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Table 1 Types of motivation along the Self-determination Theory continuum and diet/physical activity examples

From: “I’ve made this my lifestyle now”: a prospective qualitative study of motivation for lifestyle change among people with newly diagnosed type two diabetes mellitus

 

Amotivation

Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation

  

Controlled regulations

Autonomous regulation

 

Non-regulation

External Regulation

Introjected Regulation

Identified Regulation

Integrated Regulation

Intrinsic Regulation

Motivation type description

Lack of motivation or intention to act

Lifestyle behaviour change is to avoid punishment or gain a reward

Lifestyle change aims at avoiding guilt or enhancing self-worth

Lifestyle changes are personally important or valued

Lifestyle behaviours are in harmony with other personal values and goals

Lifestyle behaviours are enjoyable or inherently satisfying to do

Diet / physical activity example

Not changing one’s lifestyle behaviours or passively going through the motions

Eating less confectionary to avoid being told off by a dietician

Exercising because one feels they should, and will feel guilty if one doesn’t

Maintaining one’s physical fitness is a personally important goal

Eating a healthily is consistent with one’s goals to be physically active

Trying out new healthy recipes is satisfying and fun