The Role of Gratitude in Intrinsic and Extrinsic Exercise Motivation

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the role of positive psychology in the prediction of exercise motivation. Specifically, we examine the construct of gratitude in association with intrinsic and extrinsic exercise motivation. METHODS: One hundred predominantly female (84%) undergraduate participants (age: M=19.78, SD=2.43) responded to online survey questionnaires including demographics, subjective health, gratitude (GRAT-R) and Exercise Motivation (EMI-2). RESULTS: Hierarchical regressions including theoretically derived control variables (age, sex, minority status and subjective health) explored the role of gratitude in the prediction of intrinsic and extrinsic exercise motivation. Gratitude was significantly positively associated with intrinsic motivation (β=.397, p<.001), but not extrinsic motivation (β=.225 , p=.07). In analyzing gratitude subscales, Sense of Abundance was positively associated with intrinsic motivation (β=.296, p<.01), and Social Appreciation was positively associated with both intrinsic (β=.497, p<.001) and extrinsic motivation (β=.401, p<.001). In further examining subscales of the EMI-2, total gratitude scores were significantly positively correlated with Stress Management (r=.411, p<.001), Revitalization (r=.386, p<.001), Enjoyment (r=.411, p<.001), Challenge (r=.390, p<.001), Affiliation (r=.254, p<.01), Ill-Health Avoidance (r=.250, p<.05), Positive Health (r=.356, p<.001), Weight Management (r=.201, p<.05) and Strength/Endurance (r=.310, p<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Gratitude positively predicted exercise motivation, particularly intrinsic motivators of exercise. These findings suggest that positive psychological practices are associated with attitudes that encourage health behavior change.