Exploring female university students experience of physical activity: barriers, facilitators, and the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

Sammanfattning

This study aims to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity, as well how extrinsic and intrinsic motivational factors influence perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity among female university students. Semi-structured interviews with female university students were conducted and analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis. The analysis was guided by Self-Determination Theory. This framework suggests that humans have three basic psychological needs that are essential for fostering intrinsic motivation, well-being, and personal integration. These three components consist of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. The findings highlight that intrinsic motivation appears to support sustained physical activity, although other contextual factors can still act as barriers to physical activity. The study emphasizes that maintaining physical activity over time requires not only motivation, but also discipline, routine and a supportive environment.