Social physique anxiety and physical activity: A self-determination theory perspective

Objective: Using self-determination theory [Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and selfdetermination in human behavior. New York, NY: Plenum Press; Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). An overview of self-determination theory: an organismic-dialectical perspective. In E. L. Deci, & R. M. Ryan, (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 3–33). Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press.] as a framework, this study examined the relationships between social physique anxiety (SPA) and physical activity-related psychological needs, motivation, and reported behavior. Method: Three hundred and eighty one males and females (Mage1⁄4 18.69, SD1⁄4 1.15) completed a selfadministered questionnaire package. Results: Results revealed a good measurement model for the total sample (c21⁄4 592.52; df1⁄4 238; RMSEA1⁄4 .063; CFI1⁄4 .94; SRMR1⁄4 .05) and multi-group invariance indicated that the male and female measurement models were comparable. The structural model was adequate for the total sample (c21⁄4 638.69; df1⁄4 243; RMSEA1⁄4 .065; CFI1⁄4 .94; SRMR1⁄4 .06) and accounted for 36% of the variance in reported physical activity behavior. In addition, the structural model was partially gender invariant. Conclusions: Findings supported the proposed motivational sequence in which SPA directly influenced need satisfaction, and indirectly influenced physical activity motivation and behavior. From a practical perspective, interventions aimed at decreasing SPA may be helpful in promoting physical activity motivation and behavior. 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Physical activity leads to a multitude of physical, psychological, and social benefits (Fox, 1999; Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006). Despite these benefits, the majority of North Americans fail to participate in sufficient physical activity (Gilmour, 2007). Given the high prevalence of inactivity, research focusing on the factors that will increase people’s motivation towards adopting and maintaining an active lifestyle is essential. Self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2002) may be a useful framework for understanding correlates of physical activity motivation and behavior. SDT is a contemporary meta-theory that provides researchers with a greater understanding of peoples’ motivation towards volitional behaviors (Ryan & Deci, 2002). The empirical basis of SDT comes in part from the organismic integration theory (OIT), a subtheory of SDT. According to OIT, motivation is a multidimensional construct that lies on a continuum that includes intrinsic, extrinsic, nd Physical Education, McGill l, Quebec, Canada H2W 1S4.