Journal of Human Kinetics · doi:10.1515/hukin-2017-0153 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Autonomy‐supportive, Web‐based lifestyle modification for cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women: R andomized trial
Kim, H., & Kim, H. (2017) · Nursing and Health Sciences · doi:10.1111/nhs.12375 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Year-Round Effectiveness of Physical Activity Counseling on Subjective Well-Being: A Self-Determination Approach Among Flemish Sedentary Adults
Hoecke, A.-S. V., Delecluse, C., Opdenacker, J., & Boen, F. (2013) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-013-9251-9 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Adapted Motivational Interviewing for Increasing Physical Activity: A 12 Month Clinical Trial
Havenar, J. M., & Breckon, J. D. (2008) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000323436.20338.2c · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Mechanisms in Self-Determined Exercise Motivation: Effects of a Theory Informed Pilot Intervention
Josefsson, K. W., Fröberg, K., Karlsson, S., & Lindwall, M. (2015) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-015-9388-9 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Patient Centered Care Approach to Adherence with Cardiovascular Medications: Self-Determination Theory Integration
Li, D. S. (2010) · ODU Digital Commons (Old Dominion University) · doi:10.25777/xnet-z349 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

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Moreno-Murcia, J. A., & Sánchez-Latorre, F. (2016). The effects of autonomy support in physical education classes [Efectos del soporte de autonomía en clases de educación física]. RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte, 12, 79-89. doi:10.5232/ricyde * · DOI
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Student Motivation and Associated Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis From Self-Determination Theory
Howard, J. L., Bureau, J., Guay, F., Chong, J. X. Y., & Ryan, R. M. (2021) · Perspectives on Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/1745691620966789 · Cited by 1,001 · see citing works
Self-citation
Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Noetel, M., Sanders, T., Gallardo-Gómez, D., Taylor, P., del Pozo Cruz, B., van den Hoek, D., Smith, J. J., Mahoney, J., Spathis, J., Moresi, M., et al. (2024) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075847 · Cited by 707 · see citing works
“33 Autonomy is not well captured in the taxonomy for behaviour change technique.”
BackgroundSelf-citation
A classification system for teachers’ motivational behaviors recommended in self-determination theory interventions.
Ahmadi, A., Noetel, M., Parker, P. D., Ryan, R. M., Ntoumanis, N., Reeve, J., Beauchamp, M. R., Dicke, T., Yeung, A. S., Ahmadi, M., et al. (2023) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/edu0000783 · Cited by 555 · see citing works
Self-citation
A meta-analysis of autonomous and controlled forms of teacher motivation
Slemp, G. R., Field, J. G., & Cho, A. S. H. (2020) · Journal of Vocational Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103459 · Cited by 179 · see citing works
Interventions to support autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs in organizations: A systematic review with recommendations for research and practice
Slemp, G. R., Lee, M. A., & Mossman, L. H. (2021) · Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology · doi:10.1111/joop.12338 · Cited by 175 · see citing works
Distance learning in higher education during COVID-19: The role of basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation for persistence and procrastination–a multi-country study
Pelikan, E. R., Korlat, S., Reiter, J., Holzer, J., Mayerhofer, M., Schober, B., Spiel, C., Hamzallari, O., Uka, A., Chen, J., et al. (2021) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257346 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Motivating voluntary compliance to behavioural restrictions: Self-determination theory–based checklist of principles for COVID-19 and other emergency communications
Martela, F., Hankonen, N. E., Ryan, R. M., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2021) · European Review of Social Psychology · doi:10.1080/10463283.2020.1857082 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
Self-citation
Self-determination theory based instructional interventions and motivational regulations in organized physical activity: A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis
Manninen, M., Dishman, R. K., Hwang, Y., Magrum, E., Deng, Y., & Yli-Piipari, S. R. (2022) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102248 · Cited by 162 · see citing works
Need Support and Need Thwarting: A Meta-Analysis of Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness Supportive and Thwarting Behaviors in Student Populations
Howard, J. L., Slemp, G. R., & Wang, X. (2025) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/01461672231225364 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
“Based on existing work (Gillison et al., 2019; Grolnick et al., 2002; Ntoumanis et al., 2021; Reeve, 2012), we position student individual differences such as causality orientations, personality, as well as demographics (age and socio-economic status) as antecedents of support/thwart-ing…”
Physical Activity and Resilience among College Students: The Mediating Effects of Basic Psychological Needs
Xu, S., Liu, Z., Tian, S., Ma, Z., Jia, C.-X., & Sun, G. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18073722 · Cited by 105 · see citing works
“Research has shown that when the basic needs are met, positive functioning and optimal mental well-being will follow [19,20].”
