Abstract
In a recent report, Canadian children received an overall "F" grade in Physical Activity Level (AHK, 2010). Contributing to this failing grade is a lack of time spent engaging in active play. Active play is any unstructured physical activity that takes place in a child's free time (Veitch et al., 2009). As imagery has proven to be an effective motivational tool in the sport (Munroe-Chandler & Hall, 2010) and exercise (Hausenblas et al., 1999) setting, the present study sought to investigate children's use of imagery as it relates to their active play. Given active play is self-directed, self-determination theory was used as a motivational framework. One hundred and four children (n= 48 male; n= 56 female) participated in focus group discussions guided by three basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) proposed within basic needs theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Thematic analysis resulted in three hierarchical trees revealing children's use of active play imagery as it satisfies the three basic needs. Several gender differences were also noted at the lower levels of analysis. Given imagery has proven to be an effective motivator for adults in the exercise setting, the results of the present study support children's use of imagery as a potential motivational tool for enhancing engagement in active play.Acknowledgments: SSHRC for providing funding to the first two authors