Attachment relationships and physical activity motivation of college students

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the link of attachment relationships with physical activity motivation. Potential mediators of this link were examined in a cross-sectional study targeting college student physical activity motivation and behaviour. Participants completed self-reports of attachment relationships (with mother, father and best friend), self-determined motivation for physical activity, physical activity behaviour and the hypothesised mediator variables of perceived competence, autonomy and relatedness. The results provide support for the mediating role of these variables in the association of father attachment with self-determined motivation. Meaningful variance in self-determined motivation for physical activity and physical activity behaviour was explained. Overall, attachment relationships appear to be relevant, albeit modestly, to physical activity motivation of college students. The findings support continued efforts to integrate attachment and motivational perspectives in the study of college student health behaviour.

Keywords:

• health behaviour
• parents
• peer relationships
• self-determination

Notes

1. The two friend communication items not included are ‘I can tell my friend about my problems and troubles’ and ‘If my friend knows something is bothering me, he/she asks me about it’.

2. The best friend alienation item that was removed was ‘I feel the need to be in touch with my friend more often’.