Motivation and Physical Activity: Differences Between High School and University Students in Spain

Perceptual and Motor Skills
Javier SevilDavid Sánchez-Oliva

Abstract

Grounded in self-determination theory, this study aimed first to examine differences in motivation for physical activity (PA) and habitual PA levels between adolescents and university students in Spain. The second aim was to examine differences in the degree of association between their intrinsic motivation and amotivation for PA and habitual PA levels in both samples. We studied 2,699 students (1,833 high school and 866 university; mean age = 18.83, standard deviation = 4.12 years) who completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and two dimensions of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. High school students, relative to university students, self-reported significantly higher intrinsic motivation and higher PA levels for each type of PA intensity (i.e., walk, moderate, and vigorous); high school students also self-reported significantly lower amotivation than university students. The degree of association between the total metabolic equivalents of task and intrinsic motivation was higher among high school (versus) university students. This study shows the need to design intervention strategies to enhance PA levels and intrinsic motivation in university students.

References

Aug 6, 2003·Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise·Cora L CraigPekka Oja
Feb 11, 2010·The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·Carol A Janney, John M Jakicic
Feb 26, 2010·The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·Lindsay R DuncanO Jenny
Jan 20, 2011·International Journal of Epidemiology·Samuel C DumithHarold W Kohl
May 19, 2011·Journal of Sports Sciences·Dora RomagueraAntoni Aguilo
Aug 13, 2011·Journal of Physical Activity & Health·Menno Slingerland, Lars Borghouts
Apr 20, 2012·Sports Medicine·Elina EngbergHeikki Pekkarinen
Jun 26, 2012·The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·Pedro J TeixeiraRichard M Ryan
Jul 24, 2012·Lancet·Adrian E BaumanUNKNOWN Lancet Physical Activity Series Working Group
Jul 3, 2013·The Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine·Katherine B OwenChris Lonsdale
Sep 27, 2013·The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·Simon J SebireJanice L Thompson
Apr 15, 2014·Perceptual and Motor Skills·Armando CoccaJesús Viciana-Ramírez
Jan 20, 2015·Journal of Physical Activity & Health·Javier Molina-GarcíaJames F Sallis
Jun 1, 2000·Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·M Booth
May 1, 2015·International Journal of Public Health·Supa PengpidFalk Müller-Riemenschneider
Sep 18, 2015·The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·Ashley R CooperUlf Ekelund
Mar 3, 2017·The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·Sheila Rodríguez-MuñozJavier Zaragoza
Apr 26, 2017·The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·Jenna L HollisJohn Wiggers
May 31, 2017·Psychology & Health·Ryan E RhodesAdrian Bauman

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jun 15, 2019·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Félix Zurita-OrtegaManuel Castro-Sánchez
Jul 10, 2019·Frontiers in Psychology·Wanesa Onetti-OnettiAlfonso Castillo-Rodriguez
Aug 14, 2021·Perspectives in Psychiatric Care·Pablo Chust-HernándezPilar Pérez-Ros

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.