Perceived Wellness, Exercise Motivation, and Relative Autonomy among College Students

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine if perceived wellness predicts relative autonomy for exercise. Methods: College students (N = 568) completed the Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS) to assess perceived wellness, and the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2) to assess relative autonomy for exercise. BREQ-2 subscales and the relative autonomy index (BREQ-RAI), indicated the degree of self-determination of respondents. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with the PWS subscales as predictors, and with BREQ-RAI as the criterion variable. Results: The linear combination of PWS subscales was significantly related to BREQ-RAI, F(6, 572) = 41.11, p<.001. The sample multiple correlation coefficient was 0.549, indicating approximately 30% of the variance in BREQ-RAI could be accounted for by the linear combination of PWS subscales. Conclusions: Perception of wellness played a role in exercise autonomy orientation. Wellness-based curricula focused on autonomy and positive perceptions may promote exercise motivation among college students.