Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mechanisms in Self-Determined Exercise Motivation: Effects of a Theory Informed Pilot Intervention

  • Published:
Current Psychology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose was to examine the effects of an exercise pilot intervention informed by Self-determination theory. The 64 participants were randomized into experimental and control group. The main questions were whether the intervention would influence (a) exercise level, (b) motivation quality, and (c) autonomy and competence need satisfaction. We also examined the indirect effects of self-determined motivation on exercise. Significant intervention effects were found regarding exercise level and motivation quality. Also, intervention effect on exercise was found to be mediated by motivation quality and identified regulation. The results provide interesting information about the underlying mechanisms involved in exercise behaviour change.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Baranowski, T., Anderson, C., & Carmack, C. (1998). Mediating variable framework in physical activity interventions: how are we doing? How might we do better? American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 15(4), 266–297.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baranowski, T., & Jago, R. (2005). Understanding the mechanisms of change in children's physical activity programs. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 33(4), 163–168.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bauman, A. E., Sallis, J. S., Dzewaltowski, D. A., & Owen, N. (2002). Toward a better understanding of the influences on physical activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 23(2S), 5–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Biddle, S. J. H., Brehm, W., Verheijden, M., & Hopman-Rock, M. (2012). Population physical activity behaviour change: a review for the European college of sport science. European Journal of Sport Science, 12(4), 367–383. doi:10.1080/17461391.2011.635700.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brislin, R. W. (Ed.). (1986). The wording and translation of research instruments (Vol. pp. 137–164). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

  • Cerin, E., & Mackinnon, D. P. (2009). A commentary on current practice in mediating variable analyses in behavioural nutrition and physical activity. Public Health Nutrition, 12(8), 1182–1188. doi:10.1017/S1368980008003649.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cerin, E., Taylor, L. M., Leslie, E., & Owen, N. (2006). Small-scale randomized controlled trials need more powerful methods of mediational analysis than the baron-Kenny method. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 59(5), 457–464. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2005.11.008.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cole, D. A., & Maxwell, S. E. (2003). Testing mediational models with longitudinal data: questions and tips in the use of structural equation modeling. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 112, 558–577.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 4, 227–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). Self-determination theory in health care and its relations to motivational interviewing: a few comments. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9(1), 24. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-24.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Edmunds, J., Ntoumanis, N., & Duda, J. L. (2006). A test of self-determination theory in the exercise domain. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 36(9), 2240–2265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edmunds, J., Ntoumanis, N., & Duda, J. L. (2007). Adherence and well-being in overweight and obese patients referred to an exercise on prescription scheme: a self-determination theory perspective. Psychology of Sport and Exercise Special Issue: Advances in self-determination theory research in sport and exercise, 8(5), 722–740. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2006.07.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edmunds, J., Ntoumanis, N., & Duda, J. L. (2008). Testing a self-determination theory-based teaching styleintervention in the exercise domain. European Journal of Social Psychology, 38, 375–388. doi:10.1002/ejsp.463.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ericsson, K., & Simon, H. (1993). Protocol Analysis: Verbal Reports as Data (2 ed., ). Boston: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fortier, M. S., Duda, J. L., Guérin, E., & Teixeira, P. J. (2012). Promoting physical activity: development and testing of self-determination theory-based interventions. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9(20). doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-20.

  • Fortier, M. S., Wiseman, E., Sweet, S. N., O’Sullivan, T. L., Blanchard, C. M., Sigal, R. J., & Hogg, W. (2011). A moderated mediation of motivation on physical activity in the context of the physical activity counseling randomized control trial. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(2), 71–78. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.08.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godin, G., & Shephard, R. J. (1985). A simple method to assess exercise behavior in the community. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences, 10(3), 141–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gustafson, D. H., Shaw, B. R., Isham, A., Baker, T., Boyle, M. G., & Levy, M. (2011). Explicating an evidence-based, theoretically informed, mobile technology-based system to improve outcomes for people in recovery for alcohol dependence. Substance Use and Misuse, 46(1), 96–111. doi:10.3109/10826084.2011.521413.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hagger, M. S., & Chatzisarantis, N. L. D. (2008). Self-determination theory and the psychology of exercise. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1(1), 79–103. doi:10.1080/17509840701827437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, A. F. (2013). Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: a regression-based approach. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, D. T. R., Ainsworth, B. E., Hartman, T. J., & Leon, A. S. (1993). A simultaneous evaluation of 10 commonly used physical activity questionnaires. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 25, 81–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kahn, E. B., Ramsey, L. T., Brownson, R. C., Heath, G. W., Howze, E. H., Powell, K. E., et al. (2002). The effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity: a systemtic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 22(4S), 73–107.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Khazaal, Y., Richard, C., Matthieu-Darekar, S., Quement, B., Kramer, U., & Preisig, M. (2008). Advance directives in bipolar disorder, a cognitive behavioural conceptualization. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 31(1), 1–8. doi:10.1016/j.ijlp.2007.11.001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Larimer, M. E., Palmer, R. S., & MArlatt, G. A. (1999). Relapse prevention. An overview of marlatt's cognitive-behavioral model. Alcohol Research and Health, 23(2), 151–160.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ekman, I., Swedberg, K., Taft, C., Lindseth, A., Norberg, A., Brink, E., et al. (2011). Person-centered care - Ready for prime time. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing: Journal of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Nursing of the European Society of Cardiology, 10(4), 248–251. doi:10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2011.06.008.

