Perceived autonomy (PA) can be considered as the key mediating variable in promoting intrinsic motivation. Therefore, an environment that encourages autonomy increases intrinsic motivation and leads to continuance intention.

The main purpose of this study was to assess the social conditions which give rise to autonomous forms of motivation.

We led a transversal study, over four months, from June until September 2016. It included 90 adolescents aged 14–20 years and members of voluntary association in Sfax (Tunisia). PA was assessed using the “perceived autonomy in life domains” (PALD) for the life spheres of leisure, interpersonal relationships, school, and general domains.

The average age of participants was 16 (14 to 20 years). The sample was female-dominated (53%). All participants were secondary school pupils. Almost 70% were from a high socioeconomic level and over 60% had parents’ high level of education.

The mean scores of PA ranged from 117 (SD = 4.5) in general domain to 15 (SD = 4.5) in school domain.

There was a significant correlation between PA and parents’ level of education (P = 0.01), parental relationship (P = 0.01), level of family communication (P = 0.00), giving compliments (P = 0.01) and rights in decision-making (P = 0.05). The other factors that significantly enhance PA were having a good network of friends (P = 0.01) and having sports and extracurricular activities (P = 0.03).

The present findings provide additional support for the synergistic relationship between family dynamics and family relationship perceptions and PA, and emphasize the role of parents to encourage autonomy.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.