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

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

3. 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.

4. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

11. 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

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

13. Questions/Comments?