  • Linton, S. J., & Flink, I. (2011). 12 verktyg i KBT - från teori till färdighet. Stockholm: Natur & Kultur.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lukens, E., & Mc Farlane, W. R. (2004). Psychoeducation as evidence-based practice: considerations for practice, research, and policy. Brief treatment and crisis intervention, 4(3), 205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lundahl, B. W., Kunz, C., Brownell, C., Tollefson, D., & Burke, B. L. (2010). A meta-analysis of motivational interviewing: twenty-five years of empirical studies. Research on Social Work Practice, 20(2), 137–160. doi:10.1177/1049731509347850.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lutz, R. S., Karoly, P., & Okun, M. A. (2008). The why and the how of goal pursuit: self-determination, goal process cognition, and participation in physical exercise. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 9(5), 559–575. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2007.07.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacKinnon, D. P., Fairchild, A. J., & Fritz, M. S. (2007). Mediation analysis. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 593–614. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.58.110405.085542.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Markland, D., Ryan, R. M., Tobin, V. J., & Rollnick, S. (2005). Motivational interviewing and self-determination theory. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 24(6), 811–831.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Markland, D., & Tobin, V. J. (2004). A modification of the behavioral regulation in exercise questionnaire to include an assesment of amotivation. Journal of Sport and Exercise, 26, 191–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marlatt, G. A., & Gordon, J. R. (1985). Relapse prevention: maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. New York: Guilford.

  • McDonough, M. H., & Crocker, P. R. E. (2007). Testing self-determination as a mediator ofthe relationship between psychological needs and affective and behavioral outcomes. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 29, 645–663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people to change addictive behavior (2 ed., ). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, A. M., & Rollnick, S. (2009). Ten things that motivational interviewing is not. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 37, 129–140.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno, J. A., González-Cutre, D., Sicilia, Á., & Spray, C. M. (2010). Motivation in the exercise setting: integrating constructs from the approach–avoidance achievement goal framework and self-determination theory. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11(6), 542–550. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.06.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moustaka, F. C., Vlachopoulos, S. P., Vazou, S., Kaperoni, M., & Markland, D. A. (2010). Initial validity evidence for the behavioral regulation in exercise questionnaire-2 among Greek exercise participants. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 26, 269–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mullan, E., Markland, D., & Ingledew, D. K. (1997). A graded conceptualization of self-determination in the regulation of exercise behaviour: development of a measure using confirmatory factor analytic procedures. Person. Individ. Diff, 23(5), 745–752.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ntoumanis, N. (2012). A self-determination perspective on motivation and physical education (3 ed., ). Champaign Ill: Human Kinetics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patrick, H., & Williams, G. C. (2012). Self-determination theory: its application to health behavior and complementarity with motivational interviewing. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9, 18. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-18.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Pingree, S., Hawkins, R., Baker, T., duBenske, L., Roberts, L. J., & Gustafson, D. H. (2010). The value of theory for enhancing and understanding e-health interventions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 38(1), 103–109. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2009.09.035.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Portnoy, D. B., Scott-Sheldon, L. A. J., Johnson, B. T., & Carey, M. P. (2008). Computer delivered interventions for health promotion and behavioral risk reduction: a meta-analysis of 75 randomized controlled trials,1988–2007. Preventive Medicine, 47, 3–16. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.02.014.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Preacher, K. J., & Hayes, A. F. (2004). SPSS ans SAS procedures for estimating indirect effects in simple mediation models. Behavior Research Methods, 36(4), 717–731.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Preacher, K. J., & Hayes, A. F. (2008). Asymptotic and resampling strategies for assessingand comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator models. Behavior Research Methods and Achievements in Experimental Pathology, 40, 879–891. doi:10.3758/BRM.40.3.879.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reeve, J., Nix, G., & Hamm, D. (2003). Testing models of the experience of self-determination in intrinsic motivation and the conundrum of choice. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95, 375–392. doi:10.1037/0022-0663.95.2.375.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rhodes, R. E., & Pfaeffli, L. A. (2010). Mediators of physical activity behaviour change among adult non-clinical populations: a review update. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 37. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-7-37.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Rothman, K. J., Lash, T. L., & Greenland, S. (2013). Modern epidemiology (Third ed., ). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). Overview of self-determination theory: An organismic dialectical perspective. Rochester: University of Rochester Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulz, K. F., Altman, D. G., & Moher, D. (2010). For the CONSORT group. CONSORT 2010 Statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomized trials. Ann Int Med, 152.

