Students motivation for engaging in physical activity: Theory for self-determination

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between self-determination in the regulation of exercise behaviour and stage of change for exercise in student population. The research is conducted on a sample of 1066 respondents randomly selected from several faculties within the University “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje. They completed the Stages of Exercise Scale and the Behaviour Regulation Exercise Questionnaire. Consistent with theoretical predictions, individuals who had been active over a period of time were more self-determined in their behaviour regulation. Exercising to achieve an outcome emerged as the most influential factor in discriminating active participants from inactive ones. The results of the research will serve in building strategies and intervention that will aim to promote feelings of self-determination for exercise in student population. In the basis of the theory of self-determination, such interventions will strive to foster students’ perceptions of choice, personal mastery, fun and excitement from exercise, especially in those who do not have regular physical activity.