A Path‐Analytic Model of Self‐Determination Theory in a Physical Activity Context

This study examines Self‐Determination Theory (SDT) in a physical activity context, using a prospective design to predict leisure time physical activity. We expected need satisfaction and self‐determined motivation to predict physical activity 1 month later. One hundred sixteen undergraduate students completed two questionnaires, 1 month after the other. As anticipated, a path analysis revealed the proposed model to fit the data. Specifically, each psychological need positively predicted self‐determined motivation, and competence negatively predicted nonself‐determined motivation. Self‐determined motivation was then found to predict physical activity 1 month later, while nonself‐determined motivation was not a significant predictor. These findings support the theoretical model proposed by SDT and the implications of these findings are discussed.