Does Self-Determination Theory Associate With Physical Activity? A Systematic Review of Systematic Review

Abstract

It was noted that the results presented by the review examining the relationship between physical activity and self-determination theory was inconclusive. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically review the published systematic reviews or meta-analyses. This article aimed to combine the evidence that highlights the relationship between physical activity and self-determination theory and offer recommendations for conducting future intervention studies for increasing physical activity. The researchers searched the published literature using Cochrane Library, Ebscohost (all databases), Scopus, Proquest, Pubmed and Web of Science (all databases). Use the following keyword combinations for the search: 'review', or 'systematic review', or 'meta-analysis', and 'SDT', or 'self-determination theory', and 'physical exercise', or 'exercise', or 'physical activity'. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. This study found that competence, intrinsic regulation and identified regulation were determinants of physical activity in individuals across different ages. Competence, intrinsic regulation and identified regulation positively influence physical activity levels of people of all ages. When designing interventions based on self-determination theory, researchers should prioritise participants' feelings of competence and autonomous motivation (particularly intrinsic regulation and identified regulation) over external pressures or rewards. This approach helps participants cultivate good habits for long-term adherence to exercise.

Keywords: SDT; autonomous motivation; basic psychological needs; controlled motivation; exercise; physical activity; self‐determination theory.