Psychological needs and exercise behaviour: a comparison of two psychological needs models

OBJECTIVE

Psychological need satisfaction, from a self-determination theory (SDT) perspective, has been applied extensively to understand predictors of exercise behaviour. Dweck proposed a psychological needs framework that includes basic needs (optimal predictability, competence, acceptance), compound needs derived from combinations of basic needs (self-esteem/status, trust, control), and a superordinate compound need for self-coherence that includes identity and meaning. The purpose was to examine whether psychological needs operationalized within Dweck's model account for variance in exercise behaviour in ways that the SDT model does not.

METHODS AND MEASURES

A community sample of 403 adults completed measures of demographics, psychological needs, and exercise motivation at Time 1, and self-reported moderate-to-vigorous minutes of exercise at both Times 1 and 2 four weeks later.

RESULTS

Two structural equation models operationalizing Dweck's needs framework and SDT (basic needs and motivation) were examined in relation to exercise behaviour. In both models, exercise identity and integrated regulation (conceptually similar) were the most salient correlates of prospectively measured exercise behaviour, and both accounted for the relationship between competence and exercise behaviour.

CONCLUSION

The results support the importance of identity in the context of exercise behaviour. Future research should investigate factors associated with adopting and maintaining an exercise identity.

The art of forming habits: applying habit theory in changing physical activity behaviour

Background

Habits are obtained as a consequence of cue-contingent behavioural repetition. Context cues stimulate strong habits without an individual contemplating that action has been initiated. Because of its health-enhancing effects, making physical activity a part of one’s life is essential. This study examined the associations of physical activity (PA) behaviours with PA habits and the role of autonomous motivation in developing PA habits.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design. A structured questionnaire was implemented through emails to 226 university students, where PA levels, habits and autonomous motivation were self-reported.

Results

Binary logistic regression identified age groups, gender and participants who were trying to lose weight as the significant predictors in meeting physical activity guidelines. Path analysis showed that moderate-intensity physical activity (β = 0.045, CI = 0.069–0.248) and strength training exercises (β = 0.133, CI = 0.148–0.674) were significantly associated with PA habits (p < 0.01). Autonomous motivation was directly associated with PA habits (β = 0.062, CI = [0.295–0.541], p < 0.01) and was also significantly related to moderate-intensity physical activity (β = 0.243, CI = [0.078–0.266], p < 0.01) and strength training exercises (β = 0.202, CI = [0.033–0.594], p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The emphasis on experiment-based logic and interest in habit formation in the research community is extensive. As the college years offer an excellent opportunity to establish healthy behavioural interventions, encouraging students in regular PA and exhibiting an autonomous motivation towards PA may be necessary.

The correlates of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic among Indonesian young adults: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Social distancing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect physical activity levels. This study aimed to compare physical activity levels before and during the pandemic and to explore physical activity correlates among Indonesian young adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This longitudinal study was conducted before the pandemic (n = 141) in September 2019 and was followed by an online follow-up survey during the pandemic (79% response rate) in September 2020. Physical activity was measured using the global physical activity questionnaire and was classified into "sufficient" and "insufficient." The potential correlates of physical activity were constructs from social-cognitive theory and health belief model. Those were measured using a validated questionnaire in the follow-up survey. Physical activity levels before and during pandemics were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Simple logistic regressions were used to assess the relationships between each potential correlate and physical activity status during the pandemic.

RESULTS

Physical activity levels decreased significantly during the pandemic, mostly in the work-related domain. Participants with favorable physical activity-related constructs were more likely to be physically active. The odds ratio ranged from 3.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-10.11) in participants with higher self-efficacy to 4.50 (95% CI = 1.44-14.06) in those with higher outcome expectations of physical activity.

CONCLUSION

A significant decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic among Indonesian young adults was confirmed. The application of behavioral change theories for explaining physical activity status during the pandemic in this population is also supported. It is recommended to incorporate these constructs to develop physical activity interventions in this target population.

Meeting the Canadian strength training recommendations: Implications for the cardiometabolic, psychological and musculoskeletal health of nurses

AIM

To examine the proportion of nurses meeting the strength training recommendation and its associated cardiometabolic, psychological and musculoskeletal benefits.

BACKGROUND

Strength training targets poor physical and mental health often reported by nurses; however, it is unknown whether nurses are meeting the strength training guidelines.

METHODS

Nurses from 14 hospitals completed a 7-day physical activity log. Nurses were considered meeting the recommendation if they reported ≥2 strength training sessions per week. Cardiometabolic, psychological and musculoskeletal health, and levels of motivation were compared between nurses meeting and not meeting the guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 307 nurses (94% female; age: 43 ± 12 years), 29 (9.4%) met the strength training recommendation. These nurses had lower body mass index (24.1 ± 2.6 vs. 27.3 ± 5.5 kg/m² , p = .007) and waist circumference (73.8 ± 8.3 vs. 81.1 ± 11.7 cm, p = .017); and higher vigour-activity (18.0 ± 5.8 vs. 15.6 ± 6.5 points, p = .046) and self-determined motivation (relative autonomic index: 54.9 ± 20.3 vs. 45.0 ± 23.8 points, p = .042) scores than nurses not meeting the recommendation.

CONCLUSION

While the proportion of nurses meeting the strength training recommendation was small (<10%), they had lower body mass and waist circumference, and higher vigour-activity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Strategies to increase the strength training engagement may improve the cardiometabolic health and increase vigour among nurses.