Motivational and emotional determinants of health goal progress in inflammatory bowel disease: a longitudinal study

Background Self-management among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is influenced by motivational and emotional factors. Although research has increasingly highlighted psychological support, it has underexplored interactions among goal-related emotions, motivation types, and progress in health-related behavior. Methods A total of 123 adults diagnosed with IBD participated in a longitudinal study, completing questionnaires at baseline (T1) and at follow-ups after three months (T2) and six months (T3). Measures included self-concordance (autonomous and controlled motivation), positive and negative emotions, and goal progress. Longitudinal relations were assessed using a two-step latent-score approach and structural equation modeling. Results Autonomous motivation at T1 and T2 predicted more positive emotions at T2 and T3. Positive emotions at T2, in turn, predicted greater autonomous motivation at T3. Controlled motivation at T1 predicted more negative emotions at T2. Additionally, positive emotions at T1 predicted better goal progress at T2, which further increased positive emotions at T3. Conclusions The findings identified reciprocal, mutually reinforcing associations between autonomous motivation and positive emotions, as well as between positive emotions and perceived progress toward health-related goals. Supporting these self-reinforcing processes may strengthen the long-term self-regulation required for effective self-management in individuals living with IBD.