Understanding motivation for exercise: A self-determination theory perspective.

Abstract

Understanding the factors that motivate health-enhancing physical activity has considerable merit given the role of this lifestyle behaviour in combating disease and promoting quality of life. The purpose of this article is to provide a broad overview of research investigating participation issues in exercise from the perspective of self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2002). Evidence informing the application of SDT to the study of motivational issues in exercise is reviewed around three central questions: (a) Does the quality of motivation regulating exercise behaviour "matter"?, (b) How important are basic psychological needs within exercise contexts?, and (c) Can contextual variables be manipulated to create adaptive environments for exercise? The available evidence is supportive of many propositions set forth within SDT by Deci and Ryan's (2002). Future avenues for exercise motivation research are offered based on the available evidence with a view to addressing unresolved issues and advancing SDT's development.

An experience sampling study of physical activity and positive affect: investigating the role of situational motivation and perceived intensity across time

“…40 Unlike introjection, ID regulation is argued to be important for persisting in behaviors that are valued but that are not always inherently pleasurable, such as exercise. 44,88 Most importantly for the present study, previous literature has shown ID regulation for physical activity to be related to enduring indicators of well-being such as physical self-worth and life satisfaction. 35,89 In our sample of women, situational ID regulation was not significantly related to post-activity positive affect.…”

The Relationship of Physical Activity and the Built Environment within the Context of Self-Determination Theory

“…However, there has been a recent increase in use of self-determination theory in the physical activity domain. Wilson et al [14] reviewed evidence that social contexts may be correlated with psychological need satisfaction and that within physical activity contexts, the environment may promote or inhibit need satisfaction. Both cross-sectional [12] and longitudinal studies [15,16] illustrate the effect of psychological need satisfaction on physical activity.…”

Fatores motivacionais de idosos praticantes de exercícios físicos: um estudo baseado na teoria da autodeterminação

“…A Teoria da Autodeterminação (TAD) vem sendo utilizada em estudos (Wilson, Mack, & Grattan, 2008, Wilson, Rodgers, Blanchard, & Gessel, 2003 para explicar os diferentes fatores motivacionais que levam a população a iniciar, persistir e/ou abandonar a prática de atividades físico-esportivas. A motivação, nessa teoria, é compreendida dentro de um continuum e pode variar desde a sua forma mais autônoma (autodeterminada), até aquela controlada por aspectos externos (Edmunds, Ntoumanis, & Duda, 2006), considerando que as regulações externas manifestam-se de diferentes formas (Ryan & Deci, 2000).…”