The working principles of the I-change Model and the Self Determination Model

Model Working principles

I-change

Awareness-factor Provide sufficient information about the overarching physical and mental health goals of the project

Motivation factors

Check the motivational factors of each individual and try to fulfil them with the activities.

Intention state Built up a stepping stone path to become a physical active individual

Barriers Mapping of barriers and ways to overcome them

Self determination

Professional

Relatedness Provide a positive, safe and caring climate with interest in the elderly people and youngsters

Competence Provide optimal challenges for both parties and give positive feedback

Autonomy Provide with sufficient options to find common ground between participants and provide ownership

Whereas the I-change model postulates the existence of distal psychological factors and has also outlined the importance of some of these factors, less attention is paid to the importance of values and psychological needs.10 On the other hand, the self determination theory (SDT) specifically addresses the importance of internal needs which are universal (competence, autonomy and relatedness). Satisfying these fundamental needs leads to the adoption of health-promoting behaviours, and improved physical and mental health. 11 The acknowledgement of these needs as key elements of motivation differentiates SDT from the other theories.

The I-Change model and Self determination theory show us the complexity of behavioural change. In the context of intergenerational activities many elements of the models may play a role. Until now, little research has been done into the applied models and working principles of intergenerational activities and programmes. Therefore, to create better insight into successful intergenerational programmes we need to have a good overview of knowledge from literature and practice. To that means we have conducted desk research and tried to find good practices supplying us with a set of working principles for intergenerational programmes. Intergenerational activity has been defined as “social engagements and interactions, bringing together younger and older generations for a common purpose”. The mapping study on the intergenerational dimension of sport (Ecorys, 2020) has already provided us with some useful material, but we have extended the search to participating countries in the GUM project.

10 Cheung KL, Eggers SM, de Vries H. Combining the Integrated-Change Model with SelfDetermination Theory: Application in Physical Activity. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 23;18(1):28. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18010028. PMID: 33374522; PMCID: PMC7793065. Available on: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7793065/

11 Ryan R.M., Patrick H., Deci E.L., Williams G.C. Facilitating health behaviour change and its maintenance: Interventions based on self-determination theory. Eur. Health Psychol. 2008;10:2–5.