title: Relations Between Autonomous Motivation and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Participation: The Mediating Role of Self-Regulation Techniques.
abstract: This study tested the predictive validity of a multitheory process model in which the effect of autonomous motivation from self-determination theory on physical activity participation is mediated by the adoption of self-regulatory techniques based on control theory. Finnish adolescents (N = 411, aged 17-19) completed a prospective survey including validated measures of the predictors and physical activity, at baseline and after one month (N = 177). A subsample used an accelerometer to objectively measure physical activity and further validate the physical activity self-report assessment tool (n = 44). Autonomous motivation statistically significantly predicted action planning, coping planning, and self-monitoring. Coping planning and self-monitoring mediated the effect of autonomous motivation on physical activity, although self-monitoring was the most prominent. Controlled motivation had no effect on self-regulation techniques or physical activity. Developing interventions that support autonomous motivation for physical activity may foster increased engagement in self-regulation techniques and positively affect physical activity behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Johanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nurmi
authors.forename: Martin S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hagger
authors.forename: Ari
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haukkala
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Araújo-Soares
authors.forename: Nelli
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hankonen
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011446:Prospective Studies