William S Ryan
Biographic Data
| ID | 2140592 |
|---|---|
| NAME | William S Ryan |
| GIVEN NAMES | William S |
| FAMILY NAME | Ryan |
| SIGNATURE | RYAN W S |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Toronto |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-0158-3810 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 15 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 42 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 15 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2012 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Does Why You Want Partnership Shape What You Want? A Self-Determination Perspective on Singles’ Relationship Goals
Self-determination theory provides a useful framework for understanding why singles may or may not desire partnership. In a longitudinal study of single adults ( N = 4,019), we assessed motivations for relational pursuit and coded ∼12,000 qualitative reports of relationship goals into 41 thematic categories. Six months later ( N = 3,176), participants reported their progress on these goals. Intrinsic and identified motivation were associated with…
Why Do You Want a Romantic Relationship? Individual Differences in Motives for Romantic Relationship Pursuit
Relationship science currently lacks a theoretical approach to capture the variety of motivations potentially underlying the pursuit of romantic relationships. We introduce the Autonomous Motivation for Romantic Pursuit Scale (AMRPS) which conceptualizes and measures motivations ranging in levels of autonomy (from a motivation to intrinsic motivation), based on self-determination theory (SDT). In Study 1 ( N = 1,280), we show how the motivations …
Inclusion and protection in tension
This article addresses the complex issue of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection in workplaces, highlighting the intricate balance between fostering inclusion and mitigating potential harm and exclusion. This tension manifests uniquely across diverse cultural, legal, and organizational settings. We review existing literature, offer practical guidance for decision‐makers, and outline future research avenues. While SOGI dat…
The opportunities and limits of open science for LGBTIQ+ research
The open science (OS) movement has the potential to fundamentally shape how researchers conduct research and distribute findings. However, the implications for research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ+) experiences present unique considerations. In this paper, included in the special issue on Reimagining LGBTIQ+ Research , we explore how the OS movement broadens access to and comprehension of LGBTIQ+ expe…
We know this much is (meta-analytically) true
Self-expression can be authentic or inauthentic, with differential outcomes for well-being
Being oneself in interpersonal relationships has many benefits, but research has yet to distinguish between (intrapersonal) feelings of authenticity and (interpersonal) authentic behaviors. Four studies developed and tested a scale designed to measure two types of self-expression: authentic and inauthentic. Findings consistently validated a two-factor structure: there were two distinct forms of expressing oneself, authentic and inauthentic. Findi…
Common Academic Experiences No One Talks About
Academic life is full of learning, excitement, and discovery. However, academics also experience professional challenges at various points in their career, including repeated rejection, impostor syndrome, and burnout. These negative experiences are rarely talked about publicly, creating a sense of loneliness and isolation for people who presume they are the only ones affected by such setbacks. However, nearly everyone has these experiences at one…
The Nature and the Conditions of Human Autonomy and Flourishing
Human beings have fundamental psychological propensities toward growth, integrity, and wellness. Yet, historically, many approaches to motivation have ignored these inner propensities, focusing instead on how external contingencies shape expectancies and behaviors. This chapter reviews recent work in self-determination theory , an organismic approach in which people’s intrinsic, growth-oriented propensities are a central focus. Self-determination…
Toward a Social Psychology of Authenticity
Authenticity entails autonomy, congruence, and genuineness. In this article, we use a self-determination theory framework to discuss a critical aspect of social environments that facilitates these aspects of authenticity, namely the experience of autonomy support. Although authenticity is often studied as a trait or individual difference, we review research demonstrating that authenticity varies within individuals and predicts variations in well-…
Autonomous orientation predicts longevity
OBJECTIVE: Work on longevity has found protective social, cognitive, and emotional factors, but to date we have little understanding of the impact of motivational dynamics. Autonomy orientation, or stable patterns of self-regulation, is theorized to be a protective factor for long-term mental and physical health (Ryan & Deci, 2017), and it is therefore a prime candidate for examining how stable psychosocial factors are linked to longevity, or lif…
Parental autonomy support predicts lower internalized homophobia and better psychological health indirectly through lower shame in lesbian, gay and bisexual adults
Previous studies have identified myriad negative consequences of internalized homophobia, or self-directed antigay prejudice, but few can speak to its developmental antecedents. This work explored whether parenting styles might affect the development of internalized homophobia and negative psycholog
Autonomy Support Fosters Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Disclosure and Wellness, Especially for Those with Internalized Homophobia
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience disparities in psychological well‐being, including greater symptoms of depression and anxiety, relative to their heterosexual peers. One group of LGB individuals is particularly vulnerable—those with high levels of internalized homophobia, or sexual prejudice directed toward the self. The current research explored whether a supportive social environment might be especially beneficial for thi…
