Abstract
Using Self-Determination Theory, physical activity has been linked with eudaimonic (EWB) and hedonic forms (HWB) of well-being (Wilson et al., 2008). The purpose of this investigation was to examine if different age groups endorsed different regulations, goals and psychological needs for physical activity. The second purpose was to determine if the above constructs differentially predicted EWB or HWB. Independent t-tests revealed that younger adults (n= 87; aged 17 to 25) had significantly (p< .05) higher endorsement of extrinsic (d = .61) and introjected regulations (d = .74), image (d = .63), social recognition (d = .60) and skill development goals (d = .45) than older adults (n= 116; over 25 years). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that in younger adults, intrinsic regulations, skill development goals and competence significantly predicted EWB (p< .05 R2adj. = .66) above and beyond gender, BMI and education. Intrinsic regulation was the only significant predictor of HWB (p< .05, R2adj. = .57). With older adults, intrinsic regulations significantly predicted well-being (p< .01, R2adj.ewb = .56; R2adj.hwb = .59) above and beyond gender, BMI and education. Results indicated that more intrinsic regulations for physical activity may be associated with greater EWB and HWB in both age groups. Efforts to enhance younger adults regulations and goals for physical activity to more self-determined and intrinsic could be made, in an attempt to enhance greater well-being.Acknowledgments: The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada