Table 2.

Overview of MI-SDT concept application to the DEF intervention: SDT needs and related need-supportive strategies.

Strategies			Integration to the DEF intervention
Autonomy: being the perceived origin or source of one’s own behavior [67]
	MI-related strategies
		Let the client make decisions about what and how to change [47]	The weekly action plan tool to which participants have access allows them to select their objectives and activities by themselves. The program explicitly recognizes that the participant is the best person to make decisions about what and how to change.
		Roll with resistance [47]	The program has specific feedback for participants with low scores on intention, self-efficacy, and attitude. Reflections of content are provided when participants adopt resistant behavior (eg, do not elaborate on their beliefs, choose to do no PA for a certain week).
		Explore options [47]	The program asks participants open and multiple choice questions during motivational sessions. [39]
		Encourage Change-Talk [47]	Motivational sessions use MI interviewing skills (OARS; [37]) and other techniques oriented in favor of change.
	SDT-related strategies
		Provide a menu of effective options for change [48]	The action planning tool proposed preferred physical activities and solutions to common barriers of people with type 2 diabetes.
		Provide a rationale for information given [48]	The rationale of each motivational session and tool is explained either through a video or short sentence on the first page of each intervention component.
		Supporting patients’ choices and initiatives [48]	Positive feedback is provided to participants when they make even the smallest commitment toward change. The program does not judge participants who provide answers that are not in keeping with change.
Competence: feeling effective in one’s ongoing interactions with the social environment and experiencing opportunities to exercise and express one’s capacities [63]
	MI-related strategies
		Present clear and neutral information about behavior and outcomes [47]	Participants can receive information about the risks associated with physical inactivity and the benefits of regular physical activity during the first two motivational sessions. Participants are told explicitly that they are the only experts about what and how to change.
		Help the client develop appropriate goals [47]	The action plan tool encourages participants to set realistic weekly behavioral goals for themselves.
		Provide positive feedback [47]	Participants are frequently valorised for their participation in the motivational sessions and efforts toward change. Participants are also valorised for their strengths and values in motivational sessions 3 and 5.
		Support self-efficacy [47]	The program affirms the strengths of participants and unconditionally recognizes their capacity and ability to change.
	SDT-related strategies
		Help skills building and problem solving [48]	The program gives participants information and tools on how to calculate and self-monitor their PA level. It also helps participant identify effective solutions to their barriers and provides information on how to practice PA safely.
Relatedness: feeling connected to others, to caring for and being cared for by those others, to having sense of belongingness both with other individuals and with one’s community [68]
	MI-related strategies
		Express empathy [47]	Messages are written in a way that shows participants that their opinions matter.
		Explore client’s concern [47]	The first motivational session explores worries participants may have toward their insufficient PA level in an empathic way. A tab is dedicated to participants who want to share their opinion on the website or express concerns about it.
		Demonstrate understanding of the client’s position [47]	The reflections and summary are used throughout the motivational sessions to try to understand what participants think or feel.
		Avoid judgment or blame [47]	Messages to participants are written in a neutral or rewarding style.
	SDT-related strategies
		Provide unconditional positive regard [48]	Messages to participants are never judgmental. The program unconditionally recognizes that participants are able to change their PA behavior.
		Provide a consistently warm interpersonal environment [48]	The introduction videos at the start of each motivational session use an enthusiastic but calm tone. We have tried to make the website and tools inviting and warm for participants.