Self Determination Theory and Triathletes: Application of the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale

Abstract

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) contends that sustained physical activity (PA) is contingent upon fulfillment of the needs for autonomy (A), competence (C) and relatedness (R) (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2000). The Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) has proven valid as a measure of A,C, and R in non athlete populations (Vlachopoulos & Michailidou, 2006). PURPOSE: To examine BPNES applicability to an athlete population by measuring A,C, and R among triathletes. METHODS: Sixty-eight male and 56 female Olympic or half-Ironman distance triathletes (n =124, range 13-72yrs.) completed questionnaires to provide demographic and prior race experience data. Less experienced triathletes (LT) (n = 64) were defined as completing seven or fewer races while more experienced triathletes (MT) (n = 60) had completed at least eight races (range 8-201 races). PA was assessed using the Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire with A,C and R measured by the BPNES. RESULTS: Mean values for A,C and R for triathletes were 51%, 46% and 58% higher than respective mean values from the reference population (private gym members) for initial BPNES validation. Females (6.13 + .77) had greater levels than males (5.76 + .88) for A t(116) = 2.3, p < .05 and were more likely than men to train with others as opposed to solitary training t(118) = 2.28, p < .05. Compared to LT's (48.15 + 21.72), MT's reported more average min./wk. of strenuous leisure time PA (64.22 + 22), t(117) = 2.570, p < .01; average mos./yr. spent training (MT = 10.28 + 1.75, LT = 8.04 + 3.65) t(119) = 4.271, p < .001; and C (MT = 5.74 + .75, LT = 5.39 + 5.39) t(118) = 2.30, p < .05. MT's (6.07 + .84) were almost significantly higher than LT's (5.79 + .85) for A t(118) = 1.82, p = .07. In multiple regression analyses to predict A, it was found that gender, years of training, average training months per year and weekly training hours accounted for 27% of the variance. Weekly training hours and average months of training per year accounted for 9% and 13% of the respective variance for C and R. CONCLUSION: Prior training length and volume were significant predictors of A, C, and R. Greater training experience resulted in higher C. We conclude that the BPNES is a valid instrument for measuring SDT need constructs among an athlete population.