Related Experiment Videos
An Examination of TikTok Fitness Content and Its Motivational Impact on University Students
Halle N Brin1, Madelyn Smith1, Justin Montney1
1School of Health Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
Abstract:
Social media is a key source of exercise inspiration for college students, yet research examining fitness influencers' motivational approaches and the impact of "fitspiration" content on users is limited. This study involved 1) a content analysis characterizing the motivational approaches of videos (N = 71) by fitness influencers promoting strength training on TikTok, and 2) an examination of college students' (N = 146) exercise intentions, self-efficacy, and motivation after watching 10 TikTok videos. Results revealed progress/accomplishment (44%), appearance/aesthetics (31%), and strength/fitness (30%) were the primary exercise benefits promoted by influencers. A majority of videos used introjected (39%) or external (23%) regulation. Students reported significant improvements in exercise intentions (t(145)=5.04, p < .001) and self-efficacy (t(145)=5.89, p < .001) after viewing TikTok content. Additionally, participants reported greater enjoyment and more positive body image perceptions after watching videos promoting autonomous motivation, whereas videos characterized as using controlled motivation were linked to higher intentions to exercise. Future research should explore avenues for collaboration between exercise researchers and TikTok content creators to promote content that is appealing to users and employs evidence-based approaches for optimizing exercise motivation and engagement.
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...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Inclusive Fitness
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Self-Efficacy
Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison