The relationship of self-determination theory variables to exercise identity

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the patterns of association of self-determination theory variables with exercise role identity and exercise beliefs as parts of exercise identity among men and women. Design: A cross-sectional study in which perceived autonomy support by the exercise instructor, basic psychological needs, behavioral regulations, and exercise identity were assessed among 733 exercise participants aged 18e64 yrs. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that all types of behavioral regulations and the fulfillment of the need for competence were associated with the exercise role identity part of exercise identity whereas introjected regulation, identified regulation, intrinsic motivation and the needs for competence and relatedness were associated with the exercise beliefs part of exercise identity. Conclusions: The findings revealed meaningful associations between self-determination theory variables and exercise identity supporting the relevance of self-determination theory in better understanding the processes related to the adoption and maintenance of an exercise identity. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Given the alarming physical inactivity trends worldwide (Cavill, Kahlmeier, & Racioppi, 2006; Pleis & Lethbridge-Çejku, 2006) with the detrimental consequences for public health, a better understanding of motivational issues surrounding exercise participation becomes of utmost importance. Considerable evidence now exist showing that approaching the issue of exercise participation from theviewpoint of self-determination theory (Hagger&Chatzisarantis, 2008; Vlachopoulos, 2009; Wilson, Mack, & Grattan, 2008) and identity theory (Anderson & Cychosz, 1994, 1995) is promising for a better understanding of the dynamics of exercise participation. Thus, the need is evident to attempt to investigate the link between self-determination theory and identity theory in order to delineate the role of motivational dynamics in shaping and maintaining an exercise identity.