The relationship between implicit motives and physical activity: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sports Science
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Implicit motives, affect-based motivational dispositions, may enhance physical activity by increasing enjoyment.
• No prior synthesis exists for empirical data linking major implicit motives (achievement, affiliation, power) to physical activity.
• This study addresses this research gap by reviewing existing evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence on the relationship between implicit motives and physical activity.
• To identify the extent and nature of this association across different motives.
• To highlight methodological strengths and limitations in current research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review of literature from PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases until August 2024.
• Inclusion of German/English peer-reviewed publications (observational or intervention studies) linking implicit motives to physical activity.
• Qualitative synthesis and critical appraisal of methodological quality using an adapted JBI checklist.

Main Results:

• Five publications (seven studies, N=550) were included, all observational.
• A consistent positive association was found between the achievement motive and physical activity, particularly in athletes.
• Associations with affiliation and power motives were mixed; methodological concerns were noted across studies.

Conclusions:

• The achievement motive is positively associated with physical activity, especially in sports contexts.
• Limitations include a lack of intervention studies and reliance on non-gold standard assessment methods.
• Further methodologically rigorous research is required, particularly in the general population.