Numerous researches have indicated that female are less physically active than males and that their motivation to be active is determined by anxiety about their physique, enjoyment, and weight and stress management. College females were also found to have participated in less vigorous physical activity than their male counterpart. Despite the evidence of elevated inactivity and greater emphasis on moderate physical activity, there are gaps in the research with regards to college female preferences for physical activity participation. This study employed the self-determination theory to investigate college female participation patterns and preferences in physical activity and wellness program (PAWP) courses.
Method:
Over the course of two semesters, females registered in the PAWP courses were asked to complete a demographic survey along with a Motivation for PAWP survey and a Motive for Physical Activity Measure scale. Additionally, thirty minutes, one-on-one interviews were also conducted with participants to assess their motivation, fitness, appearance, competence, enjoyment, and social facet of their physical activity participation. This qualitative study with an ethnographic approach, applied a constant comparison method to analyze the data.
Analysis/Results:
College females were more incline to participate in PAWP courses that catered to their cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. Their primary reason for course selections was to improve fitness and the course content was credited for prolong motivation. Weight management, appearance, and living healthy were also significant motivators for physical activity participation. Even though the participants didn’t find absolute enjoyment in performing vigorous physical activities they still incorporated it into their routine because of the health benefit gain from such activities. More significantly, the participants were not motivated by challenges and the social facet of the courses. They enjoyed the classroom interactions but the participants didn’t perceive it as a motivating factor for their participation in the PAWP courses.
Conclusions:
The study supports previous researches about college female motivation to participate in physical activity. The significance of this research lies in that the findings could provide health and physical educator with a better understanding about college female participation patterns and preferences in PAWP that could lead to enhancement in pedagogical practices.