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Motivational Climate and Well-Being in Older Adult Group Exercise: The Mediating Role of Basic Psychological Needs
Sabrena Jo1,2, Mary D Fry1, Theresa C Brown3
1School of Education and Human Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the motivational climate and older adults' basic psychological needs (BPNs), subjective wellbeing, and exercise commitment in group fitness classes. Members of fitness centers offering older adult programming (N = 284) completed a survey about their group fitness experiences. A caring, task-involving climate was positively (and an ego-involving climate negatively) associated with BPNs, wellbeing, and commitment. Wellbeing and commitment were positively correlated, and both were predicted by BPNs. The structural equation model indicated that BPNs mediated the relationship between a caring, task-involving climate and wellbeing/commitment. The motivational climate may improve older adults' exercise experiences as exercise leaders who foster a caring, task-involving climate have opportunity to enhance wellbeing and commitment, promoting healthy aging. These results align with the idea that physical activity supports overall wellbeing in later years. Fitness programs tailored to the unique needs of older adults can support resilient, health-focused communities, ensuring opportunities for physical activity across generations.
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