Title

On the Investigation of Primed and Chronic Autonomous and Heteronomous Motivational Orientations

Abstract

Four studies examined primed and chronic autonomous and heteronomous motivations. Study 1 showed that autonomy and heteronomy can be primed and influence perceptions and behavior in a way consistent with consciously regulated motives. In Study 2, a measure of chronic motivation was developed and its construct validity and reliability were assessed. In Study 3, the chronicity measure predicted behavior while consciously regulated motives predicted intention but not behavior. Results of Study 4 replicated results of the priming manipulation in Study 1. However, this effect was moderated by level of motivational chronicity. The priming effect was found to be stronger for non-chronics than for chronics. Overall, the findings suggest that autonomous and heteronomous motivations can be regulated automatically as well as consciously.

Department(s)

Psychology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167203256877

Keywords

automaticity, priming, autonomous motivation, self-determination theory

Publication Date

2003

Journal Title

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

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