Declining Physical Activity and Motivation from Middle School to High School

Area of Science:

• Adolescent health behaviors
• Motivation psychology
• Physical activity research

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical period for physical activity decline.
• Understanding motivational factors is key to promoting sustained physical activity.
• Self-Determination Theory provides a framework for examining motivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if changes in intrinsic motivation, behavioral regulation, and goals influence declining physical activity in adolescents.
• To explore the interplay between motivational factors and goal orientations in predicting physical activity.
• To identify potential intervention targets for maintaining adolescent physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 260 adolescents from sixth to ninth grade.
• Latent growth modeling used to analyze changes in motivation, regulation, and goals.
• Objective measurement of physical activity using accelerometers.

Main Results:

• Higher intrinsic motivation and integrated regulation were associated with less physical activity decline.
• These effects were moderated by goal orientations, particularly enjoyment goals.
• Interactions between motivation and goals explained 1-2 min·h less decrease in physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Interventions promoting autonomous motivation (intrinsic and integrated regulation) are recommended for adolescents.
• Focusing on specific goals, such as enjoyment, is crucial for modifying physical activity.
• Future interventions should consider the complex interplay of autonomous and controlled motivation with goals during adolescent transitions.