Welcome to the McGill Human Motivation Laboratory website.
Our laboratory is located in the Stewart Biology Building within the Department of Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. The motivation research we conduct is grounded in self-determination theory (SDT). According to SDT, intrinsic motivation, effective self-regulation, and optimal well-being are achieved when individuals are able to satisfy their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Our research has explored interpersonal contexts that support versus thwart need satisfaction in diverse populations and settings. Our research efforts have focused on distinguishing autonomous forms of self-regulation, such as those based in intrinsic interest or personal values, from controlling forms of self-regulation. The research has examined the relevance of autonomy versus control to personal goal-setting, parent-child relations, cultural integration, academic performance, and well-being. We plan to explore issues related to autonomy in the contexts of interpersonal relationships and emotional regulation in the next year.
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Bolstering implementation plans for long haul: The benefits of simultaneously boosting self-concordance or self-efficacy.
Koestner, Richard, Horberg, E.J., Gaudreau, P, Powers, T., DiDio, P., Bryan, C., Jochum, R., Salter, N. (2006). Bolstering implementation plans for long haul: The benefits of simultaneously boosting self-concordance or self-efficacy. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 32, 1547-1558. Learn More
Trust in organismic development, autonomy support, and adaptation among mothers and their children
Landry, R., Whipple, N., Mageau, G., Joussemet, M., Gingras, I., Didio, L., & Koestner, Richard (2008). Trust in organismic development, autonomy support, and adaptation among mothers and their children: A self-determination theory approach to parenting. Motivation & Emotion, in press. Learn More
The relations of parental autonomy support to cultural internalization and well-being of immigrants and sojurners
Downie, M., Chua, S. N., Koestner, Richard, Barrios, M., Rip, B., & M’Birkou, S. (2007). The relations of parental autonomy support to cultural internalization and well-being of immigrants and sojourners. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 13, 241-249. Learn More
