Psychological Need Fulfillment Among Workers in an Exercise Intervention

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived factors affecting workers' participation in an exercise intervention and interpret the findings within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000a; 2007). Research examining the impact of psychological need satisfaction on exercise outcomes is not well established (McDonough & Crocker, 2007; Ryan & Deci, 2007). Even less is known about the processes through which workers negotiate a range of individual, group and context-based factors to fulfill these basic needs in exercise settings. To provide such insight, focus group interviews were conducted with 10 factory workers to discuss their involvement in a 7-week exercise intervention. Results indicated that a negotiation of complementary and competing factors (i.e., skill acquisition and regaining physical capabilities, a sense of camaraderie, characteristics of the trainer, exercise context, a sense of obligation, scheduling) affected workers' need fulfillment, which ultimately affected their exercise adherence. The implications for health practitioners aiming to meet the psychological needs of workers involved in exercise interventions are discussed.

Key words:

• Factory employees
• Self-determination

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leslie Podlog

The authors would like to thank the Masterfoods workers who participated in this investigation. This research was supported by a Charles Sturt University (CSU) research development fund. Please address all correspondence concerning this article to Leslie Podlog, Texas Tech University, Department of Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas 79409.