Physical Activity Promotion on Campus: Using Empirical Evidence to Recommend Strategic Approaches to Target Female College Students

PROBLEM: A large number of American adults do not meet national physical activity (PA) guidelines for aerobic PA and muscle strengthening. Similarly, many American college students, specifically females do not engage in regular PA. Self Determination Theory can provide a basis for investigating motivational processes of PA. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between exercise motivation regulation and physical activity behaviors among college females in order to make recommendations for future campus-based health promotion practices. METHODS: Participants (n=470) completed a web-based survey including items from the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire various PA items. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses indicate only Identified Regulation as a significant predictor of Moderate PA; both Identified and Intrinsic Regulation were significantly predictive of Vigorous PA; Identified Regulation was significantly predictive of strength training; and both Identified and Intrinsic Regulation were significantly predictive of Stretching. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate the need for further exploration of motivation regulation among college females. University campuses represent an ideal setting for promoting physical activity among large proportions of young adults, and evidence from this study and prevention science research should inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of uniquely female PA promotion efforts