Nurturing Student Autonomy: the role of Self-determination theory in Academic coaching

Proceeding
DOI: 10.31483/r-127431
Open Access
Published in:
All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference «Coaching psychology: methodology, theory, practice»
Author:
Evgeniia V. Lubennikova 1
Work direction:
Отраслевой коучинг: коучинг в медицине, бизнесе, спорте, образовании, адвокатуре и юридической практике и др. (evidence-based подход)
Pages:
306-310
Received: 28 March 2025

Rating:
Article accesses:
194
Published in:
Информрегистр
1 net
For citation:
Lubennikova E. V. (2025). Nurturing Student Autonomy: the role of Self-determination theory in Academic coaching. Coaching psychology: methodology, theory, practice, 306-310. Чебоксары: PH "Sreda". https://doi.org/10.31483/r-127431

Abstract

The article explores the pivotal role of Self-Determination Theory in fostering student autonomy and well-being with the help of academic coaching. As educational paradigms shift towards learner-centered approaches, the development of interventions that promote intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning becomes increasingly critical. This study investigates how the core tenets of SDT – autonomy, competence, and relatedness – can be effectively integrated into academic coaching practices to enhance student engagement and academic performance. The article highlights successful coaching strategies, practical insights and psychometric scales that can enhance self-awareness and empower students to take ownership of their learning.

