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Body Mass Index: Influence on Interpersonal Style, Basic Psychological Needs, Motivation, and Physical Activity
David Manzano-Sánchez1, Alberto Gómez-Mármol2,3, Manuel Gómez-López3,4
1Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
Higher body mass index (BMI) in students correlates with lower motivation and intention for physical activity. Primary students showed lower BMI and activity intention than secondary students.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Educational Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is a key indicator of body fatness.
- Psychological factors significantly influence physical activity participation.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for promoting health in young populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and psychological aspects of motivation.
- To examine the influence of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, social relatedness) on physical activity intention.
- To compare these factors between Primary and Secondary Education students.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 574 Primary and Secondary Education students.
- Administration of questionnaires to assess BMI, motivation, basic psychological needs, and physical activity intention.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations and differences between groups.
Main Results:
- Students with higher BMI exhibited lower self-determined motivation and physical activity intention.
- Primary Education students had lower BMI, motivation, and physical activity intention compared to Secondary Education students.
- No significant gender differences were observed in BMI, motivation, or physical activity intention.
Conclusions:
- Elevated BMI is associated with reduced psychological motivation for physical activity in students.
- Educational level (Primary vs. Secondary) impacts BMI and physical activity engagement.
- Further research using direct BMI measurement or mixed methods is recommended.
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