Modelling competence motives and physical exercise intentions: the role of individual, social, and environmental characteristics

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between individual differences (self-efficacy and body image), social factors (family support) and environmental characteristics (local authorities support), and competence motives and subsequent physical exercise intentions. Participants were 1084 students (551 males, 553 females) aged between 13 and 19 (M = 15.7, SD = 1.6) from three different Secondary Schools. Structural Equation Modelling analyses confirmed the hypothesized model: family support, local authorities support, self-efficacy and body image significantly predicted competence motives, which were in turn positively associated with physical activity intentions. Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed that competence motives fully mediated the relationship between local authorities support and self-efficacy, on one hand, and exercise intentions, on the other, and partially mediated the link between family support and intentions. These findings suggest the importance of assessing the unique contributions of psychosocial variables in affecting the motivational determinants of physical activity intentions.