Maintaining Physical Activity Over Time: The Importance of Basic Psychological Need Fulfillment

Introduction: Research that uses psychological need satisfaction as a framework for understanding motivations for long-term physical activity participation is not well established. Drawing from self-determination theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the processes associated with maintenance of physical activity for at least three years for individuals at a community health/fitness facility. Methods: Twelve participants (mean age 54.25 years, SD 11.79) who had engaged in regular physical activity for at least three years completed in-depth qualitative interviews using a grand tour question format and recorded personal reflective journals. Results: Content analysis revealed three themes organized around the satisfaction of psychological needs: (1) Relatedness (We've gotten to know friends here) included the giving and receiving of support with corresponding reinforcement within the facility and outside for maintaining physical activity; (2) Competence (This is something I can do) included a sense of accomplishment that was often paired with competition, and the management of weight, stress, and health; (3) Autonomy (I like being an active person) included establishing a regular routine, valuing consistent activity, and reducing reliance on medications. The final theme of Physically Active Self (I like the way I feel) revealed the transformation to a self-determined individual through the internalized management of physical activity. Conclusion: Our results suggest that long-term physical activity adherence may be strengthened by promoting the basic psychological need fulfillment of individuals. Adherence is most likely to be sustained when the value of physical activity participation becomes internalized over time as a component of identity.