Relationship Between Basic Psychological Needs and Exercise Motivation in <scp>Japanese</scp> Adults: An Application of Self‐Determination Theory

Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), this study aimed to examine the relationship between satisfying basic psychological needs when exercising and motivation for exercise. Participants (nmale = 324; nfemale 379) were Japanese adults who completed a survey using cross-sectional, non-experimental design. Bivariate correlations supported positive associations each need via exercise, revealed that adjacent motivations spanning continuum more positively correlated comparison distal motivations. Multiple regression analyses by participant gender indicated three satisfaction exercise predicted intrinsic men women identified regulation female subsample. Relatedness did not significantly contribute predicting male Limited support role of fulfillment was evident models related controlled or amotivation. Overall, results SDT could be employed advance our understanding mechanisms shape adults.