A multilevel perspective on self-determination theory: Predictors and correlates of autonomous and controlled motivation

Based on self-determination theory (SDT), we examined mediational models connecting autonomy support and self-criticism to negative affect (NA), positive (PA), goal progress (GP) via autonomous controlled motivation. Separate measures were obtained within eight domains (e.g., academic performance intimate relationships) for 346 university students. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used test whether, both between-persons within-person, predicted motivation, which in turn NA, PA, GP. In addition several indirect effects, found numerous significant within-person including: (1) where they experienced greater support, people PA GP, mediated by motivation (2) self-criticism, more NA less lesser These results systematically adopting a multilevel perspective SDT research.