HETEROGENEITY OF INCENTIVES FOR PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND SELF-EFFICACY IN HIGHLY-ACTIVE AND MODERATELY ACTIVE WOMEN EXERCISERS

The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether persons exerc ising 2 times per week or less versus 3 times per week or more, with i ntentions to maintain current level of activity form a homogenous grou p in terms of motivational features. A group of 86 women recruited fro m local fitness clubs reported on their exercise incentives, self-effi cacy, exercise behavior, and exercise intentions. A discriminant funct ion analysis revealed that self-efficacy and incentives for stress red uction and mental health discriminated highly active from moderately a ctive women. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of stage theory and research in exercise adherence.