The contribution of integrated regulation to adults’ motivational profiles for physical activity: A self-determination theory perspective

Abstract

Engagement in regular physical activity (PA) is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Using self-determination theory (SDT), the aim of this study was to verify how integrated regulation contributes to the development of PA motivational profiles and how these profiles predict PA intention and behaviour. A cross-sectional design was used and 1092 active adults (910% or 83.3% women, M age = 34.62, SD = 11.24) completed the Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-version 2 (BREQ-2), as well as an integrated regulation subscale. Furthermore, participants completed questionnaires assessing weekly PA practice and PA intention. Notably, the results of the multivariate hierarchical multiple regression showed that integrated regulation explained additional variance in PA intention and behaviour, once having controlled for the influence of other behavioural regulation types. Furthermore, the results of a cluster analysis confirmed four distinct motivational profiles: Self-Determined, High Combined, Moderate, and Non-Self-Determined. These clusters were differently associated with PA intention and behaviour. The findings highlight the importance of considering an individual's scores for each behavioural regulation, including integrated regulation, when examining motivational profiles towards PA. The results also demonstrate that individuals can, to varying degrees, present several motivation styles for engaging in a particular behaviour, illustrating how differing magnitudes of each regulation can be differentially associated with PA outcomes.