Objective. Based on tenets of self-determination theory, the present manuscript examined the hypothesis that a physical activity intervention program that supported the universal psychological need for autonomy would motivate a large proportion of young individuals to engage in physical activity. In contrast, we hypothesized that interventions that did not support the universal psychological need for autonomy would motivate a smaller proportion of young individuals to endorse the physical activity program.
Method. A field experiment was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention that supported the psychological need for autonomy and two conditions that did not support the psychological need for autonomy (rationale-only or forced-choice conditions).
Results. It was demonstrated that more young individuals initiated and completed a physical activity intervention program when the program supported the psychological need for autonomy than when the program did not support the psychological need for autonomy.
Conclusions. Results of the present study provide additional evidence to a growing body of literature recognizing the importance of universal psychological needs in motivating health-related behaviours.