Parkour and Intrinsic Motivation: An Exploratory Multimethod Analysis of Self-Determination Theory in an Emerging Sport

Jacob Carson (), Samantha Hurst, James F. Sallis, Sarah E. Linke, Eric B. Hekler, Katherina Nardo and Britta Larsen
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Jacob Carson: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
Samantha Hurst: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
James F. Sallis: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
Sarah E. Linke: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
Eric B. Hekler: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
Katherina Nardo: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
Britta Larsen: Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 11, 1-16

Abstract: Self Determination Theory posits that individuals may be more likely to initiate and maintain behaviors tied to intrinsic (vs. extrinsic) motivations and may provide a useful framework for understanding youth participation in novel sports. Using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and Patient-Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Plus Nutrition (PACE+) surveys, motivation and physical activity habits were explored in 27 children/adolescents (ages 7–16) enrolled in Parkour, an individual, non-competitive youth sport. Fifteen Parkour participants were also interviewed to gain an understanding of their motivations for participating. Study participants had high median IMI subscale scores related to interest/enjoyment (6.71/7) and perceived choice (6.40/7) compared to the whole scale. Similarly median sub-scale Pros and Self-Efficacy scores for physical activity from the PACE+ were high (4.25/5 and 3.91/5, respectively). The themes of autonomy and enjoyment were consistently reported in the qualitative interviews, expanding on the quantitative results. Other themes included appreciation for camaraderie, creativity, and a drive for improvement. These results provide early evidence that Parkour, and similar lifestyle sports, may be tied more to intrinsic than extrinsic motivations and could have potential for adoption and maintenance by youth with low motivation to engage in physical activity to promote healthy behaviors.

Keywords: multimethod; physical activity; lifestyle sports; qualitative; adolescents (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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