Programmes that back people's own reasons may give motivation a modest boost.
HelpedThe short version
In 60 studies, programmes that backed people's own reasons raised motivation more than other groups.
- 60
- studies pooled
- Self-rated
- people rated themselves
The review
Who took part
The 74 studies included children and adults who did not have a mental disability. Most were controlled trials, and 50 looked at physical activity.
What they did
Each programme used ways to support people's choice, skill and sense of connection. Most compared the programmes with usual care or with people who were still waiting to start.
What happened
Motivation from people's own reasons rose more than in the other groups. The results varied a lot between studies, and the review did not check whether studies went unpublished.
What the review found
- Helped
In 60 studies, programmes that backed people's own reasons raised motivation more than other groups.
Pooled analysis of 60 studies · vs usual care, waiting, or a neutral programme · they rated themselves · ⚠ the studies disagreed a lot; whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited; mixes trials with other kinds of study
How solid is this?
- People rated themselves
- Numbers unreliable
- Unclear how groups were picked
- Whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited
- Mixes trials with other kinds of study
Source
A meta-analysis of techniques to promote motivation for health behaviour change from a self-determination theory perspective (2018)
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2018.1534071 (opens in a new tab)