Background
Energization and Direction Are Both Essential Parts of Motivation
Elliot, A. J. (2023) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780197662359.003.0002 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
Psychedelics and health behaviour change
Teixeira, P. J., Johnson, M. W., Timmermann, C., Watts, R., Erritzøe, D., Douglass, H. M., Kettner, H., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2021) · Journal of Psychopharmacology · doi:10.1177/02698811211008554 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
“Self-determined motivation is consistently associated with improved psychological wellbeing and with engagement with—and persistence in—a variety of tasks and long-term behaviours (Ntoumanis et al., 2020).”
Background
Handling effect size dependency in meta-analysis
Gucciardi, D. F., Lines, R. L. J., & Ntoumanis, N. (2021) · International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1080/1750984x.2021.1946835 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Self-citation
Toward a Unified Framework for Positive Psychology Interventions: Evidence-Based Processes of Change in Coaching, Prevention, and Training
Ciarrochi, J., Hayes, S. C., Oades, L. G., & Hofmann, S. G. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.809362 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Does employee readiness to change impact organization change implementation? Empirical evidence from emerging economy
Rahi, S., Alghizzawi, M., Ahmad, S., Khan, M. M., & Ngah, A. H. (2021) · International Journal of Ethics and Systems · doi:10.1108/ijoes-06-2021-0137 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Basic Psychological Need‐Satisfying Activities during the COVID‐19 Outbreak
Behzadnia, B., & FatahModares, S. (2020) · Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12228 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
“Research has shown that the satisfaction of these basic needs results in positive outcomes, such as engagement in activities, behavior change, and greater performance (Ntoumanis et al., 2020; Ryan, Patrick, Deci, & Williams, 2008).”
Background
Evolution of physical activity habits after a context change: The case of COVID‐19 lockdown
Maltagliati, S., Rebar, A. L., Fessler, L., Forestier, C., Sarrazin, P. G., Chalabaëv, A., Sander, D., Sivaramakrishnan, H., Orsholits, D., Boisgontier, M. P., et al. (2021) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjhp.12524 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Self-citation
Advances on self-regulation models: A new research agenda through the SR vs ER behavior theory in different psychology contexts
de la Fuente, J., Martínez-Vicente, J. M., Santos, F. H., Sander, P., Fadda, S., Karagiannopoulou, E., Boruchovitch, E., & Kauffman, D. F. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.861493 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
“This motivational model has also been transferred to other fields such as health (Ntoumanis et al., 2020; Vallerand, 2021).”
Method
Supporting Sustainable Health Behavior Change: The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
Matthews, J. A., Matthews, S. M., Faries, M. D., & Wolever, R. Q. (2024) · Mayo Clinic Proceedings Innovations Quality & Outcomes · doi:10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.10.002 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“45 Although the degree of behavior change is small, SDT-based interventions consistently lead to signi ﬁ cant changes in health behaviors.”
BackgroundInfluential
Autonomy-Supportive Teaching Enhances Prosocial and Reduces Antisocial Behavior via Classroom Climate and Psychological Needs: A Multilevel Randomized Control Intervention
Cheon, S. H., Reeve, J., & Marsh, H. W. (2023) · Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1123/jsep.2021-0337 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
“Furthermore, when teachers participate in such an intervention, they become signi ﬁ cantly more able to promote students ’ need satisfaction and to diminish students ’ need frustration (Aelterman et al., 2013; Meng & Wang, 2016; Ntoumanis et al., 2021; Tessier et al., 2010; Tilga et al., 2019).”
Background
The determinants of users’ intention to adopt telehealth: Health belief, perceived value and self-determination perspectives
Yuen, K. F., Chua, J. Y., Li, X., & Wang, X. (2023) · Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services · doi:10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103346 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Barriers and enablers of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) in physically inactive adults: a focus group study
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Kritz, M., Grunseit, A. C., Chau, J. Y., Ahmadi, M., Holtermann, A., Koster, A., Tudor-Locke, C. E., Johnson, N. A., Sherrington, C., et al. (2023) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s12966-023-01480-8 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
“When individuals experience satisfaction with the need for competence (as well as autonomy and relatedness), they are more likely to be autonomously motivated for the behavior and therefore maintain it in the longer-term [42].”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Designing for Sustained Motivation: A Review of Self-Determination Theory in Behaviour Change Technologies
Alberts, L., Lyngs, U., & Lukoff, K. (2024) · Interacting with Computers · doi:10.1093/iwc/iwae040 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
How Does the Level of Physical Activity Influence Eating Behavior? A Self-Determination Theory Approach
Fernandes, V., Rodrigues, F. F., Jacinto, M., Teixeira, D., Cid, L., Antunes, R., Matos, R. M. N., Reigal, R. E., Hernández-Mendo, A., Morales‐Sánchez, V., et al. (2023) · Life · doi:10.3390/life13020298 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
“Applying theories of behavior change, such as the theory of self-determination, can lead to the long-term maintenance of this change, since theoretical behavior change models can provide evidence on how to create efficient strategies on promoting healthy behaviors such as balanced dieting [9].”
