A Test of Self-Determination Theory in Exercise Rehabilitation.

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to test the use of Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985a) in predicting adherence to and psychological outcomes in supervised exercise rehabilitation. The research focused on a G.P. referral (Exercise for Life; EFL; n=293) and a Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR; n=329) programme based in a rural community in West Wales. The first study compared the predictive patterns of psychological need satisfaction on motivation orientation to exercise using pre, post and scheme change data of a primary prevention programme (EFL) and a secondary prevention programme (CR). This exploratory study was then developed to test a model of SDT using adherence and psychological variables such as anxiety, depression and health related quality of life as outcomes in the model (n=119, 36.9% male, 63.1% female, mean age 54.81 ± 12.91 years). Finally a psychological instrument was designed to conduct preliminary investigation into the existence of the concept of relative need with regards to exercise motivation (n=94, 43% male, 57% female, mean age 59.5 years ± 8.74).