Abstract
Self-determination theory research asserts a direct relationship between fulfillment of basic needs and well-being. In the sport and exercise domain, the need for relatedness has been largely ignored in favour of the concepts of autonomy and competence (Kowal & Fortier, 2000). The primary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of both relatedness and social climate in relation to health behaviours and weight-loss and exercise satisfaction in an 8-week weight-loss program. METHOD: Participants (n = 84) registered in a weight-loss program targeting both diet and exercise components were recruited from 14 health centers in the Montreal region. Each client was matched with a trainer that worked with them closely during the program's duration. Health Behaviours were measured at Time 1. Health Behaviours (HB), Relatedness to Trainer (RT), Social Climate at the Gym (SC) and Weight-loss Program Self-Determined Motivation (WSM) were measured at Time 2, 4 weeks into the program. Upon completion of the 8-week program, Exercise Satisfaction (ES) and Weight-loss Satisfaction (WS) were measured at Time 3. Objective measures of weight lost (Lbs.) were also measured at all time points. RESULTS: RT and SC interacted to predict ES and WS. Further, evidence was found for mediated-moderation with the interaction of RT X SC acting on WS indirectly through Time 2 HB after controlling for WSM and Time 1 HB. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that both RT and SC at the gym are important predictors of exercise-related satisfaction and act indirectly through HB. Implications and future directions are discussed.
