Increasing Motivation During Periods of Increased Isolation

Megan Lipsett, MA, Ph.D. student

Training Description

Motivational states, which represent a behavioral response to coordinate biological systems to attain goals, interact significantly with social connection. Social connection helps people regulate emotions, cope with stress and remain resilient during difficult times. Severing this social support as part of the necessary response to the COVID-19 pandemic can threaten an individual's sense of connectedness, which may take a considerable toll on mental health and motivation. This is due in part to our pervasive drive to form and maintain lasting, positive, and significant interpersonal relationships and because belongingness is a fundamental motivation, there is a need to identify novel forms of social connection and alternative (autonomous) practices to eliciting goal-oriented behavior. We will explore applicable social psychological theories and look at the key role of cognitive appraisal in implementing controllability awareness, reappraising stress, and managing overwhelm. Together, we will explore the role of self-identity and intrinsic motivation in successful goal pursuit and quality of life. Given the depleting nature of chronic stress, we will explore strategies for ‘stress-related-growth’ and developing reliable routines. Through engaging in discussion, reflection, and embodied practices, we will explore findings from social science research to consider how wise use of online technology, physical activity and play, reading, mindfulness and self-compassion practices, cognitive reappraisal and meaning-making, values affirmations, needs identification, and tailored support groups can enhance well-being and engage motivation during increased isolation.

Learning Objectives

• Identify best practices for utilizing online technology to enhance sociability and motivation.
• Review theories of social connection and motivation.
• Describe the mechanisms driving motivation and goal-attainment outcomes.
• Identify 3 core psychological needs and how they serve as a source of resilience against pandemic-related adversity.
• Illustrate the role of self-identity and intrinsic motivation in goal-pursuit and well-being.
• Explore the key components of motivational interviewing and behavioral activation.
• Understand the relationship between stress, chronic anxiety, and motivation.

Agenda

9:00-9:30am Introductions and overview of theories and definitions of motivation and social connection

9:30-10:10am Self-identity, values-based choice, and stress-resilience for enhancing motivation

10:10-10:30am  Activity: Using the ‘How versus Why’ paradigm to clarify values, increase motivation, and make a ‘quaroutine’

10:30-10:45am BREAK (CEUs will not be issued for this time)

10:45-11:30am Motivational interviewing, behavioral activation, and empirically-based practices to improve motivation

11:30-12:00pm Activity: Controllability awareness, meaning-making, and prosocial motivations

This course meets the qualifications for (2.75) BBS CEUs for LCSWs and MFTs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.