The influence of exercise intentions on university students' exercise behavior: the chain mediation of basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation.

PURPOSE: Based on self-determination theory, this study examines the effects of exercise intention, basic psychological needs, and intrinsic motivation on college students' exercise behavior, and investigates the chain mediation effect of basic psychological needs on intrinsic motivation.

METHODS

A survey was conducted on 994 college students (mean age 20.64 ± 1.35) using the Exercise Intention Questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale, the Exercise Behavior Regulation Questionnaire, and the Physical Activity Level Scale.

RESULTS

Exercise intention, basic psychological needs, and intrinsic motivation significantly were positively associated with exercise behavior [F(3,990) = 192.555, P < 0.001]. In the process by which exercise intention influences exercise behavior, the chain mediation effect of basic psychological needs-intrinsic motivation was significant (effect size 0.76, 95% CI [0.385, 1.155]).

CONCLUSION

University students' exercise intention, basic psychological needs, and intrinsic motivation can predict the occurrence of exercise behavior; exercise intention is directly linked to exercise behavior and is also associated with it through the chain mediation of basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation.