ABSTRACT
Behavior change is the foundation for effective lifestyle prescriptions, yet the journey toward health-promoting behaviors is an individualized and nonlinear experience influenced by a myriad of factors. Despite the personalized nature of the behavior change process, as illuminated in self-determination theory (SDT), all patients share the same basic psychological needs to feel in control (autonomy), confident (competence), and connected (relatedness) in their lives. With the core components of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in mind, clinicians have the opportunity to adopt a more effective style of collaborative communication – known as a “coach approach” – to meet patient needs and support them in fostering more intrinsic and self-determined forms of motivation. This chapter aims to equip clinicians with an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of SDT and the spirit and skills of a coach approach to foster autonomy-supporting care environments in which patients are empowered to enact and sustain health-promoting behaviors.