References

  1. 1. Bandura A. Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency // American psychologist. 1982. Т. 37. №2. – P. 122.
  2. 2. Deiorio N.M. [et al.]. Coaching models, theories, and structures: An overview for teaching faculty in the emergency department and educators in the offices // AEM education and training. 2022. Т. 6. №5. – P. e10801. https://doi.org/10.1002/aet2.10801. EDN: CTURSH
  3. 3. Dweck C.S., Yeager D.S. A growth mindset about intelligence // Handbook of wise interventions: How social psychology can help people change. 2020. Pp. 9–35.
  4. 4. Chan K.K.S. [et al.]. The impact of compassion from others and self-compassion on psychological distress, flourishing, and meaning in life among university students // Mindfulness. 2022. Т. 13. №6. Pp. 1490–1498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01891-x. EDN: AKMTGM
  5. 5. Cheung C.S. [et al.]. Controlling and autonomy-supportive parenting in the United States and china: Beyond children's reports // Child development. 2016. Т. 87. – №6. Pp. 1992–2007.
  6. 6. Ferrari M., Yap K., Scott N., Einstein D.A., Ciarrochi J. (2018). Self-compassion moderates the perfectionism and depression link in both adolescence and adulthood. PloS one, 13 (2), e0192022.
  7. 7. Gordeevaa T.O., Nechaevaa D.M., Sychevc O.A. Parental Control and Autonomy Support during Childhood as Predictors of Students. Academic Motivation and Success. 2024.
  8. 8. Gong X., Wang C. Interactive effects of parental psychological control and autonomy support on emerging adults’ emotion regulation and self-esteem // Current Psychology. 2023. Т. 42. №19. – Pp. 16111–16120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01483-3. EDN: OBEAFQ
  9. 9. González-Arias M. [et al.]. Academic performance, self-reported motivation, and affect in higher education: the role of basic psychological need satisfaction // Frontiers in Psychology. 2025. Т. 16. Pp. 1519454.
  10. 10. Grolnick W.S. The psychology of parental control: How well-meant parenting backfires. Psychology Press, 2002.
  11. 11. Howlett M.A. [et al.]. Investigating the effects of academic coaching on college students’ metacognition // Innovative Higher Education. 2021. Т. 46. Pp. 189–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-020-09533-7. EDN: IJWONR
  12. 12. Inguglia C. [et al.]. Autonomy and relatedness in adolescence and emerging adulthood: Relationships with parental support and psychological distress // Journal of Adult Development. 2015. Т. 22. №1. Pp. 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-014-9196-8. EDN: BNHDKK
  13. 13. Jang H., Kim E.J., Reeve J. Why students become more engaged or more disengaged during the semester: A self-determination theory dual-process model // Learning and instruction. 2016. Т. 43. Pp. 27–38.
  14. 14. Macakova V., Wood C. The relationship between academic achievement, self-efficacy, implicit theories and basic psychological needs satisfaction among university students // Studies in Higher Education. 2022. Т. 47. №2. Pp. 259–269. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2020.1739017. EDN: BYXVQI
  15. 15. Mageau G.A. [et al.]. Validation of the perceived parental autonomy support scale (P-PASS) // Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement. 2015. Т. 47. №3. P. 251.
  16. 16. McClellan J.A., Conti G.J. Identifying the multiple intelligences of your students //Journal of Adult Education. 2008. Т. 37. №1. Pp. 13–32.
  17. 17. McGrath R.E., Wallace N. Cross-validation of the VIA inventory of strengths-revised and its short forms //Journal of personality assessment. 2021. Т. 103. №1. Pp. 120–131.
  18. 18. Neff K. Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself // Self and identity. 2003. Т. 2. №2. Pp. 85–101.
  19. 19. Peterson C. Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Oxford University Press, 2004. Т. 3.
  20. 20. Reeve J. A self-determination theory perspective on student engagement // Handbook of research on student engagement. Boston, MA: Springer US, 2012. Pp. 149–172.
  21. 21. Ryan R.M., Deci E.L. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation from a self-determination theory perspective: Definitions, theory, practices, and future directions // Contemporary educational psychology. 2020. Т. 61. P. 101860.
  22. 22. Ryan R.M. [et al.]. Motivation and autonomy in counseling, psychotherapy, and behavior change: A look at theory and practice 1ψ7 //The Counseling Psychologist. 2011. Т. 39. №2. Pp. 193–260.
  23. 23. Ryan R.M., Deci E.L. Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being // American psychologist. – 2000. Т. 55. №1. P. 68. EDN: GSHHWJ
  24. 24. Schutte N.S., Malouff J.M. The impact of signature character strengths interventions: A meta-analysis // Journal of happiness studies. 2019. Т. 20. Pp. 1179–1196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-9990-2. EDN: TWLSQD
  25. 25. Schiffrin H.H. [et al.]. Helping or hovering? The effects of helicopter parenting on college students’ well-being //Journal of child and family studies. 2014. Т. 23. №3. Pp. 548–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-013-9716-3. EDN: GPSLZV
  26. 26. Spence G., Oades L. Coaching with self-determination theory in mind: Using theory to advance evidence-based coaching practice. 2011.
  27. 27. Van Nieuwerburgh C. Coaching in education: An overview // Coaching in education. 2018. Pp. 3–23.
  28. 28. Vansteenkiste M. [et al.]. Does extrinsic goal framing enhance extrinsic goal-oriented individuals' learning and performance? An experimental test of the match perspective versus self-determination theory // Journal of Educational Psychology. – 2008. Т. 100. №2. P. 387.
  29. 29. Vansteenkiste M. [et al.] Motivating learning, performance, and persistence: the synergistic effects of intrinsic goal contents and autonomy-supportive contexts // Journal of personality and social psychology. 2004. Т. 87. №2. P. 246.
  30. 30. Vansteenkiste M., Ryan R.M. On psychological growth and vulnerability: basic psychological need satisfaction and need frustration as a unifying principle // Journal of psychotherapy integration. 2013. Т. 23. №3. P. 263.
  31. 31. Worsley J.D., Pennington A., Corcoran R. Supporting mental health and wellbeing of university and college students: A systematic review of review-level evidence of interventions // PLoS one. 2022. Т. 17. №7. P. e0266725. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266725. EDN: OOBYGW
  32. 32. Basic Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/basic-psychological-need-satisfaction-and-frustration-scale/ (date of request: 28.03.2025).
  33. 33. Multiple Intelligences Test [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://psytests.org/typo/tmig.html (date of request: 28.03.2025).
  34. 34. VIA character strengths test [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://www.viacharacter.org/ (date of request: 28.03.2025).
  35. 35. SDT aspirations index [Electronic resource]. – Access mode: https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/aspirations-index/ (date of request: 28.03.2025).

Comments(0)

When adding a comment stipulate:
  • the relevance of the published material;
  • general estimation (originality and relevance of the topic, completeness, depth, comprehensiveness of topic disclosure, consistency, coherence, evidence, structural ordering, nature and the accuracy of the examples, illustrative material, the credibility of the conclusions;
  • disadvantages, shortcomings;
  • questions and wishes to author.