Exploring Motivation and Enjoyment as Key Determinants of Sustained Physical Activity Across Diverse Demographics

Bekir Erhan Orhan; Walaa Alkasasbeh; Aydin Karaçam; Karuppasamy Govindasamy

Bekir Erhan Orhan¹, Walaa Alkasasbeh², Aydin Karaçam³, Karuppasamy Govindasamy⁴

¹Istanbul Aydin University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Istanbul, Turkiye
²Middle East University, Department of Administration and Curriculum, Faculty of Arts and Educational Sciencies, Amman, Jordan
³Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Balıkesir, Türkiye
⁴Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Department of Sports, Recreation and Wellness, Rangareddy, Telangana, India

Exploring Motivation and Enjoyment as Key Determinants of Sustained Physical Activity Across Diverse Demographics

Sport Mont 2025, 23(2), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.250610

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between motivation for physical activity participation and enjoyment levels across various demographic groups. A total of 384 participants (44.5% female, 55.5% male) were selected using a convenience sampling method in Turkiye. All participants were either high school (32.3%) or university (67.7%) students, representing varied educational backgrounds and sports experience, with 47.7% holding a sports license. Participants completed the Motivation Scale for Participation in Physical Activity (MSPPA) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Findings indicate that female participants scored significantly higher than males in both PACES (M=49.88 vs. M=48.05; p=0.05) and MSPPA (M=65.56 vs. M=62.33; p<0.01), highlighting gender-based differences in motivation and enjoyment. Surprisingly, possessing a sports license did not significantly impact motivation or enjoyment, suggesting that formal sports involvement may not be a primary determinant of sustained engagement. Educational level played a role. High school students showed greater motivation from environmental factors (M=22.37 vs. M=21.15; p=0.04), while university students reported higher demotivation (M=16.99 vs. M=14.62; p<0.01). A weak but significant positive correlation was found between age and both motivation (r=0.16; p<0.01) and enjoyment (r=0.14; p<0.01), suggesting that older individuals may experience greater intrinsic benefits from physical activity. These findings provide valuable insights for designing intervention programs prioritizing intrinsic motivation and enjoyment in physical activity. Such programs should foster autonomy, competence, and relatedness in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and community sports initiatives. Future research should examine how motivation and enjoyment influence the long-term adoption of physical activity as a lifestyle.

Keywords

motivation, internal-external, well-being, physical exercise

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