Implicit processes, autonomous motivation and controlled motivation influence on levels of daily activity

Abstract

Background: Persistent levels of physical inactivity contribute to the current obesity epidemic, and even a slight increase in daily activity can benefit health. This study investigated potential influences of physical activity behaviour. Specifically, we investigated whether motivational properties, implicit attitudes and approach-avoid biases interact to influence daily activity levels. Method: Participants (n = 103, 17-68 years) initially recorded a seven-day step count. Approach-avoid biases and implicit attitudes were then measured by the manikin task and SC-IAT, respectively. Autonomous and controlled motivation for daily activities were measured by the Perceived Locus of Causality Questionnaire. Findings: Hierarchical regression analyses showed that both autonomous and controlled motivation interacted with implicit attitudes and approach biases in predicting daily activity levels. Specifically, autonomous and controlled motivation were positively associated with step count in participants with low approach bias scores, and in those with positive implicit attitudes. Discussion: Findings support Self-Determination Theory, which suggests that autonomous motivation is an important contributor to activity engagement. Interestingly, controlled motivation was found to also be an important contributor. Results also support Dual Process theories, which propose that implicit and reflective processes independently influence behaviour. The findings suggest that motivation influences daily activity levels beyond that of implicit processes. More specifically, individuals who are motivated to do incidental physical activity may do so, even though they are not implicitly inclined to. Therefore, increasing autonomous and controlled motivation towards daily activities may increase incidental physical activity and its accompanying health benefits.