Relatedness, Motivation, and Exercise Behavior Across Various Exercise Modalities
Loading...
Author
Gilliland, Kolbie
Publisher
Washburn University
Sponsor
Department of Psychology
Issue Date
2018
Rights
Alternative Title
Abstract
Exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. It is vital to examine motivation to exercise
and the impact of three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competency, and relatedness) on
this motivation. While competency and autonomy have consistently impacted motivation to
exercise, information regarding relatedness and group cohesion is lacking. The present study
examined the relationship between exercise modalities, the fulfillment of basic psychological
needs, and the motivation to exercise. Participants completed surveys assessing exercise
behavior, fulfillment of basic psychological needs (PNSE), degree of motivation to exercise
(BREQ), relatedness to others (ROPAS), and group cohesion and integration (PAGEQ).
Competency (r=.49, p<.01) and relatedness (r=.52, p<.01) were positively correlated with
internalized levels of motivation. Exercise frequency (r=.34, p<.01) and intensity (r=.24, p<.05)
also positively correlated with internalized motivation. Relatedness (r=.382, p<.01) and group
cohesion (r=.40, p<.01) were positively correlated with internalized motivation. Individuals in
group exercise classes, especially CrossFit, reported significantly higher levels of competency
(F(2, 99) = 3.22, p=.044, ω=.204), general relatedness (F(2, 99) = 5.35, p=.006, ω=.280),
relatedness to others in exercise (F(2, 99) = 9.25 , p=.000, ω=.373), group cohesion (F(2, 99) =
3.22 , p=.044, ω=.204), group integration (F(2, 99) = 9.94 , p=.000, ω=.386) frequency of
exercise (F(2, 99) = 3.12 , p= .049, ω=.200), and intensity of exercise (F(2, 99) = 4.811 , p=
.010, ω=.264) compared to individuals exercising alone. Differences in motivation approached
significance (p=.052). Findings support efforts toward group exercise promotion as a potential
way to sustain exercise behavior in that relatedness and group cohesion in community exercise
facilities may increase motivation to exercise.