<p>In spite of numerous benefits that are suggested for consumers’ utilizing integrated personal health record (PHR) systems, research has shown that these systems are not yet popular or well known to consumers. Therefore, research is needed to understand what would rise adoption rates for these systems. Hence, the main objective of this dissertation is to develop and empirically validate a theoretical model for explaining consumers’ intention to use integrated PHR systems.</p> <p>In developing the theoretical model of this dissertation, theories of information systems adoption were integrated with Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which is a well established theory from the Psychology literature that explains the mechanism through which individuals become more self-determined, i.e., motivated to take more active (rather than passive) roles in undertaking different behaviours. Taking such an active role by consumers, in the context of personal health management, is suggested to be necessary for realizing the full benefits of integrated PHR systems.</p> <p>The proposed theoretical model was validated using the PLS approach to structural equation modeling, on data collected from a cross-sectional survey involving 159 participants with no prior experience in using PHR systems. A stratified random sampling was employed to draw a representative sample of the Canadian population. The results show that consumers with higher levels of self-determination in managing their health are more likely to adopt integrated PHR systems since they have more positive perceptions regarding the use of such systems. Further, such self-determination is fueled by autonomy support from consumers’ physicians as well as consumers’ personality trait of autonomy orientation.</p> <p>This study advances the theoretical understanding of integrated PHR system adoption, and it contributes to practice by providing insightful implications for designing, promotion, and facilitating the use of integrated PHR systems among consumers.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Many researchers have highlighted the need for students to have a willingness to communicate (WTC) in second and foreign language classrooms. WTC is important because it is believed that WTC leads to eventual communication both inside and outside the classroom. Previous research into WTC has centered mainly on the use of structural models and trait, self-reported measurements of WTC, but recent research has shown that WTC is also heavily dependent on the situation. However, very few studies recognize this and have, thus, not employed situational measurements of WTC. After a thorough review of WTC literature, 13 pertinent constructs were modified to reflect the situation in the foreign language classroom. These were related to constructs of the classroom, beliefs about communication; self-determined motivation; self-perceived competence; communication anxiety and willingness to communicate. A preliminary study employing exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis, followed by a main study conducted with and confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were undertaken with first- and second-year Japanese university students. The factor analysis was used to investigate the underlying structures of the factors and the Rasch analysis was used to determine fit, category functioning and dimensionality. Nine reliable and unidimensional factors were brought forward from the main study, which were Classroom Efficacy Factor and Classroom Affective Factor as the two classroom factors; Intrinsic Motivation for Communication, Introjected Regulation for Communication and External Regulation for Communication as the three self-determined motivation constructs, and finally, Self-Perceived Competence, Communicative Anxiety and Willingness to Communicate split in two subconstructs of pair/work and whole class activities. The second half the study was the formulation of a structural equation model using the above constructs to predict situational WTC. The model also included an often under-utilized resource, the teacher, who assessed the learners’ actual communication to identify if WTC leads to language use. All the fit indices in the final model (N = 376) were good, and the model included three additional paths. The model indicated that classroom constructs led to motivation and self-perceived competence, which predicted confidence. Motivation led directly to WTC and indirectly to WTC through confidence. Lastly, WTC predicted actual communication. The constructs in this study can be applied in other studies of situational WTC. This study helps to both expand our understanding of constructs affecting situational WTC and actual communication, and provides more validity to the construct of situational WTC. It also reaffirms the importance of what happens in the classroom, which is main arena for communication in the EFL setting. / Language Arts

Syftet med studien var att undersöka vad arbetssökande upplever motiverar dem till egen försörjning genom arbetstagande med utgångspunkt i jobbstimulansen och andra metoder inspirerade av motivationsteorierna Self-Efficacy Theory och Self-Determination Theory. Inspiration till studien uppkom ur ett intresse för- och ifrågasättande av reformen som beskrivs i 4 kap. 1b § Socialtjänstlagen (2001:453), även kallad jobbstimulansen, vars införande bland annat syftade till att göra det lönsamt för arbetssökande biståndstagare att ta ett arbete, men som kan anses fått andra negativa effekter (Socialstyrelsen 2016). Jobbstimulansen är fortsatt en del av socialtjänstens arbete utan tydliga belägg för att modellen faktiskt gör det den ska; motivera individer ut i arbete. Detta föranledde studiens övergripande frågeställning: Vad upplever arbetssökande motiverar dem till egen försörjning genom arbetstagande?  För att besvara syftet och dess frågeställningar genomfördes en vinjettstudie med inomgruppsdesign där respondenterna var eller har varit arbetssökande. Studiens resultat indikerar att inre motivationsincitament upplevs mer motiverande än yttre ekonomiska incitament vilket således står i kontrast till nuvarande lagstiftad metod. Vidare belyser studien att det finns andra metoder som kan fungera bättre än jobbstimulansen samt vilka teoretiska grunder detta kan baseras på. Trots att studien kan anses vara experimentell och bitvis fiktiv då vi endast mäter grad av upplevd motivation och inte faktisk motivation kan resultatet anses vara intressant då den motsätter sig nuvarande metod samt påbörjar ett utforskande av motivationsarbete inom socialtjänsten. / The aim of the study was to examine what unemployed job seekers experiences create motivation toward self-sufficiency trough employment in relation to the current statutory method jobbstimulansen (the Job Stimulus) and other methods inspired by motivational theories such as the Self-Efficacy Theory and the Self-Determination Theory. Inspiration for the study arose from an interest in- and a questioning of the reform described in 4. Ch. 1b § of Socialtjänstlagen (2001:453), known as the Job Stimulus. The insertion of which aimed, among other things, at making it profitable for job seekers to take a job can be considered to have had other negative effects (Socialstyrelsen 2016). The Job Stimulus is still part of the Social Services' work without clear evidence that the model does what it is supposed to; motivate individuals into work. This led to the study's overarching question: What do job seekers feel motivates them toward self- sufficiency through employment? To answer the purpose and its questions we made a vignette study where the respondents currently are or have been unemployed. The result of the study indicates that internal motivational incentives are perceived as more motivating than external financial incentives, which thus contrasts with the current statutory method. Furthermore, the study illuminates alternative methods that may prove more effective than the Job Stimulus, along with the theoretical underpinnings supporting these approaches. Although the study may be considered a bit experimental and partially fictitious as we only measure the perceived degree of motivation and not actual motivation, the result can be considered interesting as it opposes the current method and begins an exploration of motivational work within the Social Services.

