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Article
Perceived Wellness, Exercise Motivation, and Relative Autonomy Among College Students
Health Behavior and Policy Review (2014)
  • Michelle L D'Abundo, Seton Hall University
  • Cara L. Sidman, University of North Carolina - Wilmington
  • Kelly A. Fiala, Salisbury University
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine if perceived wellness predicts relative autonomy for exercise. Methods: College students (N = 568) completed the Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS) to assess perceived wellness, and the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2) to assess relative autonomy for exercise. BREQ-2 subscales and the relative autonomy index (BREQ-RAI), indicated the degree of self-determination of respondents. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with the PWS subscales as predictors, and with BREQ-RAI as the criterion variable. Results: The linear combination of PWS subscales was significantly related to BREQ-RAI, F(6, 572) = 41.11, p < .001. The sample multiple correlation coefficient was 0.549, indicating approximately 30% of the variance in BREQ-RAI could be accounted for by the linear combination of PWS subscales. Conclusions: Perception of wellness played a role in exercise autonomy orientation. Wellness-based curricula focused on autonomy and positive perceptions may promote exercise motivation among college students.
Keywords
  • AUTONOMY,
  • COLLEGE STUDENTS,
  • EXERCISE MOTIVATION,
  • HEALTH BEHAVIOR,
  • SELF-DETERMINATION,
  • WELLNESS
Disciplines
Publication Date
September, 2014
DOI
10.14485/HBPR.1.5.3
Citation Information
Michelle L D'Abundo, Cara L. Sidman and Kelly A. Fiala. "Perceived Wellness, Exercise Motivation, and Relative Autonomy Among College Students" Health Behavior and Policy Review Vol. 1 Iss. 5 (2014) p. 373 - 380 ISSN: 2326-4403
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michelle-dabundo/15/