Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
The relationship of physical activity and the built environment within the context of self-determination theory
Jennifer L Gay1, Ruth P Saunders, Marsha Dowda
1Division of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA. Jennifer.L.Gay@uth.tmc.edu
Background:
Evidence is emerging of the combined effects of psychosocial and environmental determinants on exercise.
Purpose:
This study aims to examine the moderating effects of convenience, facilities at places of worship, access, crime/safety, and neighborhood characteristics on the relationship between exercise and psychosocial needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness).
Methods:
Adults from four cities enrolling in a weight loss program (N = 477; 72.1% White, BMI = 32.21 ± 7.67) completed questionnaires on current exercise levels, perceptions of the environment for exercise, and autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Results:
There were significant interaction effects for neighborhood characteristics with all three psychological needs satisfaction, and for convenience with competence and relatedness, such that the relationship between psychosocial needs satisfaction and exercise is stronger for participants with better perceptions of convenience and neighborhood characteristics.
Conclusions:
Results indicate that the relationship between exercise and autonomy, competence, and relatedness is different for low and high perceptions of convenience to places for exercise and neighborhood characteristics.
Related Concept Videos
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who is...
Dimensions of Health and Illness
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
Attribution Theory
