The relationship between self-motivation and action control (decision implementation) as dispositional determinants of exercise adherence

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between self-motivation and action control (decision implementation) as dispositional determinants of adherence to exercise programs at a worksite setting. Past studies have shown self-motivation to be a good measure of individual difference between those who persist in exercise behavior and those who do not. Theorists have suggested that individuals with a high action orientation are more likely to maintain and enact their intentions than those with a high state orientation. This study attempted to objectively test the theories by determining whether or not "regular" exercisers are more likely to demonstrate a high action control orientation and /or self-motivation than "irregular" exercisers. An attempt was also made to determine whether or not action control might be a stronger exercise adherence predictor than self-motivation.Eighty five hospital employees who were members of the wellness center at Ball Memorial Hospital, completed a demographic questionnaire, the Self-Motivation Inventory, and the Action Control Scale. Correlational analysis data indicated "regular" exercisers were more likely to demonstrate self-motivation than "irregular" exercisers. However, multiple regression analysis indicated that neither action control nor self-motivation accounted for more than 7% of the total variance. Further study is recommended.