Background
Self-determination theory informed research for promoting physical activity: Contributions, debates, and future directions
Ntoumanis, N., & Moller, A. C. (2025) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102879 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
Self-citation
Enhancing the translation of health behaviour change research into practice: a selective conceptual review of the synergy between implementation science and health psychology
Presseau, J., Byrne-Davis, L. M. T., Hotham, S., Lorencatto, F., Potthoff, S., Atkinson, L., Bull, E. R., Dima, A. L., van Dongen, A., French, D., et al. (2021) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2020.1866638 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
No fun, no gain: The stress-buffering effect of physical activity on life satisfaction depends on adolescents' intrinsic motivation
Meyer, S., Grob, A., & Gerber, M. (2021) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102004 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Choosing to learn: The importance of student autonomy in higher education
Cullen, S., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2024) · Science Advances · doi:10.1126/sciadv.ado6759 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
“A sense of personal autonomy is linked to both better physical ( 61–63 ) and mental health ( 64, 65 ).”
Satisfied or Frustrated? A Qualitative Analysis of Need Satisfying and Need Frustrating Experiences of Engaging With Digital Health Technology in Chronic Care
Wannheden, C., Stenfors, T., Stenling, A., & Schwarz, U. V. T. (2021) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.623773 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
A gender-sensitised weight-loss and healthy living program for men with overweight and obesity in Australian Football League settings (Aussie-FIT): A pilot randomised controlled trial
Kwaśnicka, D., Ntoumanis, N., Hunt, K., Gray, C. M., Newton, R. U., Gucciardi, D. F., Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Olson, J. L., McVeigh, J. A., Kerr, D. A., et al. (2020) · PLoS Medicine · doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003136 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Self-citation
Self-Determination Theory and Language Learning: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis
Alamer, A., Robat, E. S., Shirvan, M. E., & Ryan, R. M. (2025) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-025-10038-y · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Self-citation
Eating Choices—The Roles of Motivation and Health Literacy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Zwierczyk, U., Sowada, C., & Duplaga, M. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14194026 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“showed that the interventions based on SDT in the area of health promotion and disease management can be, at least to some degree, effective [18].”
Background
The AI Motivation Scale (AIMS): a self-determination theory perspective
Li, J., King, R. B., Chai, C. S., Zhai, X., & Lee, V. W. Y. (2025) · Journal of Research on Technology in Education · doi:10.1080/15391523.2025.2478424 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
“It has been extensively applied in a variety of contexts such as health (Ntoumanis et al., 2021), business (Van den Broeck et al., 2021), and education (Bureau et al., 2022; Howard et al., 2021).”
The Psychometric Properties of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3): Factorial Structure, Invariance and Validity in the Italian Context
Cavicchiolo, E., Sibilio, M., Lucidi, F., Cozzolino, M., Chirico, A., Girelli, L., Manganelli, S., Giancamilli, F., Galli, F., Diotaiuti, P., et al. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19041937 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Social-Cognitive Theories to Explain Physical Activity
Rodrigues, F. F., Figueiredo, N., Jacinto, M., Monteiro, D., & Morouço, P. (2023) · Education Sciences · doi:10.3390/educsci13020122 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Body-related self-conscious emotions and reasons for exercise: A latent class analysis
Huellemann, K. L., Pila, E., Gilchrist, J. D., Nesbitt, A. E., & Sabiston, C. M. (2021) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.016 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Motor competence, motivation and enjoyment in physical education to profile children in relation to physical activity behaviors
Cárcamo-Oyarzún, J., Herrmann, C., Gerlach, E., Salvo-Garrido, S. I., & Estevan, I. (2023) · Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy · doi:10.1080/17408989.2023.2265399 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“…between students’ PA practice, AMC and PMC (Babic et al. 2014; Barnett et al. 2016; Khodaverdi et al. 2016) with motivation (Ng et al. 2012; Ntoumanis et al. 2021; van den Berghe et al. 2014) and enjoyment of PE classes (Dishman et al. 2005; Hashim, Grove, and Whipp 2008; Sallis,…”
Barriers and facilitators of physical activity participation in adults living with type 1 diabetes: a systematic scoping review
Brennan, M. C., Brown, J. A., Ntoumanis, N., & Leslie, G. D. (2020) · Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism · doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0461 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“Behaviour change theories that propose psychosocial concepts such as self-efficacy and self-determined motivation, need to be embedded within education programs to facilitate behaviour change (Knight et al., 2006; Ntoumanis et al., 2020).”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Identifying goals in patients with chronic pain: A European survey
Goudman, L., Smedt, A. D., Linderoth, B., Eldabe, S. S., Witkam, R. L., Henssen, D. J. H. A., & Moens, M. (2021) · European Journal of Pain · doi:10.1002/ejp.1814 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Web-Based Psychological Interventions for People Living With and Beyond Cancer: Meta-Review of What Works and What Does Not for Maximizing Recruitment, Engagement, and Efficacy
Leslie, M. R., Beatty, L., Hulbert‐Williams, L., Pendrous, R., Cartwright, T., Jackson, R., The Finding My Way UK Trial Steering Group, & Hulbert-Williams, N. J. (2022) · JMIR Cancer · doi:10.2196/36255 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“In addition, a growing number of guided self-management interventions aim to support psychological well-being based on the principles of self-determination theory [10,11].”
