Abstract
Evidence suggests that group constructs are important correlates of exercise behaviour. Perceiving those we exercise with as being more like a "group" appears to be related to our adherence (Spink et al., 2010). Still, why perceptions of groupness relate to adherence has yet to be examined. One possibility may concern one's satisfaction with the group, which is in line with previous research reporting a relationship between groupness and satisfaction (Priebe et al., 2011). Given this finding, it could be proffered that perceiving our co-exercisers as "groupier" results in increased satisfaction with group outcomes, which in turn, promotes better adherence. To test this suggestion, 187 exercisers reflected on a structured exercise group that they had participated in, then responded to an online survey examining groupness (Spink et al., 2010), satisfaction (Bruner & Spink, 2011), and adherence. SEM was used to model a path from groupness to satisfaction, as well as paths from both constructs to adherence. Results indicated that the model fit was acceptable, CFI = .94, RMSEA = .08 (SMC for adherence = .44). While significant paths emerged between groupness and both satisfaction and adherence, no relationship emerged between satisfaction and adherence. These findings highlight the importance of groupness in relation to key exercise outcomes (e.g., satisfaction, adherence), but suggest that satisfaction may not be the best mechanism in the groupness/adherence relationship.
