Self-Determination Theory as an organizing framework to investigate women's physical activity behavior

The purpose of this paper is to explore the literature on the status of women's health behavior and the benefits of physical activity using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as an organizing framework for synthesizing and interpreting the extant research. The Health Belief Model and the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) are included in that framework. Women's physical activity behaviors are examined through the lens of SDT with the intention of identifying strategies to design theoretically based intervention programs to increase women's participation in physical activity. Interventions that have been successful in modifying exercise behavior in women have been characterized as individualized, flexible, and tailored to meet women's specific needs. SDT can be used to direct future research by investigating how autonomy, relatedness, and competence can be incorporated in programs to increase women's self-determination with regard to their physical activity and ultimately facilitate internalized, intrinsic motivation leading to long-term behavior change.