A multiple methods study exploring the impact of a community initiative on motivation and the influence of motivational profiles on physical activity habits

Around one third of the UK population are insufficiently active and despite attempts to increase population activity levels, many individuals have difficulty maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Two mechanisms for supporting physical activity maintenance are motivation and habits; the literature on physical activity motivation is vast but less is known about more person-centred approaches, e.g., motivational profiling, and the facilitating or inhibiting effect on physical activity levels. A systematic literature review on motivational profiles was needed to inform the research questions. In addition, little is known about the change in physical activity habit strength as a result of motivational profile membership.
The systematic literature review revealed a heterogeneous body of studies on motivational profiles, revealing that between 2-4 profiles are most generalisable to the whole population. Gaps included insufficient evidence of the between group differences (age, gender, ethnicity, educational attainment).
Latent profile analysis results revealed 4 distinct motivational profiles for each sample (general population: profile 1: high identified mixed, profile 2: high combined autonomous, profile 3: low to moderate motivation, profile 4: amotivated. Community sample: profile 1: high identified/intrinsic, profile 2: high combined autonomous, profile 3: moderate mixed, profile 4: low overall motivation). The results represent the complex, multi-dimensional nature of physical activity behaviour but the potential universality of motivational profiles.
Moderation analysis found that physical activity only predicted habit in the general population sample and there was no significant moderating effect in both samples. Individuals in the general population with weak habits are most at risk of disengagement, exacerbated by low quality motivational profiles and may require more support in sustaining exercise.
Six distinct themes emerged from the qualitative study; Theme one: the social capital of BeStrong. Theme two: physical and psychological improvement. Theme three: rewarding outcomes. Theme four: situational barriers to being physically active. Theme five: personal barriers to being physically active. Theme six: processes to overcome barriers to being physically active. Results are discussed in relation to theory and practical implications, with reference to future directions.