Background
Supervisors' interpersonal styles: An integrative perspective and a measure based on self‐determination theory
Huyghebaert‐Zouaghi, T., Morin, A. J. S., Ntoumanis, N., Berjot, S., & Gillet, N. (2022) · Applied Psychology · doi:10.1111/apps.12423 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“…core assumption of SDT has thus far been supported across various domains in research focusing on the need supportive interpersonal behaviors of sport coaches (Ntoumanis et al., 2018), healthcare workers (Ntoumanis et al., 2020), teachers (Cheon et al., 2019), and supervisors (Slemp et al., 2018).”
BackgroundSelf-citation
A School-Based Randomized Controlled Trial to Promote Cycling to School in Adolescents: The PACO Study
Chillón, P., Gálvez‐Fernández, P., Huertas‐Delgado, F. J., Herrador‐Colmenero, M., Barranco-Ruíz, Y., Villa‐González, E., Aranda-Balboa, M. J., Saucedo‐Araujo, R. G., Campos-Garzón, P., Molina-Soberanes, D., et al. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18042066 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Mobile health lifestyle intervention program leads to clinically significant loss of body weight in patients with NASH
Stine, J. G., Rivas, G., Hummer, B. L., Duarte‐Rojo, A., May, C. N., Geyer, N. R., Chinchilli, V. M., Conroy, D. E., Mitchell, E. S., McCallum, M., et al. (2023) · Hepatology Communications · doi:10.1097/hc9.0000000000000052 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Everything counts in sending the right message: science-based messaging implications from the 2020 WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Segar, M., Marques, M. M., Palmeira, A. L., & Okely, A. D. (2020) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s12966-020-01048-w · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Exercise behavior change revisited: Affective-reflective theory
Brand, R., & Panteleimon Ekkekakis, A. (2021) · Society for Transparency, Openness, and Replication in Kinesiology eBooks · doi:10.51224/b1004 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Information Safety Assurances Increase Intentions to Use COVID-19 Contact Tracing Applications, Regardless of Autonomy-Supportive or Controlling Message Framing
Bradshaw, E. L., Ryan, R. M., Noetel, M., Saeri, A. K., Slattery, P., Grundy, E. A. C., & Calvo, R. A. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.591638 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
“Indeed, the provision of autonomy-support has been metaanalytically linked to greater sense of value for and adherence to a host of health-related behaviors over time (Gillison et al., 2019; Ntoumanis et al., 2020).”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Breaking barriers to rehabilitation: the role of behavior change theories in overcoming the challenge of exercise-related behavior change
Karloh, M., Matias, T. S., de Oliveira, J. M., de Lima, F. F., Pinheiro, D. H. A., Barbosa, G. B., Furlanetto, K. C., & Carvalho, C. R. F. (2023) · Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100574 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“16,17 The urge to connect is rooted in the human need for belonging and spirituality.”
BackgroundInfluential
Predicting change in middle school students’ leisure‐time physical activity participation: A prospective test of the trans‐contextual model
Polet, J., Lintunen, T., Schneider, J., & Hagger, M. S. (2020) · Journal of Applied Social Psychology · doi:10.1111/jasp.12691 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“While the effects of such interventions need to be empirically verified, these findings may signpost a key strategy that may have utility in promoting positive changes in autonomous motivation and PA across contexts (Ntoumanis et al., 2020).”
Background
Using Theories of Behavior Change to Develop Interventions for Healthy Aging
Klusmann, V., Gow, A. J., Robert, P. H., & Oettingen, G. (2021) · The Journals of Gerontology Series B · doi:10.1093/geronb/gbab111 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Organismic Integration Theory
Pelletier, L. G., & Rocchi, M. (2023) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197600047.013.4 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Psychosocial outcomes of sport participation for middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Sivaramakrishnan, H., Gucciardi, D. F., McDonald, M., Quested, E., Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Cheval, B., & Ntoumanis, N. (2021) · International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1080/1750984x.2021.2004611 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“Speci ﬁ - cally, a meta-analysis by Ntoumanis et al. (2020) concluded that, within a health context, motivational variables based on self-determination theory are signi ﬁ cant predictors of psychological well-being.”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Women’s adventure tour guiding experiences: Implications for well-being
Mackenzie, S. H., Boudreau, P., & Raymond, E. M. (2020) · Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management · doi:10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.09.006 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Design and Development of an eHealth Service for Collaborative Self-Management among Older Adults with Chronic Diseases: A Theory-Driven User-Centered Approach
Ekstedt, M., Kirsebom, M., Lindqvist, G., Kneck, Å., Kneck, Å., Flink, M., & Wannheden, C. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19010391 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“Previous research has shown that the satisfaction of these needs can explain health behavior change [32,33] and enhance internalization of health-promoting behavior [34].”
