For Exercise, Relaxation, or Spirituality: Exploring Participation Motives and Conformity to Masculine Norms among Male and Female Yoga Participants

Jonathan Y. Cagas, Stuart J. H. Biddle and Ineke Vergeer
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Jonathan Y. Cagas: Department of Sports Science, College of Human Kinetics, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
Stuart J. H. Biddle: Physically Active Lifestyles (PALs) Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central 4300, Australia
Ineke Vergeer: Physically Active Lifestyles (PALs) Research Group, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central 4300, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: Yoga is a traditional practice from India with the potential to promote physical activity and health. Participation worldwide remains low, particularly among men. To better understand yoga participation parameters, with a special focus on what influences male participation, this study examined gender differences in participation motives and conformity to masculine norms. It also explored these factors across three participant subgroups who differed in their engagement with the physical and the more psycho-spiritual aspects of yoga. A total of 546 yoga participants (138 males, 399 females, 9 others), 18–73 years old, completed an online survey that included an adapted version of the Exercise Motivation Inventory–2 and three subscales from the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory–46. Results showed significant gender differences in participation motives and conformity to masculine norms. Females were more motivated by positive affect, health/fitness, nimbleness, mind–body integration, and coping/stress management, whereas males were more motivated by supplementary activity and competition/social recognition. These differences should be considered in tailoring messages to promote uptake and continued participation. Furthermore, males were more likely than females to conform to emotional control and heterosexual self-presentation masculine norms. Future research may examine how differences in masculine norm adherence influences uptake, particularly among men.

Keywords: participation motives; yoga; gender differences; holistic movement practice; masculine norms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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