  • Sebire, S. J., Standage, M., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2008). Development and validation of the goal content for exercise questionnaire. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 30(4), 353–377.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sheldon, K. M., Williams, G., & Joiner, T. (2003). Self-Determination Theory in the Clinic : Motivating Physical and Mental Health. New Haven: Yale University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Silva, M. N., Vieira, P. N., Coutinho, S. R., Minderico, C. S., Matos, M. G., Sardinha, L. B., & Teixeira, P. J. (2010). Using self-determination theory to promote physical activity and weight control: a randomized controlled trial in women. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 33(2), 110–122. doi:10.1007/s10865-009-9239-y.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stoové, M. A., & Andersen, M. B. (2003). What are we looking at, and how big is it? Physical Therapy in Sport, 4(2), 93–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su, Y.-L., & Reeve, J. (2010). A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of intervention programs designed to support autonomy. Educational Psychology Review, 23(1), 159–188. doi:10.1007/s10648-010-9142-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sudak, D. M. (2011). Combining CBT and medication: an evidence-based approach. Hoboken: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Teixeira, P. J., Carraca, E. V., Markland, D., Silva, M. N., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). Exercise, physical activity, and self-determination theory: a systematic review. The International journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 9, 78. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-78.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vallerand, R. (2004). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in sport. Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology, 2, 427–435.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vallerand, R. J., & Ratelle, C. F. (2002). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: A hierarchical model. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • van Keulen, H. M., Mesters, I., Ausems, M., van Breukelen, G., Campbell, M., Resnicow, K., … de Vries, H. (2011). Tailored print communication and telephone motivational interviewing are equally successful in improving multiple lifestyle behaviors in a randomized controlled trial. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 41(1), 104–118. doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9231-3.

  • Vansteenkiste, M., & Sheldon, K. M. (2006). There's nothing more practical than a good theory: integrating motivational interviewing and self-determination theory. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45(1), 63–82. doi:10.1348/014466505x34192.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weman-Josefsson, A. K. (2014). Exploring motivational mechanisms in exercise behaviour. Applying Self-determination theory in a person-centred approach. (Licentiate thesis), University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Gothenburg.Psychological Need Satisfaction, motivational regulations and exercise. Moderation and mediation effects

  • Weman-Josefsson, A. K., Lindwall, M., & Ivarsson, A. (2015). . International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2015, 12:67 doi:10.1186/s12966-015-0226-0

  • Weman-Josefsson, A. K., Halila F, Johnson U, Lindwall M, Wickström M, Wärnestål P. (2014) Digital innovations and self-determined exercise motivation: a person-centred perspective. VITALIS - Nordens ledande eHälsomöte; 2014; Göteborg. Göteborgs universitet; 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2077/35435

  • WHO (2013). The European health report 2012. Copenhagen: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe.

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO. (2011). Insufficient physical activity 2008. Prevalence of insufficient physical activity, ages 15+, both ages.

  • Williams, G. C., McGregor, H. A., Sharp, D., Levesque, C., Kouides, R. W., Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2006). Testing a self-determination theory intervention for motivating tobacco cessation: supporting autonomy and competence in a clinical trial. Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 25(1), 91–101. doi:10.1037/0278-6133.25.1.91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, P. M., Longley, K., Muon, S., Rodgers, W. M., & Murray, T. C. (2006a). Examining the contributons of perceived psychological need satisfaction to well-being in exercise. Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, 11(3–4), 243–264.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, P. M., Mack, D. E., Gunnell, K. E., Gregson, P., Cheung, S., Rimmer, S., & Sylvester, B. D. (2010). Assessing leisure-time physical activity in young adults with the Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire: normative values, gender differences, and non-response error. Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 39, 188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, P. M., & Rodgers, W. M. (2004). The relationship between perceived autonomy support, exercise regulations and behavioral intentions in women. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 5, 229–242. doi:10.1016/s1469-0292(03)00003-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, P. M., Rodgers, W. M., & Fraser, S. N. (2002). Examining the psychometric properties of the behavioral regulation in exercise questionnaire. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 6, 1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, P. M., & Rogers, W. T. (2008). Examining relationships between psychological need satisfaction and behavioural regulations in exercise. Journal of Applied BiobehavioralResearch, 13, 119–142. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9861.2008.00031.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, P. M., Rogers, W. T., Rodgers, W. M., & Wild, T. C. (2006b). The psychological need satisfaction in exercise scale. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 28, 231–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This research was financially supported by the Centre for person-centred care at Gothenburg University and by Halmstad University.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food and Nutrition and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Magnus Lindwall

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Karin Weman-Josefsson, Kristina Fröberg, Sara Karlsson & Magnus Lindwall

  3. School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden

    Karin Weman-Josefsson

  4. Centre for Person-Centred Care, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Karin Weman-Josefsson & Magnus Lindwall

  5. Research on Welfare, Health, and Sport, Halmstad University, P.O. Box 823, SE-301 18, Halmstad, Sweden

    Karin Weman-Josefsson

Authors
  1. Karin Weman-Josefsson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kristina Fröberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sara Karlsson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Magnus Lindwall
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karin Weman-Josefsson.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Weman-Josefsson, K., Fröberg, K., Karlsson, S. et al. Mechanisms in Self-Determined Exercise Motivation: Effects of a Theory Informed Pilot Intervention. Curr Psychol 36, 90–100 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-015-9388-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-015-9388-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation