Examining the Role Ones’ Stage of Change Plays in Understanding the Relationship Between Motivation and Physical Activity

Considerable research guided by the Self Determination Theory has demonstrated that people who are motivated by more self-determined reasons (e.g., enjoyment, core beliefs, or personally meaningful benefits) are more likely to be physical activity. However, far less is known about the role ones’ stage of change (readiness for physical activity) plays in this relationship. The purpose of the present study was to (a) determine if the six forms of motivation and indices of physical activity varied across the stages of change, and (b) investigate if composite scores of self-determined and non-self-determined motivation were differentially related to physical activity indices depending on the stage of change of the individual. In total, 700 adults aged 18–65 (Mage = 32.59; SD = 12.82) completed an online survey consisting of demographics, and assessments of stages of change, motivation, and physical activity. Results demonstrated that participants at more advanced stages of change reported significantly higher self-determined motives, moderate activity, vigorous activity, and frequency of physical activity, and lower amotivation, with introjected regulation peaking at the implementation phase. Moderation analyses indicated that stages of change moderated the relationship between self-determined motives and moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as physical activity frequency, but did not moderate the relationship between non-self-determined motives and indices of physical activity. Findings suggested that participants’ self-determined motives play a critical role in physical activity and becomes more important at more advanced stages of change, which is important to consider for program and intervention development.