Associations between Intrinsic Motivation, Exercise Attitudes, Physical Activity and Mental Health in Young Adolescents: An Integrated Motivational Perspective
Authors
Masoud Arashi 1, Collin Webster 2, Diana Mindrila 3, Joan Duda 4, Dušan Perić 6, 5, Ivana Banićević 5, 6, Željko Banićević 5, 6
1 School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham Dubai, Dubai, UAE.
2 Department of Kinesiology, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, USA.
3 Department of Leadership, Research and School Improvement, University of West Georgia, USA.
4 School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham Edgbaston, UK.
5 HERC – Health, Exercise & Research Center, Dubai, UAE.
6 Faculty of Sport & Psychology, Educons University, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Phase
The Project
The promotion of physical activity (PA) and mental health (MH) is highly important during early adolescence. By drawing upon previous studies and employing a comprehensive theoretical framework on PA behavior, this research aimed to examine the connections between intrinsic motivation for PA in leisure time, attitudes towards exercise, leisure-time PA, and MH (specifically emotional and behavioral disorders) among young adolescents.
The study involved 315 students (mean age = 11.41; standard deviation = 2.09; 45.1% female) conveniently selected from two private schools in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Data collection was conducted through an online survey utilizing established measures, and analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. We hypothesized that individuals with higher levels of intrinsic motivation would exhibit more positive exercise attitudes. This favorable inclination, in turn, was anticipated to enhance participation in physical activity, thereby ultimately contributing to the desired mental health outcomes. By investigating these connections, the research strived to illuminate the potential routes that connect an internal drive, attitudes toward exercise, physical activity, and mental health, offering a valuable understanding of the correlation between exercise and general well-being.
