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Autonomous Motivation Predicts 7‐Day Physical Activity in Hong Kong Students
Author(s) -
Ha Amy S.,
Ng Johan Y.Y.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
applied psychology: health and well‐being
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.276
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1758-0854
pISSN - 1758-0846
DOI - 10.1111/aphw.12045
Subject(s) - amotivation , physical activity , psychology , intrinsic motivation , sedentary behavior , multilevel model , promotion (chess) , self determination theory , quality of life (healthcare) , developmental psychology , health promotion , physical therapy , social psychology , medicine , public health , autonomy , nursing , machine learning , politics , computer science , political science , law , psychotherapist
Autonomous motivation predicts positive health behaviors such as physical activity. However, few studies have examined the relation between motivational regulations and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Thus, we investigated whether different motivational regulations (autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and amotivation) predicted 7‐day physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and health‐related quality of life ( HRQ oL) of students. A total of 115 students (mean age = 11.6 years, 55.7% female) self‐reported their motivational regulations and health‐related quality of life. Physical activity and sedentary behaviors were measured using accelerometers for seven days. Using multilevel modeling, we found that autonomous motivation predicted higher levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, less sedentary behaviors, and better HRQ oL. Controlled motivation and amotivation each only negatively predicted one facet of HRQ oL. Results suggested that autonomous motivation could be an important predictor of physical activity behaviors in Hong Kong students. Promotion of this form of motivational regulation may also increase HRQ oL.