Work Type
Poster
Date
Fall 2020
Faculty Advisor
Danny McMillian, PT, DSc, OCS, CSCS
Language
English
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical Activity (PA) Guidelines recommend reducing sedentarism and describes correlations between adequate PA and improving health outcomes. The self-determination theory (SDT) was used to identify motivational factors crucial to a physically active lifestyle.
PURPOSE: Identify and analyze how motivational characteristics, fulfillment of psychological needs, and individual experiences/beliefs influence an individual’s motivation for PA.
METHODS: Participants (3 females, 2 males; age 36-55) were recruited using nominated sampling and public advertising. Current levels of moderate-to-high PA were determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and previous-sedentarism was self-reported as a minimum of 18 months. The SDT was the theoretical basis for determining fulfillment of psychological needs. The Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale-General and Motives for Physical Activities Measure Revised (MPAM-R) measured general psychological satisfaction-frustration and motivational factors, respectively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and statements were coded to identify experiences and beliefs of the participants serving as a comparison to survey data.
RESULTS: Psychological satisfaction (autonomy p=0.043; competence p=0.042; relatedness p=0.041) was significant compared to psychological frustration. Averaged MPAM-R scores revealed fitness (6.88) as the highest motivational factor while social (4.52) the lowest. Interview coding frequency was ranked as competence (58) followed by social/relatedness (49), autonomy (47), interest (30), fitness (29), appearance (15), and expressions of psychological satisfaction (38) dominated statements of frustration (11).
CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-high PA was associated with greater life satisfaction than frustration across all three domains. Survey instruments and interviews supported this conclusion; additionally, overcoming sedentarism is highly driven by autonomous decisions to improve health and well-being.
Publisher
University of Puget Sound
Recommended Citation
Hirae, Jordan SPT; Krekling, Erin SPT; Piper, Elizabeth SPT; and McMillian, Danny PT, DSc, OCS, CSCS, "Common Experiences and Beliefs Among Highly-Active, Previously-Sedentary, Middle-Aged Adults" (2020). Physical Therapy Research Symposium. 57.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ptsymposium/57