Self-determination involves consciously making decisions about one’s life and lifestyle by choosing from several available options. It involves recognizing one’s desires and strengths, selecting appropriate options, making decisions, and advocating for one’s needs while receiving support. This process is highly individualized and influenced by one’s background and experiences.

In medical care, patients are informed about the treatment they will receive, and self-determination involves choosing the best course of action based on understanding and consent. It also refers to self-management practices aimed at maintaining and improving one’s health. The emphasis on self-determination in medical care stems from ethical principles that prioritize respecting patients’ rights, freedom, and autonomy, moving away from traditional paternalistic models of healthcare where decisions are made solely by doctors.

Nursing staff play a crucial role in supporting self-determination by respecting the person’s autonomy, providing comprehensive information, ensuring understanding through effective communication, and creating an environment conducive to expressing one’s preferences and intentions.

• Deci, E. L. (1985). Psychology of self-determination: On the key concepts of intrinsic motivation (Ishida, U., Trans.). Seishin Shobo.
• Japan Nursing Association. (n.d.). Code of ethics for nurses.
  Retrieved from http://www.nurse.or.jp/nursing/practice/rinri/rinri.html
• Japanese Society of Health and Medical Behavioral Sciences (Ed.). (1996). Annual report of the Japanese Society of Health and Medical Behavioral Sciences: Behavioral science of self-determination. Medical Friend Publishing.
• Takahashi, T., & Yahata, H. (Eds.). (2008). The future of self-determination theory: From the field of philosophy, law, and medicine. Kyushu University Press.