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Motivation contagion when instructing obese individuals: a test in exercise settings
Johan Y Y Ng1, Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Nikos Ntoumanis
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology
|August 15, 2012
Summary
Motivation contagion, where one person’s motivation influences another’s, is plausible in exercise settings. Instructors’ perceptions of client motivation impact client outcomes and instructor effort, especially with female clients.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Motivation contagion is a phenomenon where an individual’s motivation influences others.
- Understanding motivation contagion in exercise settings is crucial for effective fitness instruction.
- Previous research has not fully explored how motivation contagion affects interactions between fitness instructors and obese clients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate motivation contagion in a hypothetical exercise context.
- To examine how exercise science students perceive and respond to different qualities of exerciser motivation and gender.
- To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of exercise programs based on motivation contagion.
Main Methods:
- A between-subjects experimental design was employed with 164 exercise science students.
- Participants were presented with quotes from hypothetical obese exercisers exhibiting varying motivation levels and genders.
- Student responses regarding motivation to instruct, interpersonal style, perceived barrier efficacy, and effort were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Students showed less controlled motivation and perceived exercisers as more capable when exercisers were perceived as autonomously motivated.
- Female students reported greater autonomy support and invested more effort towards hypothetical female exercisers with controlled motivation.
- Motivation contagion effects were observed, influencing instructor perceptions and behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Motivation contagion is a plausible factor in exercise settings, impacting instructor-client dynamics.
- Instructor perceptions of client motivation quality significantly influence their own motivation and assessment of client capabilities.
- Interventions should consider motivation contagion, particularly concerning gender dynamics, to enhance exercise program effectiveness for obese clients.
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