Levels of motivation and basic psychological need satisfaction in nursing students: In perspective of self-determination theory.

BACKGROUND: Motivation is the first and most important constituent element of learning behavior. One of the most important theories in this field is self-determination theory (SDT) which is a general theory of motivation. According to this theory, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness are effective in the internalization of incentive. Hence this theory can be a good foundation for reforming medical education programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was determining the basic psychological need and the effect of it on level of motivation and self-determined motivation of nursing student in the field. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study done through a census on 243 nursing students of Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Data gathering tool was demographic information, motivation level, and basic psychological needs questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Spearman and Pearson correlation, Man-Whitney, backward regression considering P < 0.05. RESULTS: The findings showed that the majority of students (51.9 %) were female and, the mean age was 21 years. Statistical tests indicated a significant relationship between levels of motivation, basic psychological needs, and demographic variables. However, the regression coefficients indicated that the need for competence and relatedness could be a suitable predictor for internal motivation. CONCLUSION: Basic psychological needs satisfaction, especially needs of competence and relatedness in the clinical field by instructors can lead to internalization of their incentive and positive outcomes.