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The Role of Body Image Discrepancy in Exercise and Eating Motivation: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Rogério Salvador1,2,3, Filipa Cordeiro1, Ruth Jimenéz Castuera4
1ESECS, Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Body image perception significantly influences motivation for exercise and eating. Being satisfied with one's body is linked to autonomous motivation, while discrepancies can lead to controlled motivation, especially in women.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Health psychology
- Self-Determination Theory
Background:
- Body dissatisfaction is often studied as a consequence of physical activity, but its influence on behavioral regulation is less understood.
- Self-Determination Theory provides a framework for examining how internal and external factors affect motivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between perceived body image discrepancy profiles and autonomous/controlled motivation for exercise and eating.
- To explore potential interaction effects between body image profiles and sex on motivational quality.
Main Methods:
- 939 regular gym exercisers (mean age 33 years, 55.1% female) participated.
- Participants were categorized into four body image discrepancy profiles using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale.
- Two-Way ANOVAs were employed to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Individuals satisfied with their body image reported higher autonomous and lower controlled motivation for both exercise and eating.
- A significant interaction between body image and sex was found for controlled eating motivation.
- Females showed a "U-shaped" pattern in controlled eating motivation, with higher levels at body image extremes compared to males, whose motivation remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Perceived body image discrepancy is a key determinant of motivational quality in behavioral regulation.
- A lack of body image discrepancy is associated with adaptive, autonomous motivation.
- Tailored, sex-specific strategies are recommended for health professionals addressing body image concerns due to observed sex differences in motivation.
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