Predicting Physical Activity Intentions Using Goal Perspectives and Self-Determination Theory Approaches

This study used goal orientation theory and self-determination theory (SDT) perspectives to investigate the predictors of physical activity intentions in a sample of Hungarian youth (N = 723). It was hypothesized that the four behavioral regulations stemming from SDT would be proximal predictors of intention, and that goal orientations would predict intentions indirectly through self-determined forms of behavioral regulations, directly for task orientation and indirectly through perceived competence for ego orientation. The hypothesized model was tested on a sample of 301 young people and found to fit the data satisfactorily. The model was then confirmed on a second sample (N = 422). Multi-sample analysis showed the paths to be equal across the two samples so they were combined. For the whole sample, the hypothesized model was confirmed (N = 723) with 18.8% of the variance in intentions explained. The main predictors of intention were self-determined forms of behavioral regulation. The influence of task orientation and ego orientation, indirectly through perceived competence, on intentions was through identified and intrinsic behavioral regulations.