Influencing factors of physical exercise motivation among military academy cadets: a social ecological model analysis

Physical exercise motivation is a critical determinant of health behavior among military academy cadets. While individual psychological factors have been extensively studied, the multilevel influences based on the Social Ecological Model (SEM) remain underexplored in this population. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intrapersonal (exercise self-efficacy), interpersonal (social support), and Organizational (institutional support) factors on exercise motivation among Chinese military academy cadets.

A validated questionnaire was developed based on SEM constructs. After pilot testing with 294 participants (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.82 for all scales), a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 581 cadets. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed using AMOS 24.0 to examine direct and indirect pathways. Bootstrap resampling (5,000 iterations) was employed to test mediating effects.

Exercise self-efficacy demonstrated a significant total effect on exercise motivation (β = 0.465, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.357-0.569]) but no significant direct effect, indicating full mediation. Both interpersonal support (β = 0.547, p < 0.001) and Organizational support (β = 0.198, p = 0.001) exhibited significant positive direct effects. Three significant indirect pathways were identified: (1) Self-efficacy → Organizational support → Motivation (β = 0.136, p = 0.005, 95% CI [0.038-0.268]). (2) Self-efficacy → Interpersonal support → Motivation (β = 0.130, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.055-0.223]). (3) Self-efficacy → Organizational support → Interpersonal support → Motivation (β = 0.175, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.115-0.255]).

Organizational and interpersonal supports serve as critical mediators translating individual self-efficacy into exercise motivation. Multi-level interventions targeting policy optimization (e.g., mandatory group exercise programs), peer-mentoring systems, and instructor training may facilitate the transition from extrinsic compliance to intrinsic motivation among military cadets.