Background
Motivation to participate in structured physical activity for autistic youth: A systematic scoping review
Wong, M. L., Girdler, S. J., Afsharnejad, B., Ntoumanis, N., Milbourn, B. T., Kebble, P. G., Morris, S. L., & Black, M. H. (2024) · Autism · doi:10.1177/13623613241240603 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“Given that motivational factors are key mediators of behaviour change and concomitant health outcomes (Ntoumanis et al., 2021; Ntoumanis & Moller, 2023), identifying those factors enabling and thwarting autistic youth’s motivation to participate in PA is necessary to supporting the health of…”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Improving children’s fundamental movement skills through a family-based physical activity program: results from the “Active 1 + FUN” randomized controlled trial
Ha, A. S. C., Lonsdale, C., Lubans, D. R., Ng, F. F., & Ng, J. Y. Y. (2021) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s12966-021-01160-5 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“Researchers have shown that SDT-based interventions can promote beneficial outcomes in terms of individuals’ behavior and well-being [17, 18].”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Improving theory use in social marketing: the TITE four-step theory application process
Willmott, T. J., & Rundle-Thiele, S. R. (2022) · Journal of Social Marketing · doi:10.1108/jsocm-05-2021-0117 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Mindfulness improves psychological health and supports health behaviour cognitions: Evidence from a pragmatic RCT of a digital mindfulness‐based intervention
Remskar, M., Western, M. J., & Ainsworth, B. (2024) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjhp.12745 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
“This finding may be the first signal of a gradual shift in motivation to look after one's health, which is a key component of successful behaviour change interventions in the health domain (see Ntoumanis et al., 2020, for a review).”
Technology as Infrastructure for Dehumanization:
Oviatt, S. L. (2021) · INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MULTIMODAL INTERACTION · doi:10.1145/3462244.3482855 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Integrating behavior and organizational change literatures to uncover crucial psychological mechanisms underlying the adoption and maintenance of organizational change
Kamarova, S., Gagné, M., Holtrop, D., & Dunlop, P. D. (2024) · Journal of Organizational Behavior · doi:10.1002/job.2832 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
“…the importance of these three needs for internalization and the development of autonomous motivation and for behavioral adoption and maintenance (Ng et al., 2012; Ntoumanis et al., 2021; Teixeira et al., 2020; Van den Broeck et al., 2016) and the importance of supporting them (Slemp et al., 2024).”
Understanding alcohol harm reduction behaviors from the perspective of self-determination theory: a research agenda
Richards, D. K., Pearson, M. R., & Witkiewitz, K. A. (2020) · Addiction Research & Theory · doi:10.1080/16066359.2020.1863378 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“SDT has received substantial support across behavioral domains, including behaviors that promote physical health (Gillison et al. 2019; Ng et al. 2012; Ntoumanis et al. 2020).”
Background
The ENDORSE Feasibility Study: Exploring the Use of M-Health, Artificial Intelligence and Serious Games for the Management of Childhood Obesity
Zarkogianni, K., Chatzidaki, E., Polychronaki, N., Kalafatis, E., Nicolaides, N. C., Voutetakis, A., Chioti, V., Kitani, R.-A., Mitsis, K., Perakis, Κ., et al. (2023) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu15061451 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“This study was driven by Self Determination Theory with an emphasis on providing appropriate plans, meaningful rational, and positive/informational feedback to all participants in a respectful manner [19,21].”
The Impact of a Challenge-Based Learning Experience in Physical Education on Students’ Motivation and Engagement
Simón-Chico, L., González-Peño, A., Hernández-Cuadrado, E., & Álvarez, E. F. (2023) · European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education · doi:10.3390/ejihpe13040052 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“Through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT) [2], an important research line has focused on the mechanisms explaining how interactions affect several behaviours in general health contexts [3] and, in particular, teacher–student interactions in the PE context [4].”
Background
The use of dance to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults: A global scoping review of research trials
Waugh, M., Youdan, G., Casale, C. E., Balaban, R., Cross, E. S., & Merom, D. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0311889 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
What Is Slowing Us Down? Six Challenges to Accelerating Advances in Health Behavior Change
Rothman, A. J., & Sheeran, P. (2020) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1093/abm/kaaa090 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
The effects of teamwork on critical thinking: A serial mediation analysis of the influence of work skills and educational motivation in secondary school students
Sabiote, C. R., Moreno, E. M. O., & López, J. E. (2022) · Thinking Skills and Creativity · doi:10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101063 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Optimizing outcomes in psilocybin therapy: Considerations in participant evaluation and preparation
Modlin, N. L., Miller, T. M., Rucker, J., Kirlić, N., Lennard-Jones, M., Schlosser, D. A., & Aaronson, S. T. (2023) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.077 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
A Theory- and Evidence-Based Digital Intervention Tool for Weight Loss Maintenance (NoHoW Toolkit): Systematic Development and Refinement Study
Marques, M. M., Matos, M., Mattila, E., Encantado, J., Duarte, C., Teixeira, P. J., Stubbs, R. J., Sniehotta, F. F., Ermes, M., Harjumaa, M., et al. (2021) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/25305 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
“Autonomous motivation has also been associated with change in energy balance behaviors for obesity management [16].”
