Abstract
Perceived variety in exercise complements satisfaction of the basic psychological needs embedded within self determination theory (namely competence, autonomy, and relatedness; Deci & Ryan, 2002) in relation to exercise-related well-being (Sylvester et al., 2014), and ill-being (Sylvester et al., 2016). The purpose of the present study was to examine the extent to which perceived variety in CrossFit (a contemporary strength and conditioning program) predicts variance in subjective vitality and burnout above and beyond satisfaction of the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. CrossFit is a relatively new exercise regime that is both popular and controversial. Researchers have yet to empirically investigate psychological factors that may lead to well-being (e.g., vitality) or ill-being (e.g., burnout) outcomes in this context. Using a prospective observational design, participants (n = 97) completed measures of psychological needs satisfaction and perceived variety in CrossFit at Time 1, and measures of subjective vitality and burnout one month later (Time 2). Results of two hierarchical linear regression analyses predicting subjective vitality and burnout, showed that above and beyond the variance explained by satisfaction of the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness (R2 = .23, p < .001; and R2 = .17, p < .01; respectively), perceived variety in CrossFit explained additional variance in subjective vitality (R2change= .05, p = .01) and burnout (R2change= .11; p < .001). Overall, perceived variety in CrossFit explains additional variance in subjective vitality and burnout above and beyond that explained by basic psychological needs satisfaction.Acknowledgments: This research was supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Post-Doctoral Fellowship awarded to Benjamin Sylvester. Catherine Sabiston is supported by the Canada Research Chairs program.