Title | Goals Matter: Exercising for Well-Being But Not Health or Appearance Predicts Future Exercise Among Parents. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2018 |
Authors | Mailey EL, Dlugonski D, Hsu W-W, Segar M |
Journal | J Phys Act Health |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 11 |
Pagination | 857-865 |
Date Published | 2018 11 01 |
ISSN | 1543-5474 |
Keywords | Adult, Body Weight, Exercise, Female, Goals, Health Promotion, Humans, Leisure Activities, Linear Models, Male, Motivation, Parents, Personal Autonomy, Stress, Psychological, Surveys and Questionnaires |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Many parents are insufficiently active. Further research is needed to understand the goals that drive sustained exercise participation among parents. The purpose of this study was to use self-determination theory derived constructs to examine the relationship between parents' exercise goals and their autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and exercise behavior across 1 year. METHODS: Mothers (n = 226) and fathers (n = 70) of children less than 16 years completed the Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 and, 1 year later, the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the longitudinal relationships between exercise goals and autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and leisure-time exercise. RESULTS: All goals except weight management were significantly associated with autonomous motivation, whereas only weight and appearance goals predicted controlled motivation. Exercising for stress management and revitalization, but not health- or appearance-related goals, was significantly related to exercise behavior over 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Only goals related to immediate affective outcomes were associated with both autonomous motivation and exercise behavior over time. These findings support recent calls to "rebrand exercise" as a means to improve daily well-being. Such goals may drive parents to prioritize exercise because they value the immediate benefits it provides. |
DOI | 10.1123/jpah.2017-0469 |
Alternate Journal | J Phys Act Health |
PubMed ID | 30314419 |