VARIATIONS IN SELF-DETERMINATION ACROSS THE STAGES OF CHANGE FOR EXERCISE IN ADULTS

This study explored the relationship between self-determination in the regulation of exercise behavior and stage of change for exercise. Dec i and Ryan (1985, 1990) outlined a continuum of behavioral regulation that ranges from non-self-determined regulation (external regulation) to completely self-determined regulation (intrinsic regulation). Proch aska and DiClemente (1984) outlined five stages of behavior change tha t range from no thoughts of changing (precontemplation) to maintenance of change (maintenance). In our study, 314 individuals completed meas ures of regulation in exercise behavior and stage of change for exerci se. Discriminant function analysis revealed that those in the latter s tages of change were more self-determined in their behavioral regulati on than those in the early stages of change. An analysis of variance i ndicated that self-determination increased from the lower to the upper stages of change. Results endorse the importance of motivational cons iderations in understanding the change process.