Perceived Barriers in the Association between Autonomous Motivation and Physical Activity among Chinese University Students: A Structural Equation Modeling Study

This study developed and empirically examined a Self-Determination Theory-based model of physical activity (PA) among Chinese university students, focusing on the relationships between motivational regulation, perceived barriers, and PA and the mediating role of barriers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,618 university students. PA, motivational regulation, and perceived barriers were assessed using validated instruments. Structural equation modeling was employed to evaluate the measurement and structural models and examine the proposed mediation pathway. In the final model, Autonomous Motivation was negatively associated with perceived barriers (? = ?.781, P < .001), whereas perceived barriers were strongly and negatively associated with PA (? = ?.921, P < .001). Autonomous Motivation also showed a positive direct association with PA (? = .115, P = .008). The indirect association through perceived barriers was statistically significant (? = .719, 95% CI [.647, .800]) and represented 86.2% of the estimated total association. These findings were consistent with a partial statistical mediation pattern, suggesting that perceived barriers may represent an important pathway linking autonomous motivation with PA. However, the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, and the findings should therefore be interpreted as statistical associations rather than evidence of a causal mechanism.