Intrinsic Motivational Climate and Physical Activity Levels of Female Students in Budapest, Hungary

Motivation is a vital determinant in sustaining physical activity (PA). Motivation influences not only PA participation but also serves as a crucial determinant of exercise adherence. The study of motivational processes in sports for adolescents is crucial because, according to the World Health Organization, globally, 81% of adolescents aged 11-17 years were insufficiently physically active in 2022. The present research aimed to investigate a) the relationship of the variables of IMCPEQ [ intrinsic motivational climate of PE lessons questionnaire] with PA of Hungarian female students and b) the differences concerning motivational components of students’ PA. A sample of 325 Hungarian female students from nine schools aged 13–15 (mean age = 14.07; SD = 0.87) was used. They responded to the questionnaires online. Pearson correlation coefficient and one-way ANOVA were performed to identify the relationship and differences between variables. Findings indicated a significant positive relationship between PA levels and Task-involving climate, Social-relatedness supporting climate, Autonomy-supporting climate, Enjoyment, and Physical activity. No relationship was present between Ego/competitive climate variable and PA levels. Moreover, the intrinsic motivational climate in physical education (PE) significantly influenced differences in PA levels among female students. Post hoc test with Bonferroni corrections’ results indicated significant differences in the variables. To summarize, IMCPEQ, as analysed by the Self-determination Theory and Achievement Goal Theory, encouraged physical activity. According to the study results and based on the higher mean of the task-involving climate, students’ personal development, objectives, and expertise in skills should be emphasized. Article history: Received: 2024 November 18; Revised 2025 January 08; Accepted 2025 January 10; Available online: 2025 February 10; Available print: 2025 February 28