Background: The Self-Determination Theory perspective assumes that the tendency to internalize and integrate social norms and regulations is central to psychological growth and wellness. Ideally, physical activity is performed out of passion (intrinsic motivation), but the practice could include externally regulated behaviours, such as following a plan for improving own performance (controlled motives). This study examined the causal relationships among perceived motor competence, behavioural regulations in sport and exercise, and some components of musculoskeletal fitness (MSF). Methods: A convenience sample of 82 Italian college students (Males = 35, Females = 47; Mean age = 21.09, SD = 5.66) attending sports sciences degree courses or sociology master’s degree participated in the study. Measures used were: Marsh’s Perceived Motor Competence Scale, to assess perceived general sport and games competence; the 5 subscales of the Behavioural Regulation for Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), to measure sport motivation (Amotivation and External, Introjected, Identified, and Intrinsic regulations); Plank and PACER tests, to measure muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness. Multivariate and mediational regression analyses were conducted to test direct or mediated causal relationships among perceived motor competence, BREQ-2 subscales, and MSF tests. Results: A significant multivariate regression model (R2 = 0.355, p < .001) showed that perceived motor competence (β = 0.464, p < .001) and introjected regulation (β = 0.386, p = .002) had a significant and positive effect on the PACER scores. On the contrary, amotivation (β = -.217, p = .05) and intrinsic motivation (β = -.337, p < .05) had a significant negative influence on the PACER scores. The results of the mediational regression analysis were not significant. Conclusion: Perceived motor competence and introjected regulation had a positive impact on MSF, while intrinsic motivation negatively affected MSF. Introjected regulations are typically associated with contingent self-esteem, shame, or internal conflicts. Also, in an assessment context, introjected regulations appear to be more adaptive and consistent than intrinsic motivation.
The relationship between perceived motor competence and musculoskeletal fitness: the role of behavioural regulations in sport and exercise
Simona Nicolosi;Rosaria Schembri;Francesco Sgro'
2024-01-01
Abstract
Background: The Self-Determination Theory perspective assumes that the tendency to internalize and integrate social norms and regulations is central to psychological growth and wellness. Ideally, physical activity is performed out of passion (intrinsic motivation), but the practice could include externally regulated behaviours, such as following a plan for improving own performance (controlled motives). This study examined the causal relationships among perceived motor competence, behavioural regulations in sport and exercise, and some components of musculoskeletal fitness (MSF). Methods: A convenience sample of 82 Italian college students (Males = 35, Females = 47; Mean age = 21.09, SD = 5.66) attending sports sciences degree courses or sociology master’s degree participated in the study. Measures used were: Marsh’s Perceived Motor Competence Scale, to assess perceived general sport and games competence; the 5 subscales of the Behavioural Regulation for Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), to measure sport motivation (Amotivation and External, Introjected, Identified, and Intrinsic regulations); Plank and PACER tests, to measure muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness. Multivariate and mediational regression analyses were conducted to test direct or mediated causal relationships among perceived motor competence, BREQ-2 subscales, and MSF tests. Results: A significant multivariate regression model (R2 = 0.355, p < .001) showed that perceived motor competence (β = 0.464, p < .001) and introjected regulation (β = 0.386, p = .002) had a significant and positive effect on the PACER scores. On the contrary, amotivation (β = -.217, p = .05) and intrinsic motivation (β = -.337, p < .05) had a significant negative influence on the PACER scores. The results of the mediational regression analysis were not significant. Conclusion: Perceived motor competence and introjected regulation had a positive impact on MSF, while intrinsic motivation negatively affected MSF. Introjected regulations are typically associated with contingent self-esteem, shame, or internal conflicts. Also, in an assessment context, introjected regulations appear to be more adaptive and consistent than intrinsic motivation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