In our constantly increasing digital society, the need for continuous learning is becoming increasingly crucial. Having an adaptable workforce is important for productivity in the long term. A solution that has seen increasing traction in recent times is so-called micro-learning. Micro-learning breaks down learning into smaller, more digestible units. Another trend that has also seen increasing relevance is gamification, a technique employing motivational incentives like video games. This Design Science thesis explores the intersection between micro-learning and gamification, trying to understand with an exploratory approach users’ hands-on experiences with two different micro-learning systems. One system integrating explicitly designed gamification features, the gamified micro-learning platform. The other system instead lacked these designed gamified features, the non-gamified micro-learning platform. Through a six-week study phase, participants explored the two different platforms and then shared their experiences. By understanding participants' hands-on experiences through the lens of Self Determination Theory, the aim of the study is to then derive a set of design principles for implementing gamification in a micro-learning system informed by the data gathered.

This paper examines how internal communication strategies in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) during COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on employee intrinsic motivation. By analyzing experiences of managers and employees in Sweden, it identifies effective communication methods that enhance morale and engagement. It also explores how these strategies align with Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and provides practical recommendations for crisis management communication. Through analysis of communication channels, frequency, and styles, it offers insights for organizational communication and crises management. This qualitative study employs thematic analysis of interviews with managers and employees in Swedish SMEs during COVID-19. It evaluates internal communication strategies such as channels, frequency, and styles, and their impact on employee motivation, aligning findings with SDT. To conlcude, this thesis illuminates the interplay between internal communication strategies and employee motivation within Swedish SMEs during COVID-19 pandemic. Through qualitative analysis, the study underlines the importance of flexible communication approaches, digital channels, and transparent styles in fostering resilience and engagement. The findings suggest that aligning communication strategies with SDT princibles can enhance organizational effectiveness during crises. Practical recommendations are provided to empower leaders in cultivating supportive work environments and promoting employee well-being.

The study examined the integration of Creative Writing (CW) into Swedish upper-secondary education, focusing on enhancing student motivation and engagement. It was hypothesized that CW, by fostering autonomy, competence, relatedness, and enjoyment, could improve students' intrinsic motivation, and engagement, as guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Given the frequent issue of student dropouts, there is a recognized need for teachers to identify effective strategies to increase students’ motivation. The researchers propose incorporating CW alongside traditional methods as a potential solution. By raising student motivation, this strategy hopes to boost academic achievement and lower dropout rates. The study incorporates CW in an attempt to make learning more motivating and interesting while also meeting the diverse needs of students. The study enlists a mixed-methods approach to investigate the effectiveness of a CW intervention. The intervention involved students creatively reimagining endings in classical literature, facilitated through digital resources to ensure broad access, and engagement. The effect of the intervention on student motivation was measured using surveys in a pre- and post-test design. In addition, semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data. Results indicated that substantial improvements in students' enjoyment, motivation, and ability to express themselves were achieved, suggesting that CW can bridge traditional teaching methods, and contemporary educational demands. The study highlights the potential of integrating CW into curricula, proposing that such innovative pedagogical strategies can revitalize student engagement and foster a more dynamic, and enjoyable learning environment. These findings advocate for broader application and further exploration of CW within educational settings to enhance student motivation, and their engagement with literacy.

