"Physical Activity Promotion on Campus: Using Empirical Evidence to Recommend Strategic Approaches to Target Female College Students" by Jeffrey John Milroy

Article

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

College Student Journal (2015)

Jeffrey John Milroy, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Muhsin Michael Orsini, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Michelle L D'Abundo, Seton Hall University
Cara L. Sidman, University of North Carolina - Wilmington
Diana Venezia, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Find in your library

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Physical activity,
Exercise & psychology,
Women college students' health,
Self-determination theory,
Health services in universities & colleges

Disciplines

Publication Date

December, 2015

Citation Information

Jeffrey John Milroy, Muhsin Michael Orsini, Michelle L D'Abundo, Cara L. Sidman, et al.. "Physical Activity Promotion on Campus: Using Empirical Evidence to Recommend Strategic Approaches to Target Female College Students" College Student Journal Vol. 49 Iss. 4 (2015) p. 517 - 526 ISSN: 0146-3934
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michelle-dabundo/6/