EFFECTS OF A MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE INTERVENTION IN GROUP EXERCISE ON PARTCIPANTS' MOTIVATIONAL AND OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the experiences of physically inactive female college students (N = 20) randomly placed in an intentionally created C/TI (caring/task-involving) or EI (ego-involving) climate for small group weight training sessions. Participants' perceptions of the motivational climate were considered with regard to their interest/enjoyment, effort, feelings of stress, shame, and self-consciousness, as well as planned continuation of weight training and excitement to do so. Results indicated that the intervention to create the intended climates was successful. Further, participants in the C/TI group reported significantly greater enjoyment during the weight-training session and experienced less feeling of stress, shame, and self-consciousness than those in the EI climate. Additionally, those in the C/TI group reported greater excitement to participate in future weight training than participants in the EI group. There were no significant differences in self-reported effort levels or plans to continue weight-training between the climate groups, though the trend was for those in the C/TI climate to report greater effort levels and plans to continue weight training more than the EI group. The results of this research suggest participants in exercise settings are capable of perceiving differing motivational climates, which can affect their experiences and commitment to future physical activity.