Did You Enjoy It? The Role of Intensity-Trait Preference/Tolerance in Basic Psychological Needs and Exercise Enjoyment
Teixeira, D., Rodrigues, F. F., Machado, S. E. D. C., Cid, L., & Monteiro, D. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.682480 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Patient empowerment: a critical evaluation and prescription for a foundational definition
Varela, A. J., Gallamore, M. J., Hansen, N. R., & Martin, D. C. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1473345 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Is self-determination good for your effectiveness? A study of factors which influence performance within self-determination theory
Szulawski, M., Kaźmierczak, I., & Prusik, M. (2021) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0256558 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“Over the past decades, researchers have established that satisfaction of autonomy, competence, and relatedness is critical to most domains of human functioning such as health care [10, 11], mental health [12, 13], the development of well-being [14, 15], the development of intrinsic motivation [16], engagement at work…”
Background
When body positivity falls flat: Divergent effects of body acceptance messages that support vs. undermine basic psychological needs
Legault, L., & Sago, A. (2022) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.02.013 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Does the Weekly Practice of Recalling and Elaborating Episodes Raise Well-Being in University Students?
Moè, A. (2022) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-022-00547-w · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Therefore, how can we improve satisfaction and reduce the frustration of basic psychological needs? A bulk of research (for reviews, see Ryan & Deci, 2020; Ntoumanis et al., 2020) demonstrated that need satisfaction is favored by an autonomy supportive social environment, characterized by expressing acceptance, showin…”
Background
Psychological needs as underlying forces of halal food purchase intention
Syed, S., Ahmad, F., & Shah, S. R. H. (2022) · Journal of Islamic marketing · doi:10.1108/jima-01-2022-0027 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Using the Implementation Research Logic Model as a Lens to View Experiences of Implementing HIV Prevention and Care Interventions with Adolescent Sexual Minority Men—A Global Perspective
Nelson, L. E., Ogunbajo, A., Abu-Ba’are, G. R., Conserve, D. F., Wilton, L., Ndenkeh, J. J. N., Braitstein, P. K. A., Dow, D. E., Arrington‐Sanders, R., Appiah, P., et al. (2022) · AIDS and Behavior · doi:10.1007/s10461-022-03776-5 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Setting performance and learning goals is useful for active and inactive individuals, if goals are personalized and flexible: commentary on Swann et al. (2020)
Kwaśnicka, D., Ntoumanis, N., & Sniehotta, F. F. (2020) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2020.1762107 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Self-citation
Motivation Science
(2023) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780197662359.001.0001 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Physical activity interventions to increase children's social and emotional learning: A systematic review and meta‐analysis based on the comprehensive school physical activity programme framework
Moon, J., Webster, C. A., Mulvey, K. L., Brian, A., Stodden, D. F., Egan, C. A., Ha, T., Merica, C. B., & Beets, M. W. (2024) · Review of Education · doi:10.1002/rev3.3455 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
A Psychological Need-Fulfillment Perspective for Designing Social Robots that Support Well-Being
Janssen, S., & Schadenberg, B. R. (2024) · International Journal of Social Robotics · doi:10.1007/s12369-024-01102-8 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“This premise has been investigated in various contexts, including education [16, 59], interpersonal relationships [133, 180], and healthcare [113, 120].”
Promoting self-determined motivation for physical activity: From theory to intervention work
Quested, E., Kritz, M., Hancox, J. E., Ntoumanis, N., & Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C. (2021) · Society for Transparency, Openness, and Replication in Kinesiology eBooks · doi:10.51224/b1003 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“, fitness instructors) can be trained in providing need support to others and thereby promote autonomous motivation, psychological well-being and physical activity in others (Hancox et al., 2018; Ntoumanis et al., 2020; Ntoumanis et al., 2018).”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citation
Associations between Perceived Teacher Autonomy Support, Self-Determined Motivation, Physical Activity Habits and Non-Participation in Physical Education in a Sample of Lithuanian Adolescents
Jankauskienė, R., Urmanavicius, D., & Bacevičienė, M. (2022) · Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.3390/bs12090314 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“since autonomous motivation is associated with increased engagement in PA and the latter might promote the development of habits [48].”
Background
Decoding the Influence of eHealth on Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in Older Adults: Qualitative Analysis of Self-Determination Through the Motivational Technology Model
Cotter, L. M., Shah, D. V., Brown, K., Mares, M., Landucci, G., Saunders, S., Johnston, D. C., Pe‐Romashko, K., Gustafson, D. H., Maus, A., et al. (2024) · JMIR Aging · doi:10.2196/56923 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“Broadly, the impact of self-determination theory on various measures of overall health has been well documented in several meta-analyses [9,14,15].”
