Citation

Ferrand C, Nasarre S, Hautier C, Bonnefoy M. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2012; 20(2): 215-230.

Affiliation

EA psychologie des âges de la vie, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22015669

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the motivational profiles of physically active older adults, and to achieve a better understanding of perceived motives used by them to explain their regular physical activity behaviour in relation to self-determination theory (SDT). To address these aims, this study uses quantitative and qualitative approaches. Older adults (n = 92; M = 74.95, SD = 4.6) completed the French version of the Sport Motivational Scale. A cluster analysis showed two motivational profiles with differential motivational patterns. The first was named the "high combined profile" with high scores on intrinsic motivation and introjected regulation, and low levels of external regulation. The second profile was the "low/moderate motivational profile" with low scores on intrinsic motivation and moderate scores of introjected regulation. Qualitative study's results demonstrate the useful of SDT in explaining the relationship between these motivational profiles and the intertwining of the three basic psychological needs.

Language: en