Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a self-determination theory-based psychoeducational intervention to enhance autonomous motivation for exercise in female university students
Abstract
Physical inactivity, maladaptive exercise motives, and body image concerns are highly prevalent among young adult women and are associated with reduced psychological well-being and increased risk for disordered eating. Although previous interventions have addressed physical activity or body image separately, few have simultaneously targeted motivational quality and body-related perceptions within an integrated theoretical framework. This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention based on Self-Determination Theory and using functionality-oriented body image strategies. The aim is to enhance autonomous motivation for exercise and improve psychological well-being among female university students in Health Sciences. Participants aged 18-25 years will be randomly allocated (1:1) to an experimental group or a wait-list control group following baseline assessment. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and six-month follow-up (T2). The intervention consists of six face-to-face group sessions that include autonomy-supportive strategies, competence-building activities, and functionality-based body image content emphasizing body capabilities rather than appearance. The primary outcome is autonomous motivation for exercise, assessed using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 and operationalized through the Relative Autonomy Index at six-month…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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