Objective: Grounded in goal content theory, this study tested two mediation models that examined the direct and indirect effects of intrinsic and extrinsic goals on exercise participation and subjective vitality in college freshmen. Methods: Participants were 181 college freshmen (M[subscript age] = 18.12 years) who completed an online survey that…

Introduction: Relatedness--a sense of meaningful connectedness and belonging--is one of the basic psychological needs proposed by self-determination theory. Statement of the Problem: The current literature lacks evidence-based strategies that support student relatedness in the college classroom. In education, research has indicated…

Individuals including youth athletes have three basic psychological needs--autonomy, competence, and relatedness--outlined by self-determination theory. In sport, key social agents such as coaches and parents help satisfy these needs. Coaches, as well as fathers and mothers, can independently and interactively satisfy youth athletes' basic needs…

Purpose: Based on the self-determination theory, this study explored the predictive strengths and relative importance of basic psychological needs (BPNs; i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) in physical education in physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes among Hispanic boys and girls. Methods: Fourth- and fifth-grade Hispanic…