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E-page version: Moving Denmark: Physical Activity Beliefs and Motivation Within and Across Life
Download pdf: Moving Denmark: Physical Activity Beliefs and Motivation Within and Across Life
What is the study about?
The ph.d. thesis explore how physical activity beliefs, intentions and motivation are influenced within and across life, operationalised through three research aims: the effects of life transitions on beliefs and behaviour (Theory of Planned Behaviour), variations in psychological need satisfaction and frustration across physical activity domains (Self-Determination Theory), and the processes by which individuals restore psychological needs after experiences of need frustration or unfulfilment.
It is based on semi-structured life story interviews with 42 adults.
Main conclusions:
- Life transitions significantly alter social roles and obligations, often constraining motivation for physical activity (e.g. school, work, parenthood) but can also enhance motivation where autonomy increases.
- Psychological need support varies across activity domains; utilitarian domains (transport, household) often lead to need unfulfilment, whereas work and recreation can both support and undermine autonomy, competence and relatedness.
- Restoration of psychological needs follows distinct trajectories depending on whether the experience was of need unfulfilment (leading to proactive engagement) or need frustration (leading to avoidance), with long-lasting effects when frustration occurred in obligatory contexts such as school.
Published:
2024
Authors:
Birgitte Westerskov Dalgas
Contact:
Birgitte Westerskov Dalgas, bwpedersen@health.sdu.dk
Support/Funding:
Nordea-fonden and University of Southern Denmark.