INTRINSIC VS. EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION AMONG RECREATIONAL CROSSFIT ATHLETES: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

Abstract

Research has shown that many types of recreational athletes are intrinsically rather than extrinsically motivated to participate in their sport. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if recreational CrossFit participants are inclined to be more intrinsically or extrinsically motivated to participate in their sport. Methods: Participants were recruited from a local CrossFit gym in Southern Utah where they were provided a QR code linked to the Sports Motivation Scale II (SMS II survey). The SMS II survey assess 6 subscales of motivation regulation (intrinsic, integrated, identified, introjected, external, and non). Each of the 18 SMS II survey questions is scored on a Likert scale of 1-7 on a continuum of “Does not correspond at all” to “Corresponds completely”. For the purpose of the study, CrossFit participants were considered to as athletes. Results: The SMS II subscale scores were as follows (mean±SD): intrinsic (5.7±1.3), integrated (5.5±1.1), identified (6.2±1.0), introjected (4.6±1.3), external (2.4±1.4), and non (1.7±1.1). The Identified regulation subscale scores were greater than all other subscales scores (p<0.05). The Intrinsic and Integrated regulation subscale scores were similar and greater than Introjected, External and Non regulation subscale scores (p<0.05). The Introjected regulation subscale scores were greater than the External and Non regulation subscale scores (p<0.05). The External regulation subscale scores were greater than the Non regulation subscores (p<0.05). Conclusions: Within the parameters of this study, it appears that recreational CrossFit participants find motivation within themselves to participate in CrossFit training style exercise sessions.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0018/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>