High-School Students' Continuous Engagement in Taekwondo Activity A Model of the Self-Determination Theory-Based Process

Background: Previous research has not investigated why and how adolescents decide to continuously engage in Taekwondo activity, which, based on self-determination theory, has positive effects on diverse (physical, psychological, social) aspects. This study examines the structural relationship between three psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness), intrinsic motivation, and intentions for Taekwondo activity continuity among high-school students participating in Taekwondo training programs. Methods: High-school students (130 males, 110 females) representing multiple nationalities participated in Taekwondo lessons for one session. During the last session class, they completed three questionnaires, and the collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: The results revealed that the satisfaction of three psychological needs was positively and directly associated with intrinsic motivation at a statistically significant level. Additionally, intrinsic motivation directly and positively contributed to intentions for Taekwondo activity continuity and mediated the relationship between the satisfaction of psychological needs and intentions to continue Taekwondo at levels of statistical significance. Discussion: The findings indicate that, if high-school students meet three psychological needs during Taekwondo classes, they are likely to internalize positive feelings such as interest, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Further, intrinsically motivated students would be highly willing to continually engage in Taekwondo activity.