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A Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based intervention aimed at increasing adherence to
Dalit Lev Arey1, Asaf Blatt2, Tomer Gutman1
1School of Psychology, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Israel.
A new physical activity (PA) intervention using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) significantly boosted exercise motivation in sedentary students. While training frequency didn't change, activity intensity increased.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Health Promotion
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, yet engagement remains low (~22%) due to factors like amotivation.
- Sedentary lifestyles are prevalent, particularly among college students, necessitating effective interventions.
- Behavioral change theories like Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offer potential frameworks for enhancing PA engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot-test a novel PA intervention program integrating SDT and ACT principles.
- To evaluate the intervention's effectiveness in enhancing PA engagement among sedentary college students.
- To compare the SDT and ACT-based intervention against a traditional approach and a non-treatment control group.
Main Methods:
- A 14-week randomized controlled trial involving 94 sedentary Israeli college students.
- Participants were assigned to either an SDT and ACT-based intervention, a traditional intervention, or a non-treatment group.
- Motivation to exercise (BREQ-3) and training frequency (IPAQ) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The SDT and ACT-based intervention group showed a significant increase in exercise motivation.
- No significant changes in weekly training frequency were observed across any groups.
- Participants in the SDT and ACT-based group reported increased activity intensity compared to control groups.
Conclusions:
- An intervention combining SDT and ACT shows promise for enhancing exercise motivation and intensity in sedentary individuals.
- The findings suggest that psychological frameworks can be effectively applied to improve PA engagement.
- The intervention protocol can inform future strategies for promoting PA and public health.
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