Analysis of motivational profiles of physical activity behavior in primary school students: A self-determination theory-based perspective

Grounded on Self-Determination Theory, the objective of this research was to identify the optimal number of motivational profiles, and to examine how they could differ in long-term physical activity behavior (physical activity intention, physical activity levels, and physical activity recommendations). This is a longitudinal study which data were collected at three points in time: March (Time 0), June (Time 1) and October (Time 2). At Time 0, a total of 535 Spanish students aged 10 to 12 years ( Mage = 10.50, SD = 0.52 years, 47 % girls) participated in this study. Results from latent profile analysis revealed five motivational profiles (“highly amotivated”, “moderately amotivated”, “averagely motivated”, “controlled motivated”, and “autonomously motivated”). In the short-term and long-term, the “highly amotivated”, “moderately amotivated”, and “averagely motivated” profiles were the least adaptive, while the “controlled motivated” and “autonomously motivated” profiles were the most adaptive for physical activity behavior. In the short term, no differences were found between the “controlled motivated” profile and the “autonomously motivated” profile, while in the long term, the “autonomously motivated” profile was more adaptive towards physical activity behavior than the “controlled motivated” profile. The results suggest that students with autonomous motivation maintain greater long-term intentions to engage in physical activity compared to those with controlled motivation and amotivated students. These findings reinforce the importance of promoting children's autonomous motivation, as it seems to be more effective in maintaining physical activity behavior over time. Therefore, it is important for socializing agents to foster positive experiences based on fun and enjoyment towards physical activity to promote children's interest in physical activity conduct and develop other life-long, health-related behaviors. • A total of five distinct motivational profiles were identified. • The “controlled motivated” profile was associated with PA behavior over long term. • Long-term, the “autonomously motivated” profile was associated PA behaviors. • Short-term, the “autonomously motivated” profile was the most adaptive towards PA.