Abstract
In accordance with self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985), this study examined the relationship between autonomy support, psychological need satisfaction,
motivational regulations, and exercise behavior. Participants (N5369) were recruited from fitness, community, and retail settings. Fulfillment of the 3 basic psychological needs (i.e., competence, autonomy, and relatedness) related to more self-determined motivational regulations. Identified and introjected regulations
emerged as positive predictors of strenuous and total exercise behaviors. Competence need satisfaction also predicted directly and indirectly via identified
regulation strenuous exercise. For participants engaged in organized fitness classes, perceptions of autonomy support provided by exercise class leaders predicted
psychological need satisfaction. Furthermore, competence need satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between autonomy support and intrinsic motivation.
These findings support SDT in the exercise domain.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2240-2265 |
Number of pages | 26 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Social Psychology |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2006 |
Bibliographical note
nullThe definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com
Keywords
- perceived autonomy support
- intrinsic motivation
- psychological needs
- physical activity
- internalization
- satisfaction
- facilitation
- behavior
- health
- forms