The Relationship of Internally Directed Behavior to Self-Reinforcement, Self-Esteem, and Expectancy Values for Exercise

Abstract

Purpose.This study investigated two opposing orientations toward exercise and wellness behavior as related to selected personal characteristics. A “self-trusting” orientation focuses on process measures, and exercise and wellness behavior is internally directed. A “self-controlling” orientation focuses on outcome measures, and exercise and wellness behavior is externally directed.Design.Relationships among variables were assessed using Pearson correlation and step-wise multiple regression.Setting.One questionnaire was administered to all subjects under quiet classroom conditions.Subjects.Subjects were enrolled in university physical education activity classes (N = 154), a health promotion and fitness undergraduate class (N = 52), and a commercial aerobic dance program (N = 68).Measures.The questionnaire, containing 157 items, assessed exercise orientation, wellness orientation, general self-esteem, physical self-esteem, self-reinforcement, expectancy values for exercise, and level of physical activity.Results.Individuals who reported exercising to improve physical appearance and/or physical performance had higher control scores on the exercise scale; exercising for pleasure or social reasons served as suppressor variables. High control scores on wellness and exercise orientation were indicative of individuals less likely to positively self-reinforce their behavior. A high control score on the wellness scale was significantly related to lower general and physical self-esteem scores. Finally, higher physical self-esteem was significantly related to exercising for pleasure and athletic reasons; exercising to improve physical appearance served as a suppressor variable.Conclusions.These data strengthen the recommendation that health promotion professionals consider alternative approaches to promoting exercise and enhancing wellness. Programming strategies that foster internally directed exercise and wellness behaviors may be more centrally related to an individual's well-being than programs that support externally directed behavior.