What is Wellness? Dan Evans PhD, MS Assistant Professor Family Medicine Residency University of Washington

Disclosures I have no actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this presentation.

Goals Describe the basics of Self Determination Theory. Explain how Self Determination Theory applies to wellness. Develop actionable items to include in a wellness curriculum.

Wellness: A Motivational Perspective Self Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci & Ryan, 1985) Intrinsic motivation → human flourishing Eudaimonic vs. Hedonic Basic psychological needs Relatedness: Social connection, belonging, feeling loved Competence: Mastery and self-efficacy in one’s environment Autonomy: Ownership of one’s actions; authenticity; volition

+ + = (Relatedness) (Competence) (Autonomy) (Human Growth)

Further Defining Wellbeing According to SDT, wellbeing is not… Exclusive to leisure time A specific set of activities Incompatible with presence of illness A one-size fits all approach A primarily individual responsibility

Promoting Wellbeing in Yourself Relatedness Find communities Seek mentors Competence Appropriately challenging goals Self-compassion Autonomy Self-reflection Values clarification Mindfulness Narrative

Promoting Wellbeing in Others SDT and Motivational Interviewing (MI) “Motivational interviewing is designed to enhance intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence” (Miller & Rollnick, 2002) Spirit of MI Respect autonomy vs. exert authority Collaborate vs. confront Evoke vs. educate Explore vs. explain

Select MI Strategies and Techniques Express empathy through reflective listening Support self-efficacy and optimism Ask open-ended questions Offer summaries

Other SDT Recommendations Offer choices whenever possible Provide rationales for rules and expectations Demonstrate interest and curiosity in the other’s perspective Provide constructive feedback in context of caring relationship Minimize controlling behaviors Encourage taking initiative and ownership

Resources https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/ SDT Questionnaire on our website.

Questions/Comments?