Applying Intergroup Relations Research to Understanding LGB Health Disparities
This article describes how intergroup processes and stigma contribute to pervasive health disparities that exist between LGB and heterosexual individuals. In particular, we focus on how the hierarchical organization of groups and the intergroup dynamics that arise from this structure operate at structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels to impact psychological and physiological processes that negatively influence health among LGB individ…
Coming Out as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual
Though previous research indicates that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals may benefit from disclosing their sexual identity, or coming out, doing so also carries with it significant risks due to its stigmatized status. LGB individuals (N = 108) were surveyed regarding their initial experiences coming out, including the first person to whom they disclosed, their mother, father, and best friend. Results indicated that negative reactions …
Parental autonomy support and discrepancies between implicit and explicit sexual identities
When individuals grow up with autonomy-thwarting parents, they may be prevented from exploring internally endorsed values and identities and as a result shut out aspects of the self perceived to be unacceptable. Given the stigmatization of homosexuality, individuals perceiving low autonomy support from parents may be especially motivated to conceal same-sex sexual attraction, leading to defensive processes such as reaction formation. Four studies…
Autonomy Support Fosters Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Disclosure and Wellness, Especially for Those with Internalized Homophobia
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience disparities in psychological well‐being, including greater symptoms of depression and anxiety, relative to their heterosexual peers. One group of LGB individuals is particularly vulnerable—those with high levels of internalized homophobia, or sexual prejudice directed toward the self. The current research explored whether a supportive social environment might be especially beneficial for thi…
Applying Intergroup Relations Research to Understanding LGB Health Disparities
This article describes how intergroup processes and stigma contribute to pervasive health disparities that exist between LGB and heterosexual individuals. In particular, we focus on how the hierarchical organization of groups and the intergroup dynamics that arise from this structure operate at structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels to impact psychological and physiological processes that negatively influence health among LGB individ…
The opportunities and limits of open science for LGBTIQ+ research
The open science (OS) movement has the potential to fundamentally shape how researchers conduct research and distribute findings. However, the implications for research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ+) experiences present unique considerations. In this paper, included in the special issue on Reimagining LGBTIQ+ Research , we explore how the OS movement broadens access to and comprehension of LGBTIQ+ expe…
Inclusion and protection in tension
This article addresses the complex issue of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection in workplaces, highlighting the intricate balance between fostering inclusion and mitigating potential harm and exclusion. This tension manifests uniquely across diverse cultural, legal, and organizational settings. We review existing literature, offer practical guidance for decision‐makers, and outline future research avenues. While SOGI dat…
Parental autonomy support and discrepancies between implicit and explicit sexual identities
When individuals grow up with autonomy-thwarting parents, they may be prevented from exploring internally endorsed values and identities and as a result shut out aspects of the self perceived to be unacceptable. Given the stigmatization of homosexuality, individuals perceiving low autonomy support from parents may be especially motivated to conceal same-sex sexual attraction, leading to defensive processes such as reaction formation. Four studies…
Self-expression can be authentic or inauthentic, with differential outcomes for well-being
Being oneself in interpersonal relationships has many benefits, but research has yet to distinguish between (intrapersonal) feelings of authenticity and (interpersonal) authentic behaviors. Four studies developed and tested a scale designed to measure two types of self-expression: authentic and inauthentic. Findings consistently validated a two-factor structure: there were two distinct forms of expressing oneself, authentic and inauthentic. Findi…
Parental autonomy support and discrepancies between implicit and explicit sexual identities
When individuals grow up with autonomy-thwarting parents, they may be prevented from exploring internally endorsed values and identities and as a result shut out aspects of the self perceived to be unacceptable. Given the stigmatization of homosexuality, individuals perceiving low autonomy support from parents may be especially motivated to conceal same-sex sexual attraction, leading to defensive processes such as reaction formation. Four studies…
Coming Out as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual
Though previous research indicates that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals may benefit from disclosing their sexual identity, or coming out, doing so also carries with it significant risks due to its stigmatized status. LGB individuals (N = 108) were surveyed regarding their initial experiences coming out, including the first person to whom they disclosed, their mother, father, and best friend. Results indicated that negative reactions …
Autonomy Support Fosters Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Disclosure and Wellness, Especially for Those with Internalized Homophobia
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience disparities in psychological well‐being, including greater symptoms of depression and anxiety, relative to their heterosexual peers. One group of LGB individuals is particularly vulnerable—those with high levels of internalized homophobia, or sexual prejudice directed toward the self. The current research explored whether a supportive social environment might be especially beneficial for thi…
