Auditing the socio-environmental determinants of motivation towards physical activity or sedentariness in work-aged adults: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a lack of understanding of work aged adults’ (30–60 years old) perspectives on the motivation of physical activity versus sedentariness. This study aims to: (1) identify which socio-environmental factors motivate physical activity and/or sedentary behavior, in adults aged 30–60 years; and (2) explore how these motivators interact and combine.MethodFifteen work-aged adults who, were able to engage in physical activity (Mean age = 43.9 years; SD 9.6, range 31–59), participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive content analysis was used to generate an inventory of socio-environmental factors and their specific influences on motivation towards physical activity or sedentariness.ResultsKey socio-environmental agents found to influence motivation included: Spouse/partner, parents, children, siblings, whole family, grandchildren, friends, work-mates, neighbors, strangers, team-mates and class-mates, instructors, health care professionals, employers, gyms and health companies, governments, media and social media, cultural norms, and the physical environment. Mechanisms fell into five broad themes of socio-environmental motivation for both physical activity and sedentariness: (1) competence and progress; (2) informational influences, (3) emotional influences, (4) pragmatics and logistics, and (5) relationships. Similar socio-environmental factors were frequently reported as able to motivate both activity and sedentariness. Likewise, individual categories of influence could also motivate both behaviors, depending on context.ConclusionThe findings of this paper ‘unpack’ theoretical concepts into specific and targeted behavioral recommendations. The data suggested no simple solutions for promoting physical activity or reducing sedentariness, but rather complex and interacting systems surrounding work-aged adults. Findings also suggest that health professionals should be encouraged to support adults’ health by examining the socio-environmental motivational influences, or ‘motivational atmosphere’.

What are the Facilitators and Obstacles to Participation in Workplace Team Sport? A Qualitative Study

“…The social relationships within workplace team sport reduced intrapersonal obstacles to participation, while commitments made to colleagues positively supported needs for relatedness [50] , [51] . Further, the emotional support offered in a team environment may reduce obstacles surrounding a lack of self-efficacy and perceived competence [35] , [54] . Qualitative evidence suggests supporting these markers of relatedness promotes more autonomously regulated forms of motivation [50] .…”

“…Critically, there is a lack of qualitative evidence exploring why employees participate in workplace team sport and the facilitators and obstacles these individuals encounter. While extensive evidence discussing the enablers and barriers faced by children, young adults and the elderly is available in a sporting context, the same cannot be said for working age adults [35] . Certainly, this gap in research limits the effectiveness and sustainability of future team sport programmes.…”

“…For example, low perceptions of self-competence have created obstacles for employees considering playing football with their colleagues [35] . While the evidence evaluating “Workplace Challenge” (i.e., a workplace health promotion scheme focusing on team sport) indicates the attitudes of employees and workplace champions can influence the workforces' participation in team sport [37] – [39] .…”

Grado de predicción de la motivación hacia las actividades físicodeportivas a través de la orientación de metas, la percepción del éxito y el grado de satisfacción. Un análisis transcultural

“…En el ámbito de la práctica de AFD y otros ámbitos del comportamiento humano, es importante tener presentes las influencias de los contextos culturales sobre la muestra que se analiza. Aunque muchos de los motivos que inducen a la práctica de AFD son comunes en la mayoría de las culturas, se han reportado diferencias que vislumbran la necesidad de desarrollar análisis transculturales, de modo que se pueda determinar si las variables sociales y cognitivas que se analizan tienen o no una importancia universal (Franco, Coterón, Martínez, & Brito, 2017;Han, Mahony, & Greenwell, 2016;Keegan, Middleton, Henderson, & Girling, 2016;Kouli & Papaioannou, 2009;Nishida, Isogai, Åström, Karp, & Johansson, 2007;Vilchez Conesa & Ruiz Juan, 2016).…”

The built environment and obesity: You are where you live

“…42 Because of the time-poor nature of the working population, there is a scarcity of research into the workplace environment and obesity. 46 Finally, 'food security', or reliable access to affordable healthy, fresh food, is important for maintaining healthy weight. Food security can vary according to area; for example, the cost of fresh food has been found to be greater in remote areas and neighbourhoods with fewer economic resources.…”