Haase, A. M. and Kinnafick, F.-E. (2007) What factors drive regular exercise behavior?: Exploring the concept and maintenance of habitual exercise. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology. 29(Suppl.), S165. 0895-2779.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Research has shown consistent findings supporting the benefits of exercise both physically and psychologically. However, the current population continues to remain inactive with high dropout rates of exercise programs indicating that health promotion schemes are not succeeding. Despite this, some individuals continue to maintain patterns of regular activity, and it is this group that may demonstrate unique characteristics that would allow for understanding how and why exercise can become a habit and maintained over time. A qualitative study was conducted to understand the opinions of individuals and their unique experiences with regards to their maintained exercise behavior. A sample of 197 university gym attendees completed a basic screening questionnaire to identify regular exercisers who fulfilled the criteria of exercising 3 times a week for at least 30 min a session for 3 months or longer. Twelve volunteers (7 male, 5 female) participated in one of three focus groups; each focus group was determined by participants' employment status--university students, administration employees, and academic staff. Focus group topics were derived from aspects of self-determination, self-efficacy, and theory of planned behavior. All focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by thematic content analysis through grounded theory enabling the development of a structured and theoretical account of the general features associated with habitual exercise. Results showed that, in all three groups, maintained exercise behavior can be attained if key factors of intrinsic motivation to exercise, value of exercise, commitment to exercise, structure, and planning are present. The overarching themes of self-concept and identity, collectively, with the above factors allow habitual exercise to be achieved. Further research is required to ascertain the extent to which this model fully represents habitual exercise behavior, whether it applies to other population groups, and whether this is useful for interventions to promote continued exercise participation. |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Physical fitness -- research, intrinsic motivation -- research,; self-efficacy in students, focus groups, exercise -- research, physical education -- psychological aspects |
| Subjects: |
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > GV706 Sports psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA773 Personal health and hygiene > RA781 Physical fitness. Exercise |
| Creators: | Haase, A M and Kinnafick, Florence-Emilie |
| Publisher: | Human Kinetics Publishers |
| Northamptonshire and East Midlands: | Health |
| Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: |
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Institute of Health and Wellbeing > Centre for Physical Activity and Chronic Disease University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services Research Centres > Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences |
| Date: | June 2007 |
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Page Range: | S165 |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology |
| Volume: | 29 |
| Number: | Suppl. |
| Language: | English |
| ISSN: | 0895-2779 |
| Status: | Published / Disseminated |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6214 |
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