Physical Activity as a Regulatory Variable between Adolescents’ Motivational Processes and Satisfaction with Life

Mikel Vaquero Solís, Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel, Miguel Ángel Tapia Serrano, Juan J. Pulido and Damián Iglesias Gallego
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Mikel Vaquero Solís: Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, Avd. de la Universidad S/N, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Pedro Antonio Sánchez-Miguel: Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, Avd. de la Universidad S/N, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Miguel Ángel Tapia Serrano: Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, Avd. de la Universidad S/N, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Juan J. Pulido: Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura, Avd. de la Universidad S/N, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Damián Iglesias Gallego: Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, Avd. de la Universidad S/N, 10003 Cáceres, Spain

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-13

Abstract: Framed within Self-Determination Theory, the objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs, levels of motivation, physical activity, and satisfaction with life. Methods: A total of 487 students participated, comprising males ( n = 262) and females ( n = 225), aged between 14 and 16 years ( M = 15.02; SD = 0.87), from different secondary schools. Results: A regression analysis was carried out (structural equation modeling) that revealed the existence of two theoretical lines, one positive and the other negative, where the satisfaction of basic psychological needs was positively related to autonomous motivation and physical activity, which predicted satisfaction with life. On the other hand, the frustration of basic psychological needs was positively related to controlled motivation, whereas controlled motivation (introjected regulation and extrinsic regulation) was inversely associated with physical activity and satisfaction with life. Conclusion: The results show the importance of motivational processes in physical activity, and the effects of physical activity on satisfaction with life in adolescents who spend more time engaged in physical activity.

Keywords: motivation; physical activity; well-being; adolescents; school health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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