Abstract
The relationships between autonomous (self-determined and willing actions) and controlled (acting
from internal or external pressures) motivations and well-being (ikigai ) among older adults using day
service centers in Japan were investigated. Data from 233 older adults ( Mage = 82.13, SD = 7.30) were
analyzed. An exploratory factor analysis of their responses to the Motivation for Day Service Center Scale
identified five factors : (1) “interpersonal relationships and intrinsic interest”; (2) “improvement of physical function and daily living”; (3) “compensation for inactivity”; (4) “coping with anxiety or isolation”;
and (5) “recommendations from others”. The first four factors were considered autonomous motivations
and the last a controlled motivation. Correlation analysis demonstrated that “interpersonal relationships
and intrinsic interest” and “improvement of physical function and daily living” were significantly correlated with well-being (ikigai ), whereas “compensation for inactivity”, “coping with anxiety or isolation”,
and “recommendations from others” were not significantly correlated with well-being. These results suggest that to improve user well-being, staff need to carefully observe and accurately assess the type of motivation of users by utilizing the findings in this study when they provide occupational therapy or recreation activities at a center.