Background
The Co-Occurrence of Satisfaction and Frustration of Basic Psychological Needs and Its Relationship with Exercisers’ Motivation
Rodrigues, F. F., Macedo, R., Teixeira, D. S., Cid, L., Travassos, B. F. R., Neiva, H. P., & Monteiro, D. (2021) · The Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1080/00223980.2020.1862738 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro-theory of motivation that has been used to investigate motivation in several health-related behaviors (Ntoumanis et al., 2020).”
Background
Associations between previous sport and exercise experience and physical literacy elements among physically inactive Danes
Elsborg, P., Heinze, C., Melby, P. S., Nielsen, G., Bentsen, P., & Ryom, K. (2021) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-021-11299-2 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“dependent on participants experiencing competence, relatedness and autonomy when doing the activities [20].”
BackgroundResult
A self-support approach to satisfy basic psychological needs during difficult situations
Behzadnia, B., & FatahModares, S. (2022) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-022-09968-9 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“It has shown that instructors’ need-supportive behaviors helped clients to pursue healthy behaviors, as well as experienced greater need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and well-being (Ntoumanis et al., 2020).”
Background
Web-based need-supportive parenting program to promote physical activity in secondary school students: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Meerits, P.-R., Tilga, H., & Koka, A. (2023) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-023-16528-4 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“Overall, research based on the SDT in the health domain has demonstrated that SDT-informed interventions positively affect health behaviour [18].”
Background
Using self-determination theory to understand eating behaviors and weight change in emerging adults
LaCaille, R. A., Hooker, S. A., & LaCaille, L. J. (2020) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101433 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
PhD students’ relatedness, motivation, and well-being with multiple supervisors
Khosa, A., Wilkin, C. L., & Burch, S. (2023) · Accounting Education · doi:10.1080/09639284.2023.2179889 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Integrating the theory of planned behavior and the self‐determination theory to promote Mediterranean diet adherence: A randomized controlled trial
Caso, D., Canova, L., Capasso, M., & Bianchi, M. (2023) · Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12470 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Autonomous motivation, social support, and physical activity in school children: moderating effects of school-based rope skipping sports participation
Qi, Y., Yao, Y., Wang, X., Zou, Y., & Liu, B. (2024) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1295924 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
A systematic review of gerontechnologies to support aging in place among community-dwelling older adults and their family caregivers
Moreno, A., Scola, M.-C., Sun, H., Durce, H., Couve, C., Acevedo, K., & GUTMAN, G. M. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1237694 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Exercise motivation, physical exercise, and mental health among college students: examining the predictive power of five different types of exercise motivation
Li, J. J., Wang, L., Pan, L., Hu, Z., Yin, R., & Liu, J. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1356999 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Development and feasibility of a mobile phone application designed to support physically inactive employees to increase walking
Nicholas, J., Ntoumanis, N., Smith, B. J., Quested, E., Stamatakis, E. A., & Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C. (2021) · BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making · doi:10.1186/s12911-021-01391-3 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Self-citation
Design and evaluation of an independent 4‐week, exosuit‐assisted, post‐stroke community walking program
Nuckols, R. W., Chang, C., Kim, D., Eckert-Erdheim, A. M., Orzel, D., Baker, L. M., Baker, T. C., Wendel, N. C., Quinlivan, B., Murphy, P., et al. (2023) · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1111/nyas.14998 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Intervention effects on physical activity identity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Rhodes, R. E., Wierts, C. M., Kullman, S. M., Magel, E., & Strachan, S. M. (2024) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2024.2412996 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“…reference lists of five relevant reviews, four of which examined physical activity in the context of self-determination theory, were screened to capture additional articles (Car-rillo et al., 2019; Manninen et al., 2022; Ntoumanis et al., 2021; Teixeira et al., 2012; Wasserkampf & Kleinert, 2016).”
Defending Behavior in Bullying and Defenders’ Psychosocial Outcomes among Children and Adolescents: A Series of Three-Level Meta-Analyses
Tian, X., Huebner, E. S., & Tian, L. (2025) · Journal of Youth and Adolescence · doi:10.1007/s10964-025-02176-x · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Additionally, failing to intervene successfully under peer pressure may leave defenders with unmet relational or competence needs, exacerbating mental health issues (Ntoumanis et al., 2021).”
Profiles of motivations for responsible drinking among college students: A self-determination theory perspective
Richards, D. K., Pearson, M. R., & Field, C. A. (2020) · Addictive Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106550 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“…motivations are associated with improved health outcomes (Ng et al., 2012), and SDT-based interventions, which aim to support the psychological needs, result in increased selfdetermined motivation for engaging in health-promoting behaviors (Gillison et al., 2019; Ntoumanis et al., 2020).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Self-determination theory interventions versus usual care in people with diabetes: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Mathiesen, A. S., Rothmann, M. J., Zoffmann, V., Jakobsen, J. C., Gluud, C. N., Lindschou, J., Due‐Christensen, M., Rasmussen, B., Marqvorsen, E. H. S., & Thomsen, T. (2021) · Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1186/s13643-020-01566-5 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“[18], the authors concluded that changes in autonomous motivation and perceptions of need support were associated with small positive changes in health behaviours at the end of the intervention, but small to medium changes at follow-up, which may indicate the potential of a sustained behaviour change [18].”
