Influence of autonomous motivation and regulation on sustainable physical activity among Hispanic women

Background. Hispanic women are more sedentary and engage in less exercise than non-Hispanic women, which has been linked with reduced life expectancy and high incidence of diabetes. These health disparities are even more pronounced among border populations. Poor maintenance of physical activity habits developed in obesity interventions is common, thereby reducing long-term intervention effects. Collectivist culture compels Hispanic women to place more emphasis on others than on personal goals. Self-Determination Theory posits this would reduce the sustainability of exercise behaviors. Purpose. The purpose of this research was to identify how regulation to engage in exercise among Hispanic women influenced participation in physical activity as part of a 4-month cardiovascular disease prevention intervention. Methods. Longitudinal data were collected from 107 women of Mexican descent along the Texas-Mexico border. Results. Intrinsic regulation was found to be a statistically significant predictor of physical activity, though the relative autonomy index was not. Results suggest there may be cultural factors influencing these relationships. Conclusions. This research provides a starting point for an improved understanding of various factors influencing exercise among Hispanic women especially when cultural biases are reduced. Evidence was found suggesting that interventions should include processes that lead to the internalization of regulation, evidence critical to public health practice since women who become intrinsically regulated will better maintain physical activity behaviors.