Athlete Motivation Assessment

Athlete Motivation Assessment

Evaluate intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors to optimize athletic performance

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Self-Determination Index (SDI)
Understanding your motivation autonomy score

What is the SDI?

The Self-Determination Index (SDI) is a composite score that measures the relative autonomy of your motivation. It was developed by Deci and Ryan based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and is widely used in sport psychology research.

The SDI weights different types of motivation according to their position on the self-determination continuum:

SDI = (2 x Intrinsic) + Identified + Integrated - Introjected - (2 x External) - (2 x Amotivation)

The Self-Determination Continuum

Motivation exists on a spectrum from fully autonomous to fully controlled:

+ High
Autonomous
Intrinsic
→
0
Neutral
Balanced
→
- Low
Controlled
External

Interpreting Your SDI Score

SDI > 10: Highly autonomous motivation. You are driven primarily by internal satisfaction, personal growth, and identity alignment. Associated with better well-being, lower burnout, and sustained engagement.

SDI 0 to 10: Moderately autonomous. A healthy mix of internal and external drivers. Monitor that external pressures do not increase over time.

SDI -10 to 0: Moderately controlled. External rewards and pressures play a significant role. Risk of burnout if intrinsic motivation is not nurtured.

SDI < -10: Highly controlled motivation. Strong reliance on external validation and/or presence of amotivation. Immediate intervention recommended to prevent dropout or burnout.

Weighting Rationale

Each motivation type is weighted to reflect its position on the autonomy continuum:

  • Intrinsic (x2): Fully autonomous — highest positive weight
  • Identified (x1): Autonomous — personally valued but still extrinsic
  • Integrated (x1): Autonomous — fully aligned with self-concept
  • Introjected (-x1): Controlled — internal pressure, guilt, shame
  • External (-x2): Controlled — rewards, recognition, expectations
  • Amotivation (-x2): Non-self-determined — lack of purpose

Research Context

The SDI is validated across multiple sports and cultures. Studies (Pelletier et al., 1995; Mallett & Kawabata, 2020) show that athletes with higher SDI scores report:

  • Lower rates of burnout and dropout
  • Higher subjective well-being
  • Greater persistence through setbacks
  • Better coach-athlete relationships
  • More adaptive coping strategies
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