The Mediational Role of Autonomous and Controlled Motivation in the Relationship Between Perceptions of God, Self-Esteem, and Religious Practices

There is a paucity of studies that examined the relationship between conception of god and psychological outcomes in a self-determination theory framework. The aim of this study was to examine the role of autonomous motivation and controlled motivation as a mediator of the association between perceptions of god, self-esteem, and religious practices. In a sample of 349 adults (M = 22.50, SD = 3.36), instruments were administrated to assess perceptions of god, the motivation of the subject to perform religious practices, and selfesteem. Moreover, participants were asked how many hours and then how many times per week they practiced religious activities. The results of this study showed that controlling god was related to controlling motivation. Furthermore, supportive god was related to controlling motivation and to autonomous motivation. In addition, controlling motivation was related to autonomous motivation and self-esteem. Finally, autonomous motivation was related to religious practices. Implications of the findings are discussed.