Self-determination

What if completing a task did not depend solely on you? What if your personality was governed by fundamental psychological needs and that meeting these needs could lead you to personal fulfillment? To be self-determined is to be able to respond to a sense of freedom, interest, appreciation and acceptance at the same time. Being self-determined is therefore fundamental to our well-being.

The AI revolution !

We use Artificial Intelligence both through a coach named Camille and through virtual characters within the scenes. Camille provides support and acts as a trusted companion to whom you can share your concerns without fear of judgment. On the other hand, the virtual characters faithfully replicate real-life social behaviors. You will be able to interact with them in various everyday contexts, such as a party, a date, a job interview, or a spontaneous conversation on the street. Learn more

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1. WHAT IS SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY ?

Self-determination theory comes from motivational psychology which was developed by Deci and Ryan, two psychology professors, in the 2000s. Self-determination is a theory about human motivation to perform a task. It is particularly used to understand the motivation of people in companies, schools, or activities. In other words, it is self-determination that will govern most of our lives.

2. WHAT ARE THESE MOTIVATIONS ?

These human motivations stem from three psychological needs fundamental to human beings: the need for autonomy, the need for competence and the need for social relationships.

Need for autonomy

The need for autonomy is the fact of being able to be master and to be at the origin of its actions. It is to be able to live, fully and consciously, in a chosen way, its experience. To truly be what we want them to be, our actions must be able to respond to our values. However, they take into consideration the environment and our surroundings. Being autonomous also means being able to assume the decisions that have been made. 

Autonomy allows you to have control over your life, and not let others run your life.

Need for competence

The need for competence is to be able to be efficient, and to continuously increase the level of difficulty of the tasks one has to perform. It emphasizes the fundamental efforts to meet a challenge or task. We are constantly looking to implement our knowledge, but also to go beyond it to meet higher capacities. The need for competence is therefore either to decrease the difficulty of the task or to increase personal skills. 

Fear of failure can sometimes go beyond our need for competence, and create avoidance behavior.

Need for human relations

The need for social relations is inherent to man. By nature, human beings have need to belong to a group to survive. Being well in a group, with sincere and warm relationships reduces the risks of depression, anxiety, increasing life expectancy and well-being.  We connect with others in a search for wellness and to find ourselves through the other. Feeling a warmth and a common interest reassures man and gives him the tools to continue building himself. 

Belonging to a group is not just being part of a circle, it’s knowing that the other cares about us, and loves us. These relationships must be natural, filled with compassion, acceptance and mutual appreciation.

3. WHAT ARE OUR NEEDS ?

The more these needs are met, the greater the motivation to perform the task. Conversely, the less these needs are met, the less the person invests in the tasks they have to perform. 

This lower motivation will lead to less commitment on the part of the person, and therefore to poorer performance and learning. Therefore, low task motivation hasphysical, behavioral and psychological consequences.

4. WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE NEEDS ?

These three basic needs have their own characteristics, which define each human being. These needs are inborn, that is, they exist in us from birth. They were not taught to us. Moreover, they are universal, regardless of our culture, upbringing or even age, since they remain throughout our lives. 

These needs are the basis of our personality and of our evolution in our lives. They promote our well-being and conversely, if they are not satisfied, increase our malaise. They are therefore essential to the development of the person.

5. WHAT IS THE HIERARCHY OF MOTIVATIONS ?

There is a hierarchy of motivations like a hierarchy of needs. That is to say that when a motivation is satisfied, another one will, little by little, take its place according to the human hierarchy. It follows an order that goes from no motivation to perform the task to a motivation according to our values and internal motivations. This order goes from amotivation to intrinsic motivation.

6. WHAT HIERARCHY OF MOTIVATIONS ?

Motivations follow a well-defined hierarchy, from no motivation to perform the task, to extrinsic motivation, to intrinsic motivation.
Being able to respond to the hierarchy of motivations, allows for better engagement of the person, and therefore better learning. 

Indeed, if a child understands the reason for having an operation, and that it represents something in his life, he will remember it much more easily.

Amotivation

Amotivation is when there is no motivation to respond to the task or challenge. The person feels no interest, no sense of ability to act to do this action. We feel like we are subjected to elements that are beyond our control.

In this first stage, there is a lack of commitment, little or no energy, and no regulation of emotions in the face of the requested action.

Extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation comes from external components, whether in sanctions (e.g., I do my homework or I will be deprived of television), or in rewards ( e.g., the salary at the end of the month when one is employed). These extrinsic motivations can be introjected or identified.

- Introjected motivation

This motivation comes from values and personal success. It joins the self-image. We don’t want to disappoint others, we are ashamed of what we can offer to others, we can feel guilty etc. We will expect others to value our actions (e.g., bonuses, referrals, positive feedback etc.).

- Identified motivation

The actions are in line with the person’s values, and they have meaning for him/her. It identifies with the action it is doing and makes its activity one of its main values.  Here the person expects constructive feedback from their superiors..

Intrinsic motivation

It is governed solely by the pleasure and personal interest that the action provides. We want to do this action for no other reason than we love doing it. No external rewards are expected.

7. CAN WE CHANGE OUR MOTIVATIONS ?

It is possible to change our motivations. On the other hand, it is more difficult to move from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation. Indeed, if someone offers to pay you for the same work, you will be much less likely to accept to do it for free, even if your motivations could be intrinsic. Interests and values are hard to change. On the other hand, you can be self-motivated and have a high degree of self-determination, even if you are paid.

So it’s important to remember that in order to motivate our peers, our colleagues, our children … all three needs (autonomy, competence, human relationships) must be satisfied. Each individual action forms the organization. Therefore, always pay attention to what you pass on to others in respect of these values and needs.

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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