Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Mediating Role of Basic Psychological Needs in the Association Between Exercise Goal Content and Subjective
Nuno Couto1,2, Raul Antunes2,3, Teresa Bento1,2
1Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior, Santarém Polytechnic University (ESDRM-IPSantarém), 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal.
Abstract:
Background: This study aimed to examine the association between different exercise goals and their impact on subjective well-being (SWB) variables, namely, positive affect (PA), negative affect (NA), and satisfaction with life (SWL), as well as to explore the mediating role of basic psychological needs (BPNs) in this relationship within a sample of Portuguese older adults. Methods: The sample study constituted 298 individuals (233 females, 65 males), aged between 60 and 90 years (M = 68.43; SD = 6.48). Through model four of the Process macro for SPSS version 3.5, a simple mediation analysis was carried out. Results: The results show that BPNs mediated the relationship between goal content for exercise health management and PA and SWL; goal content for exercise skill development and PA; goal content for exercise image, PA, and SWL; and goal content for exercise social affiliation and PA. Conclusions: Thus, we can conclude that BPNs stand out as a relevant mediator in the relationship between goal content for exercise and SWB variables, which reinforces the importance of BPNs in SWB promotion in the older population.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Self-Discrepancy Theory

