Associations Between Self-Regulation, Exercise Participation, and Adherence Intention Among Korean University Students

Abstract

The social cognitive theory model of physical activity is useful in understanding and promoting exercise. Self-regulation, as an element of the social cognitive theory model, is key to success in regular exercise participation. Existing research suggests that intrinsic motivation and positive emotion are associated with exercise participation and adherence. This study examined the relationships between self-regulation and exercise participation and adherence intention in university students when these two variables were controlled. Participants included 418 students enrolled in universities in Seoul (244 men, M age = 23.5 year, SD = 0.8; 174 women, M age = 22.8 year, SD = 1.0). The measures included the Self-Control Scale, exercise participation level, the Korea Exercise Adherence Intention Scale, the Korean Sport Participation Motivation scale, and the Korean Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Results showed that self-regulation ability was significantly associated with exercise participation level and adherence intention, when intrinsic motivation and positive emotion were controlled.