75

The aim of this article, based on the self-determination theory, is to evaluate the mediating effect of autonomous motivation on the negative relationship between the three basic needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness and the intention to leave the caregiving profession. The results of the study, conducted on a sample of 303 caregivers in nursing homes for dependent older adults (known as Établissements d’Hébergement pour les Personnes Agées Dépendantes; EHPADs), help to clarify empirically and in the same model these theoretically supposed links. This study also considers separately the effect of the three basic needs in order to highlight their differentiated effects on autonomous motivation and turnover intentions. The purpose of the study is to propose an innovative management approach based on the satisfaction of the three basic needs as a means of ensuring motivation, in order to avoid withdrawal behaviors and to retain caregivers.