Comparing motivational characteristics across activity contexts: a self-determination theory perspective

Abstract

Background: A variety of activity contexts exist, although few studies have compared the motivational characteristics of individuals from different activity contexts. Further, there is a lack of consistent and adequate reporting of activity descriptions within the literature. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine how activity context associates with the satisfaction of psychological needs, goal contents, and motivational regulations. Method: Participants from yoga (n=116), crossfit (n=156), running (n=138), walking (n=92), and spin (n=133) completed the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale, Exercise Motivation Inventory-2, and the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3. Multivariate statistics with post-hoc tests determined between activity group differences. Findings: Greater relatedness satisfaction was found for participants in activities with greater interaction. Needs for competence and autonomy were differentially satisfied across activity contexts. Participants from yoga endorsed greater revitalization goals than the other activity contexts, whereas participants in aerobic activities endorsed greater body image goals than the other activity contexts. Endorsement of motivational regulations was similar across activity contexts, although participants in the walking group, who tended to be older, had less self-determined motives compared to the other activity contexts. Discussion: The findings suggest that it may be beneficial to match people with activities that will satisfy particular needs or goals that are important to them. However, as people age and physical capabilities limit activity choices, autonomous forms of motivation may be less likely achieved. Additionally, the findings inform future research of the importance of clearly defining the activity context from which samples are drawn.