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Body Image Satisfaction, Overweight Dissatisfaction, and Exercise Persistence: A Self-Determination Theory Approach
Rogério Salvador1,2,3, Lucio Naranjo2, Ruth Jiménez-Castuera4
1Research Center in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Body image perception influences exercise motivation pathways. Supportive professionals enhance motivation and adherence for those satisfied with their body, while unsupportive environments hinder motivation for those dissatisfied.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Exercise Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Self-Determination Theory (SDT) posits that satisfying basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness) fuels intrinsic motivation.
- Body image perception is a significant factor in individuals' engagement with physical activity.
- The interpersonal style of exercise professionals can impact client motivation and adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how body image perception shapes motivational pathways in exercise.
- To examine the links between exercise professionals' interpersonal style, psychological needs, motivation quality, and exercise persistence.
- To differentiate motivational experiences between exercisers satisfied and dissatisfied with their body image.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 821 regular exercisers was surveyed.
- Participants were grouped based on body image satisfaction (Satisfied vs. Dissatisfied due to Overweight).
- Validated measures assessed perceived instructor behaviors, psychological need satisfaction/frustration, motivation, and persistence intentions.
Main Results:
- The 'Satisfied' group showed a positive pathway: supportive behaviors led to need satisfaction, self-determined motivation, and higher persistence intentions.
- The 'Dissatisfied' group exhibited a negative pathway: thwarting behaviors led to need frustration, non-self-determined motivation, and lower persistence intentions.
- Measurement invariance confirmed these distinct pathways are comparable across body image groups.
Conclusions:
- Body image perception is a critical correlate of distinct motivational experiences in exercise.
- The interpersonal style of exercise professionals significantly influences these motivational pathways.
- Creating need-supportive environments is crucial for adaptive motivation and adherence, especially for individuals with body image concerns.
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