The study is about students' motivation towards the element of outdoor life within the subject of sports and health. The aim is to analyze and create an understanding of some students' attitude and motivation for the outdoor life component in the subject of sports and health. For this, two well-formulated questions were used that could answer the purpose. The method that was selected for this was qualitative thematic method with semi structured interview. The theoretical starting point used to measure the motivation of the students who participated in the study was the self-determination theory. This theory was a very excellent choice as it helped me measure students' motivation. The results show that the students' motivation varies, there are students who have high motivation and then there are students who have low motivation. By using the psychological needs within self determination theory consisting of autonomy, competence and belonging, I was able to measure students' motivation as well as know why their motivation looked the way it did. / Studien handlar om elevers motivation gentemot delmomentet friluftsliv inom ämnet idrott och hälsa. Syftet vara att analysera och skapa en förståelse för några elevers inställning och motivation för delmomentet friluftsliv i ämnet idrott och hälsa. Till detta användes två välformulerade frågeställningar som kunde besvara syftet. Metoden som var utvald till denna föll för kvalitativ tematisk metod med semistrukturerad intervju. Den teoretiska utgångspunkten som användes för att mäta motivationen hos eleverna som deltog i studien var självbestämmandeteorin. Denna teori var ett mycket utmärkt val då det bidrog till att jag kunde mäta elevernas motivation. Resultatet visar att motivationen hos eleverna varierar, det finns elever som har hög motivation och så existerar det elever som har en låg motivation. Genom att använda sig av de psykologiska behoven inom självbestämmande teorin som består av autonomi, kompetens och tillhörighetkunde jag mäta elevernas motivation samt veta varför deras motivation såg ut som den gjorde

This research explores player motivations in first-person shooter competitive multiplayer games and proposes game mechanics illustrated in gameplay contexts that promote competence, relatedness, and autonomy. By adopting a self-deterministic lens for exploring player motivations and experiences, and how they are negatively affected by toxic play, the study aims to identify insights that could diminish the negative effects for standard players. Following a design-based research approach, the project employed player-centred methods to explore personal accounts of experience in the researched context. The end result is an annotated portfolio presenting game mechanics in gameplay contexts that allow players to understand who they are playing with and against, to bond with their teammates, and to get a second chance to rejoin the game. The annotated portfolio frames the knowledge contribution as insights into how the designs enhance perceived competence, relatedness, and autonomy.

This study uses the Self Determination Theory (SDT) to describe and analyse what motivates pilots whilst having limited control over working hours. Pilots work in a challenging environment with variable working hours and high operational demands. This affects the pilots autonomous, intrinsic, extrinsic and controlled motivation. The study uses a qualitative approach interviewing eight Swedish pilots working at different airlines. This study describes and analyses the sense of autonomy, sense of competence and sense of relatedness, and how autonomous motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and controlled motivation affects pilots´ motivation. This study finds that pilots value the sense of autonomy that comes from empowerment to take decisions within the strict framework of rules they operate in. The pilots feel a strong sense of competence from training programs and knowledge transfer colleagues, and relatedness to colleagues through a sense of being cared for, all these seems to promote autonomous and intrinsic motivation. Further, intrinsic motivation arises from a passion for flying and executing leadership. Extrinsic motivation arises from salary, and fear of punishment. The pilots lack of ability to control their working hours leads to controlled motivation and stress. The findings of this study could be used to improve pilot welfare and motivation. By understanding and addressing pilot motivation airlines can develop strategies to support its workforce more effectively.

Syfte och frågeställningar Syftet med denna studie var att få en djupare förståelse för hur äldre personer förhåller sig till styrketräning med särskilt fokus på deras motivationsfaktorer och vad som påverkar deras upplevelse av kompetens, autonomi och tillhörighet. Detta har studerats inom ramen för self determination theory (SDT) och utifrån följande frågeställningar: (1) Vad motiverar äldre till att styrketräna? (2) Av vilka anledningar började seniorerna med just styrketräning? (3) Vilka faktorer påverkar seniorernas upplevelse av kompetens, autonomi och tillhörighet vid styrketräning?   Metod Med ett kvalitativt tillvägagångssätt utfördes sex intervjuer med seniorer över 70 år som är aktiva inom styrketräning. På centret där samtliga deltagare tränar idag genomfördes halvstrukturerade intervjuer utifrån en utarbetad intervjuguide. Intervjuerna spelades in, transkriberades och analyserades med ett tolkande tillvägagångssätt. Genom ett induktivt synsätt framkom meningsbärande enheter och teman som sedan kategoriserades in efter likheter för att gradvis bygga en hierarki.   Resultat Resultaten visar att seniorerna motiveras till att styrketräna av att upprätthålla fysiken och undvika försämring samt hälsovinster. Alla tre behoven var av stor betydelse för motivationen. Kompetens och tillhörighet hade framträdande roller samtidigt som autonomi beskrevs som en självklarhet. En viktig del i behovstillfredsställelsen var det senior-anpassade centret, både personal, redskap och centrets klientel var källor till upplevd kompetens. Centret bidrog även till en hög känsla av tillhörighet då det sociala utbytet var en viktig del i motivationen för många. Att alla hade fysiska begränsningar genererade samhörighet och skapade en prestigelös miljö på centret.   Slutsats Framförallt var kompetens och tillhörighet viktiga komponenter för seniorernas motivation till styrketräning. För att tillfredsställa dessa behov var centrets utformning avgörande, vad gäller både instruktörer, utrustning samt klientelet som vistas där. Förhoppningsvis kan resultatet användas som underlag vid skapandet av arenor och mötesplatser som attraherar äldre.