Social antecedents in physical activity: Tracking the self‐determination theory sequence in adolescents

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of the study was to test the self determination theory (SDT) sequence to predict physical activity (PA) and intention to be active during adolescence: social factors (father, mother, friends, and physical education teacher) → basic psychological needs (BPN) → types of motivation were assessed→ PA and intention to be active. Participants were 1,150 adolescents, Mage = 15.01 (1.55), who completed questionnaires. Structural equation modeling supports the SDT sequence model. Results revealed that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation positively predicted both PA and intention to be active while amotivation did so negatively. Moreover, social factors behaved differently with BPN, finding positive relationships between father, friends, and physical education teachers with competence, autonomy, and relatedness, whereas mother's support does not influence the sequence. The study shed light on the SDT theory to provide a better understanding of physical activity behaviors and intentions during adolescence.