Research Article

Testing a self-determination theory-based teaching style intervention in the exercise domain

  1. Jemma Edmunds1,*,
  2. Nikos Ntoumanis2,
  3. Joan L Duda2

Article first published online: 18 SEP 2007

DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.463

Issue

European Journal of Social Psychology

European Journal of Social Psychology

Volume 38, Issue 2, pages 375–388, March/April 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Edmunds, J., Ntoumanis, N. and Duda, J. L. (2008), Testing a self-determination theory-based teaching style intervention in the exercise domain. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol., 38: 375–388. doi: 10.1002/ejsp.463

Author Information

  1. 1

    Applied Research Centre in Health and Lifestyle Interventions, Coventry University, UK

  2. 2

    School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK

*Applied Research Centre in Health and Lifestyle Interventions, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 FEB 2008
  2. Article first published online: 18 SEP 2007
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 18 JUL 2007
  4. Manuscript Received: 13 FEB 2007

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

Get PDF (130K)

Abstract

Drawing from self-determination theory (SDT), this study examined the effect of an autonomy supportive, well structured and interpersonally involving teaching style on exercise class participants' psychological need satisfaction, motivational regulations, exercise behaviour, behavioural intention and affect. Female exercise class participants enrolled in a 10-week exercise program were exposed to an SDT-based (i.e. SDTc; n = 25) or typical (i.e. control group; n = 31) teaching style. The control condition reported a significant decrease in autonomy support, amotivation and behavioural intention over time. In addition, they reported a significant increase in competence and introjected regulation. Compared to the control condition, the SDTc reported a significantly greater linear increase in structure and interpersonal involvement, relatedness and competence need satisfaction and positive affect. Attendance rates were significantly higher in the SDTc. SDT-based social-contextual characteristics and psychological needs predicted autonomous regulations; all these variables collectively predicted adaptive outcomes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Get PDF (130K)