Self-determination theory: the role of the health care professional in promoting mindfulness and perceived competence

The purpose of the current study was to predict mindfulness and perceived competence using self-determination theory (SDT). Within SDT, we specifically examined basic needs theory via global basic needs (i.e., competence, autonomy, and relatedness) and two domain specific basic needs (i.e., exercise & health care) settings. One hundred and thirty-one college students from a Midwest urban university participated in this study. Using multiple regression analyses, we predicted 22% and 36% of the variance in mindfulness and perceived competence, respectively. Meeting basic needs in exercise settings and perceiving that autonomous exercise behaviors were supported by health care practitioners predicted variance in participants’ mindfulness and perceived competence beyond the variance accounted for from global basic needs satisfaction. More specifically, findings supported the importance of competence satisfaction in general settings and exercise settings. In addition, students who perceived that their health care practitioners supported their autonomy in pursuing exercise also exhibited more mindfulness and had stronger perceived competence for exercise compared to students who viewed their health care practitioners as less autonomy supportive. Health care professionals should be cognizant that their interactions with patients about exercise have the potential to influence patient's mindfulness and perceived competence.