My research interests, broadly defined, include Health (e.g., body image, weight loss, obesity prevention) and Relationships. My research is driven primarily by self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan) and its application to health behavior change and maintenance - and the role of important others in supporting these health endeavors. After spending 3 years working with Drs. Geoffrey C. Williams, Edward L. Deci, and Richard M. Ryan at the University of Rochester, I have recently accepted a position as a Health Scientist/Program Director at the US National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Behavioral Research Program, Health Promotion Research Branch. In my new positon I hope to further the science of health behavior change and its maintenance by bridging basic social psychological science with health promotion science.

Primary Interests:

Applied Social Psychology
Close Relationships
Health Psychology
Motivation, Goal Setting
Personality, Individual Differences
Research Methods, Assessment
Self and Identity

Applied Social Psychology
Close Relationships
Health Psychology
Motivation, Goal Setting

Personality, Individual Differences
Research Methods, Assessment
Self and Identity

Research Group or Laboratory:

Self-Determination Theory Research Group [Map]

Journal Articles:

Knee, C. R., Lonsbary, C., Canevello, A., & Patrick, H. (2005). Self-determination and conflict in romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 89, 997-1009.
Knee, C. R., Patrick, H., Vietor, N. A., Nanayakkara, A. (2002). Self-determination as growth motivation in romantic relationships. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28, 609-619.
La Guardia, J. G., & Patrick, H. (2008). Self-determination theory as a fundamental theory of close relationships. Canadian Psychology, 49, 201-209.
Patrick, H., Hughes, S. O., Morales, M., & Nicklas, T. A. (2005). The benefits of authoritative feeding style: Caregiver feeding styles and children’s food consumption patterns. Appetite, 44, 243-249.
Patrick, H., Knee, C. R., Canevello, A., & Lonsbary, C. (2007). The role of need fulfillment in relationship functioning and well-being: A self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92, 434-457.
Patrick, H., Neighbors, C. T., & Knee, C. R. (2004). Social comparison and body image: The role of contingent self-esteem and self-perceptions of attractiveness. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30(4), 501-514.
Patrick, H., & Williams, G. C. (2009). Self-determination in medical education: Encouraging medical educators to be more like blues artists and poets. Theory and Research in Education, 7, 184-193.
Ryan, R. M., Patrick, H., Deci, E. L., & Williams, G. C. (2008). Facilitating health behaviour change and its maintenance: Interventions based on self-determination theory. The European Health Psychologist, 10, 2-5.
Ryan, R. M., Williams, G. C., Patrick, H., & Deci, E. L. (2009). Self-determination theory and physical activity: The dynamics of motivation in development and wellness. Hellenic Journal of Psychology, 6, 107-124.
Williams, G. C., Patrick, H., Niemiec, C. P., Williams, L. K., Devine, G., Lafata, J. E., Heisler, M., Tunceli, K., & Pladevall M. (2009). Reducing the health risks of diabetes: How self-determination theory may help improve medication adherence and quality of life. Diabetes Educator, 35, 484-492.

Courses Taught:

Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology
Cultural Psychology
Introduction to Social Psychology

Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology
Cultural Psychology

Introduction to Social Psychology

Heather Patrick
DCCPS/BRP/HPRB
EPN Room 4076, MSC 7335
6130 Executive Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20852
United States

Phone: (301) 435-4589
Fax: (301) 480-2087
Email: patrickha@mail.nih.gov