Date of Award

January 2015

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Exercise and Sport Science

First Advisor

James M. Larkin

Department Affiliation

Exercise and Sport Science

Second Advisor

Jonathan S. Gore

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Third Advisor

Michael T. Lane

Department Affiliation

Exercise and Sport Science

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide further understanding of the complex nature of physical activity motivation. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to analyze personality type and internal/external autonomous regulation. Method: Subjects were college students age 18 years and older who attended the Fitness Five Project. Data collected from the Ten-Item Personality Inventory and the RM 4-FM: Motivation for Physical Activity Questionnaire were analyzed using a bivariate correlation. Results: Statistical analyses revealed the personality traits extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability were positively associated with intrinsic motivation. Results showed the personality trait openness to experience was negatively associated with intrinsic motivation. Summary: Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are both important for different reasons. It is clear from current and past research that extrinsic motivation would benefit the adoption of a new activity and intrinsic motivation would benefit the consistency and adherence to the activity.

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