Motivational Attitudes and Perceived BarriersTowards Physical Activity AmongstPost-Secondary Students in Malta

Low physical activity levels among Maltese adolescents render the identificationof motivators and barriers to exercise an important step to bolstering participation. Thisstudy investigated physical activity levels, motivational attitudes, and perceived barriersto exercise among post-secondary students in Malta. Quantitative, cross-sectional datawere gathered from 274 post-secondary students, aged from 16 to 19, from three post-secondary institutions via an online questionnaire. This consisted of demographic data,the Physical activity Questionnaire for Adolescents, the Exercise Motivations Inventory2, and the Barriers to Being Active Quiz. A low score for physical activity was achievedby all participants. The findings indicate that students are mainly motivated to takepart in physical activity to achieve positive health, strength and endurance, and weightmanagement. The main perceived barriers were lack of energy, lack of willpower, andlack of time. When comparing these motivators and barriers among genders, significantdifferences emerged. The paper offers insight into specific motivators and barriers tophysical activity, highlights the need to increase physical activity levels in adolescents, andprovides a basis for planning effective physical activity campaigns.