Abstract
Background: Based on the theoretical propositions of Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985) this study examined whether individuals classified as “nondependent-symptomatic” and “nondependent-asymptomatic” for exercise dependence differed in terms of the level of exercise-related psychological need satisfaction and self-determined versus controlling motivation they reported. Further, we examined if the type of motivational regulations predicting exercise behaviour differed among these groups.
Methods: Participants (N = 339), recruited from fitness, community, and retail settings, completed measures of exercise-specific psychological need satisfaction, motivational regulations, exercise behaviour and exercise dependence.
Results: Individuals who were nondependent-symptomatic for exercise dependence reported higher levels of competence need satisfaction and all forms of motivational regulation, compared to nondependent-asymptomatic individuals. Introjected regulation approached significance as a positive predictor of strenuous exercise behaviour for symptomatic individuals. Identified regulation was a positive predictor of strenuous exercise for asymptomatic individuals.
Conclusions: The findings reinforce the applicability of SDT to understanding engagement in exercise.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 887-903 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Journal of Health Psychology |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2006 |
Keywords
- exercise dependence
- psychological needs
- motivational regulations
- physical activity
- intrinsic motivation
- questionnaire
- validation
- symptoms
- behavior
- motives
- scale
- needs