WHAT MOTIVATES HIGHLY ACTIVE MOTHERS? A SELF DETERMINATION THEORY PERSPECTIVE

PURPOSE: Physical inactivity is a major global health concern linked to high mortality rates. Extensive research demonstrates the role of physical activity (PA) in enhancing overall well-being, longevity, and disease prevention. Mothers living with children face significant challenges in pursuing PA. This mixed-methods study used the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to investigate experiences, beliefs, and satisfaction related to PA in highly active mothers. METHODS: Participants (n=5) completed the Motives for Physical Activities Measure - Revised (MPAM-R) and the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS). Participants then participated in semi-structured interviews which were subsequently coded for psychological satisfaction, psychological frustration, competence, fitness, autonomy, social/relatedness, interest and appearance. RESULTS: Based on coding frequency from the interviews, participants collectively expressed greater psychological satisfaction (32) than frustration (19). Coding further revealed the following motivational themes in order of magnitude: Competence (80), Fitness (49), Autonomy (46), Social/Relatedness (45), Interest (40), and Appearance (18). The 7-point MPAM-R scale, indicated the following ratings by order of magnitude: Fitness = 6.36, Interest = 6.17, Competence = 5.97, Appearance = 3.7, and Social = 3.52. Per the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test, BPNSFS outcomes consistently favored psychological satisfaction over frustration for all 3 psychological needs defined by SDT with a large effect size (r) for each (Autonomy n = 20, Z = -3.66, P < 0.001, r = 0.57; Relatedness n = 20, Z = -4.03, P < 0.001, r = 0.63; Competence n = 20, Z = -3.99, P < 0.001, r = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Motivational factors influencing PA were most associated with competence, suggesting the importance of mastery of PA. The frequent expressions of psychological frustrations demonstrate this demographic’s ability and motivation to overcome these obstacles and maintain high levels of PA. Clinicians working with mothers should be aware of the challenges that prevent engagement in PA and provide resources to overcome them. Additionally, clinicians should promote the value of self-care and provide opportunities for mastery of PA with this demographic.