Physical Activity Motivation Among Sororities and Fraternities

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the current study was to examine relationships between physical activity levels and motivation among active Greek affiliated college students. Thousands of college students join the Greek system upon enrollment in college; however, limited literature exists examining physical activity motivation among sororities and fraternities. This study is based on the Self Determination Theory, encompassing motivation underlying the likelihood to partake in certain behaviors, such as physical activity. Study sample included eight different sororities (n = 4) and fraternities (n = 4) at the University of Nebraska-Kearney campus. Participants (n = 235; fraternity, n = 73; sorority, n = 162) examined physical activity motivation using the revised version of the Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) and self-reported physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ). The study reports a significant correlation in physical activity motivation among the constructs of stress (r = 0.420; p = 0.000), weight management (r = 0.419; p = 0.000), and appearance (r = 0.302; p = 0.000) among Greek groups. Results indicate fraternities rate stress, weight management, and appearance higher than sororities. In addition, sororities present a stronger correlation between competition and physical activity motivation (r = 0.735), while fraternities had a stronger correlation between affiliation and physical activity motivation (r = 0.326). Greek affiliation can play an important role in college students’ lives. The importance of this study could offer insight into creating an effective plan or solution to change or improve health behaviors in the Greek community.