Work

The Influence of Perceived Autonomy Support on Physical Activity Among High School Students: The Mediating Roles of Basic Psychological Needs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Parental and peer support has been documented as an important factor in physical activities among high school students. Likewise, coach support has an important impact on physical activity among high school students. Meanwhile, many studies show that basic psychological needs have an essential effect on perceived autonomy and physical activity. As such, this study, using self-determination theory, aimed to explore the mediating role of basic psychological needs on physical activity among high school students in China. The Sport Climate Questionnaire, Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale-Physical Activity, and the three-item Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 were employed to gauge responses from 736 high school students (15-18 years old). A structural equation model was employed to test the mediating effect. The researchers found a significant positive effect of perceived coach support on basic psychological need satisfaction. Basic psychological need satisfaction was also found to be a significant predictor of physical activity. Surprisingly, the results showed that perceived coach support negatively influences physical activity. As such, an indirect mediating effect is established. Basic psychological needs had an indirect mediating effect and could reduce the negative effect of coach support on physical activity engagement.

Source: Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/bs15040536

Authors: Zhou Wanwan, Ahmad Zamri Khairani

Institutions: Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bozhou University, Institut Penyelidikan Pendidikan Tinggi Negara

Language: English

Topic: Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654