Motivation, movement, and vitality: Self-determination theory and its organismic perspective on physical activity as part of human flourishing

Abstract

Ntoumanis and Moller review 25 years of self-determination theory (SDT) research as part of Psychology of Sport and Exercise's 25th Anniversary Special Issue. They delineate many of the key propositions, empirical findings, and practical applications of the theory in the domain of physical activity (PA). In this brief commentary, I highlight the organismic assumptions of SDT and the relevance of PA to SDT's focus on flourishing. PA is intrinsically motivated, as observed from infancy and beyond, but as SDT research has shown, the inherent propensities to move and be physically active can be enhanced or undermined as a function of need-supportive or need-thwarting social conditions. Further, many types of PA are instrumental rather than intrinsically motivated, such that sustaining them requires internalization, a process well detailed within the theory. Also highlighted is SDT research on subjective vitality, a psychological construct with direct ties to PA, as well as being influenced by autonomous versus controlled motives. Finally, building on Ntoumanis and Moller's discussion, I enumerate additional future directions for SDT research and practice including neuropsychological underpinnings, motivational dynamics in group or team settings, and the influence of pervasive social factors such as sedentary work styles and media use on people's participation in PA. Given that SDT is an organismic perspective focused on human flourishing, PA research will continue to be highly relevant to its aims.