BackgroundMethodInfluential
Motivation for health behaviour: A predictor of adherence to balanced and healthy food across different coastal Mediterranean countries
Ljubičić, M., Sarić, M. M., Klarin, I., Rumbak, I., Barić, I. C., Ranilović, J., EL-Kenawy, A., Παπαγεωργίου, Μ., Vittadini, E., Černelič-Bizjak, M., et al. (2022) · Journal of Functional Foods · doi:10.1016/j.jff.2022.105018 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Intuitive Eating and Biomarkers Related to Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults
Teas, E., Kimiecik, J. C., Ward, R. M., & Timmerman, K. L. (2022) · Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2022.01.010 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Using self‐determination theory in research and evaluation in primary care
Huang, H., Wang, H., Donaghy, E., Henderson, D., & Mercer, S. W. (2022) · Health Expectations · doi:10.1111/hex.13620 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Ntoumanis et al.21 performed a meta‐analysis of over 70 studies of SDT‐informed intervention studies covering a wide range of health behaviours mainly concerning the primary prevention of disease.”
Background

Self-Determination Theory Applied to Health Contexts: A Meta-Analysis \n
Ng, J., Ntoumanis, N., Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Deci, E., Ryan, R. M., Duda, J. L., & Williams, G. C. (2012) · University of Birmingham Institutional Research Archive (University of Birmingham)
Self-citation
Self-Determination Theory Applied to Health Contexts: A Meta-Analysis
Ng, J. Y. Y., Ntoumanis, N., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M., Duda, J. L., & Williams, G. C. (2012) · Perspectives on Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/1745691612447309 · Cited by 1,959 · see citing works
Self-citation
SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY APPLIED TO HEALTH CONTEXTS: A META-ANALYSIS
Ng, J. Y. Y., Ntoumanis, N., Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M., Duda, J. L., & Williams, G. (2012) · eSpace (Curtin University) · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Self-citation
Self-determination theory interventions for health behavior change: Meta-analysis and meta-analytic structural equation modeling of randomized controlled trials.
Sheeran, P., Wright, C. E., Avishai, A., Villegas, M. E., Lindemans, J. W., Klein, W. M. P., Rothman, A. J., Miles, E., & Ntoumanis, N. (2020) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1037/ccp0000501 · Cited by 175 · see citing works
Self-citation
Self Determination Theory and Health Behavior Interventions
Simpson, A. T. (2023) · ThinkIR: The University of Louisville's Institutional Repository (University of Louisville)

Authors: Ntoumanis, N., Ng, J. Y. Y., Prestwich, A., Quested, E., Hancox, J. E., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M., Lonsdale, C., & Williams, G. C.
Affiliations: Curtin University (AU)
Chinese University of Hong Kong (HK)
University of Leeds (GB)
University of Nottingham (GB)
School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
University of South-Eastern Norway (NO)
Australian Catholic University (AU)
University of Rochester Medicine (US)
Corresponding author: Ntoumanis, Nikos
ORCID: Ntoumanis, Nikos
Ng, Johan Y.Y.
Prestwich, Andrew
Quested, Eleanor
Hancox, Jennie E.
Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Cecilie
Deci, Edward L.
Ryan, Richard M.
Lonsdale, Chris
Williams, Geoffrey C.
Venue: Health Psychology Review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2020-02-03
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Pages: 214-244
ISSN: 1743-7199 (ISSN-L)
1743-7202
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2020.1718529
OpenAlex: W3002054708
Cited by: 1,154
References: 118
Citations by year: 2026: 237 · 2025: 209 · 2024: 181 · 2023: 264 · 2022: 124 · 2021: 107 · 2020: 31 · 2019: 1
FWCI: 21.15
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: hybrid
doi.org
Licence: cc-by-nc-nd
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ (unspecified)
Locations: Health Psychology Review (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Repository@Nottingham (University of Nottingham) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
University of Birmingham Research Portal (University of Birmingham) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
White Rose Research Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York) (acceptedVersion)
Repository@Nottingham (University of Nottingham) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
NORA - Norwegian Open Research Archives (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Management and Education
Keywords: self-determination theory, health promotion, disease management, autonomous motivation, need support, controlled motivation, amotivation, health behavior, physical health, mental health
MeSH terms: Health Promotion, Humans, Mental Health, Motivation, Health Behavior, Personal Autonomy

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A meta-analysis of self-determination theory-informed intervention studies in the health domain: effects on motivation, health behavior, physical, and psychological health

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