Mindfulness and Motivation: A Process View Using Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

Mindfulness and motivation are both highly researched topics of great consequence for individual and social wellness. Using the lens of self-determination theory, we review evidence indicating that mindfulness is differentially related to different types of motivations, playing a facilitating role for highly autonomous forms of motivation, but not for externally controlled or introjected (self-controlling) forms of motivation. A key contribution of this review is our contention that mindfulness confers a range of intra- and interindividual benefits (e.g., well-being and prosociality) in part through its relation to autonomous motivations, a claim for which we outline preliminary evidence. Finally, we discuss how future research connecting mindfulness and motivation is important for both fields of study, for applied practices in areas such as psychotherapy and business, and for enhancing understanding of the processes underlying human wellness.

Resilience and Stress as Mediators in the Relationship of Mindfulness and Happiness

“…From a theoretical perspective, our study strengthens the postulation of mindfulness in self-determination theory. In line with existing proposition that mindfulness helps to bring about autonomous form of motivation (Ryan et al, 2021), our study gives evidence that students with higher mindfulness tend to be more aware of their internal phenomena such as needs and emotions and external phenomena such as conflicts and pressure, and are less likely to get influenced by automatic responses (de Bruin et al, 2015). As such, they are at a better position to engage in choices that are reflective and actions that are congruent with their self (Donald et al, 2020).…”

The relation of mindfulness and prosocial behavior: What do we (not) know?

“…Regarding the assumed underlying motivations (other or self-oriented motivations) of prosocial behavior, there is no direct link between self-regulation and increased prosocial behavior. In fact, mindfulness represents an observational and receptive state, rather than a motivational state [35]. From this perspective, mindfulness does not automatically lead to prosocial behavior--a resulting prosocial motivation should depend on other factors, such as personal salient goals.…”

Psychological Resilience to Suicidal Experiences in People with Non-Affective Psychosis: A Position Paper

“…The maintenance model is most closely allied with the positive psychology movement, one of the goals of which is to understand how people prosper and grow over time and across different realms of their lives [ 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 ]. Being founded on the Psychological Flexibility Model [ 105 ], the Broaden and Build theory [ 104 , 105 ], and the Self-Determination Theory [ 106 , 107 ], this model describes a set of abilities which enable people to maintain a sense of positivity when facing negative experiences, stressors, and health conditions some of which are chronic and occur over long time periods. Being able to identify and engage with meaningful activities and values, despite significant adversity, is central to the maintenance model which was developed in the context of coping with chronic pain [ 88 ].…”