Background/Purpose: Although the positive association of regular physical activity (PA) on well-being has been well documented, limited research has examined PA motives (i.e., enjoyment, competence, appearance, fitness, social interaction) on PA and general well-being in children. Using self-determination theory as a theoretical framework (Ryan & Deci, 2002), this study aimed to fill this gap and explore children's motives linked to PA and general well-being.
Method: Participants were 117 school-aged children (M age = 10.2 years) enrolled into an after-school PA program. They completed standardized surveys assessing their motives for physical activities, self-reported PA, and general well-being.
Analysis/Results: All PA motives (i.e., enjoyment, competence, appearance, fitness, social interaction) were significantly related to one another. Enjoyment, competence and social interaction were positively associated with PA. General well-being was related to PA and all PA motives. Two regression analyses indicated that social interaction was the only positive predictor of PA (R2 = 10.4%; β = .32; p < .01), and enjoyment positively predicted general well-being (R2 = 10.6%; β = .33; p < .01).
Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that social interaction with other participants was the most important personal factor for children's PA participation. With the increasing levels of physical inactivity in children, enhancing social interaction opportunities is vital to promote children's PA. Given the positive association between PA and well-being, it is crucial to increase children's interest or enjoyment to enhance their well-being. The results provided supportive evidence for the value of personal motives on PA and general well-being in children.