How Motivation from a Self-determination Theory Perspective Impacts the Therapeutic Change Process
Abstract
This dissertation explored how motivation, from a self-determination theory perspective, impacts the therapeutic change process. The aim of this study was to answer the following research questions: (1) Is the Adapted Precursors for Therapeutic Change assessment (APTC) a valid measure of readiness for change? (2) What is the relationship between each motivation orientation and specific precursors for change? (3) Do motivation orientations predict readiness for change? (4) Are there similarities and differences amongst groups based on motivation orientations, precursors for change, timing of treatment, and demographic variables? Participants for this study were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and included individuals 18 years of age or older who are currently in therapy or considering participating in therapy or psychological services (N = 369). This was a quasi-experimental study, which utilized the Client Motivation for Therapy Scale (CMOT) to assess motivation, APTC to assess precursors for change, and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment to assess stage of change. Results for Principal Component Analysis indicated the APTC is a valid measure of readiness for change. The results from the Canonical Correlation examining the relationship between each motivation orientation and precursor for change indicated significant patterns of relationships. A series of Multiple Regression analyses demonstrated motivation orientations to be significant predictors of readiness for change for both the Precursors for Change model and the Stages of Change. Overall, internalized motivation orientations predicted greater readiness for change than externalized forms. A Profile Analysis illustrated stage of change to predict group membership based on motivation orientation and precursors for change. Specifically, internal motivation orientations and increases in precursors for change were demonstrated over later stages of change (e.g. Action) in comparison to early stages (e.g. Precontemplation). Overall, results demonstrated the significant role motivation, from a self-determination theory perspective, serves in facilitating the therapeutic change process.
Subject Area
Counseling Psychology
Recommended Citation
Ashley N Reda,
"How Motivation from a Self-determination Theory Perspective Impacts the Therapeutic Change Process"
(2019).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI13807487.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI13807487