Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Turning physical exercise into a habitual behavior is a complex process. Studies have shown that individuals tend to drop-out in the first stages and that the number of withdrawal episodes is highest amongst new participants. Individuals point out the lack of motivation as the one of the main reasons for not engaging in exercise participation. Therefore, understanding the motivational determinants behind exercise commitment seems paramount to reverse the current rates of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors. Research has assessed several motivational frameworks attempting to deepen the literature on how to increase physical activity rates. However, studies analyzing the entire motivational sequences and/or considering the influence of other cognitive constructs such as intention on exercise commitment are scarce. Thus, the main purpose of the present work was to assess the determinants of the bright and dark side of motivation and their relationship with exercise persistence and adherence. To accomplish this, we reviewed the current literature, translated and validated four scales, and measured the impact of the bright and dark sides of motivational determinants on exercise adherence and persistence. The results of the eight studies included in this thesis showed that: i) our systematic review was the first one to consider the full casual sequence of motivational constructs according to Self-Determination Theory in the exercise context; ii) the four translated and validated scales have adjusted psychometric proprieties and can be reliably used in future research with Portuguese individuals in the exercise context; ii) polynomial regression analysis with response surface methodology is a strong statistical procedure on how two similar but distinct independent variables interact on one dependent variable; iii) enjoyment is a strong predictor of exercise persistence and should be therefore considered by exercise professionals when promoting physical exercise; iv) past exercise adherence is the strongest forecaster of future exercise adherence. Results showed that a regular two times weekly frequency is necessary to promote habitual behavior; v) encompassing several theory constructs into one comprehensive model seems thought-provoking in measuring how they impact directly and indirectly exercise outcomes, and; vi) future interventions should consider interpersonal behaviors as promoters for exercise commitment. Perceived supportive behaviors by exercisers lead to increased intentions to maintain exercise participation, whereas perceived thwarting behaviors are responsible for higher rates of drop-out. Overall, this research provides new insights on how interpersonal behaviors are responsible for exercise outcomes; offers important practical implications for the fitness industry and researchers on how to design adequate interventions aiming at promoting exercise adherence and points out the relevance of the social context and past behavior for exercise outcomes.
Author: Filipe Rodrigues
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3034381323