Applying Intergroup Relations Research to Understanding LGB Health Disparities
This article describes how intergroup processes and stigma contribute to pervasive health disparities that exist between LGB and heterosexual individuals. In particular, we focus on how the hierarchical organization of groups and the intergroup dynamics that arise from this structure operate at structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels to impact psychological and physiological processes that negatively influence health among LGB individ…
Parental autonomy support predicts lower internalized homophobia and better psychological health indirectly through lower shame in lesbian, gay and bisexual adults
Previous studies have identified myriad negative consequences of internalized homophobia, or self-directed antigay prejudice, but few can speak to its developmental antecedents. This work explored whether parenting styles might affect the development of internalized homophobia and negative psycholog
The Nature and the Conditions of Human Autonomy and Flourishing
Human beings have fundamental psychological propensities toward growth, integrity, and wellness. Yet, historically, many approaches to motivation have ignored these inner propensities, focusing instead on how external contingencies shape expectancies and behaviors. This chapter reviews recent work in self-determination theory , an organismic approach in which people’s intrinsic, growth-oriented propensities are a central focus. Self-determination…
Toward a Social Psychology of Authenticity
Authenticity entails autonomy, congruence, and genuineness. In this article, we use a self-determination theory framework to discuss a critical aspect of social environments that facilitates these aspects of authenticity, namely the experience of autonomy support. Although authenticity is often studied as a trait or individual difference, we review research demonstrating that authenticity varies within individuals and predicts variations in well-…
Autonomous orientation predicts longevity
OBJECTIVE: Work on longevity has found protective social, cognitive, and emotional factors, but to date we have little understanding of the impact of motivational dynamics. Autonomy orientation, or stable patterns of self-regulation, is theorized to be a protective factor for long-term mental and physical health (Ryan & Deci, 2017), and it is therefore a prime candidate for examining how stable psychosocial factors are linked to longevity, or lif…
Common Academic Experiences No One Talks About
Academic life is full of learning, excitement, and discovery. However, academics also experience professional challenges at various points in their career, including repeated rejection, impostor syndrome, and burnout. These negative experiences are rarely talked about publicly, creating a sense of loneliness and isolation for people who presume they are the only ones affected by such setbacks. However, nearly everyone has these experiences at one…
We know this much is (meta-analytically) true
Self-expression can be authentic or inauthentic, with differential outcomes for well-being
Being oneself in interpersonal relationships has many benefits, but research has yet to distinguish between (intrapersonal) feelings of authenticity and (interpersonal) authentic behaviors. Four studies developed and tested a scale designed to measure two types of self-expression: authentic and inauthentic. Findings consistently validated a two-factor structure: there were two distinct forms of expressing oneself, authentic and inauthentic. Findi…
Inclusion and protection in tension
This article addresses the complex issue of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection in workplaces, highlighting the intricate balance between fostering inclusion and mitigating potential harm and exclusion. This tension manifests uniquely across diverse cultural, legal, and organizational settings. We review existing literature, offer practical guidance for decision‐makers, and outline future research avenues. While SOGI dat…
The opportunities and limits of open science for LGBTIQ+ research
The open science (OS) movement has the potential to fundamentally shape how researchers conduct research and distribute findings. However, the implications for research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ+) experiences present unique considerations. In this paper, included in the special issue on Reimagining LGBTIQ+ Research , we explore how the OS movement broadens access to and comprehension of LGBTIQ+ expe…
Does Why You Want Partnership Shape What You Want? A Self-Determination Perspective on Singles’ Relationship Goals
Self-determination theory provides a useful framework for understanding why singles may or may not desire partnership. In a longitudinal study of single adults ( N = 4,019), we assessed motivations for relational pursuit and coded ∼12,000 qualitative reports of relationship goals into 41 thematic categories. Six months later ( N = 3,176), participants reported their progress on these goals. Intrinsic and identified motivation were associated with…
Why Do You Want a Romantic Relationship? Individual Differences in Motives for Romantic Relationship Pursuit
Relationship science currently lacks a theoretical approach to capture the variety of motivations potentially underlying the pursuit of romantic relationships. We introduce the Autonomous Motivation for Romantic Pursuit Scale (AMRPS) which conceptualizes and measures motivations ranging in levels of autonomy (from a motivation to intrinsic motivation), based on self-determination theory (SDT). In Study 1 ( N = 1,280), we show how the motivations …
Psychology (14 works) · Social Psychology (11 works) · Autonomy (8 works) · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy (7 works) · Behavioral Health and Interventions (6 works) · Developmental psychology (6 works) · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports (6 works) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics (5 works) · Sexual orientation (5 works) · Social Psychology (5 works)