Examining Intrinsic Motivations in Campus Intramural Sports

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson Cooper ◽  
Phillip A. Schuett ◽  
Heather M. Phillips

Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of many chronic health problems (Haskell, Lee, Pate et al., 2007). Recent research has shown a steep decline in physical activity as children develop through adolescence and into young adulthood (Sallis, 1993; Stone, McKenzie, Welk, Booth, 1998). Many universities across the country have updated their campus recreation programs and facilities to promote physical activity and healthy living. Overall health and wellness is one of the many benefits offered from campus recreation services. To maximize physical activity outcomes, an assessment of motivations to participate in campus recreation services should be considered. The purpose of this study was to investigate motivational factors that are associated with students' participation in intramural sports and compare these motivations across different demographic groups. The theoretical basis for this study was the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) developed by Deci and Ryan (1985). Motivational factors were measured using a modified version of the Motives for Physical Activity Scale developed by Frederick and Ryan (1993). Data collection occurred during the spring 2005 semester at a university in the southeastern United States. Significant relationships were identified between gender groups. Recommendations for campus recreation professionals are also presented.

2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Moffitt

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in intramural sports and student satisfaction with the collegiate experience. In addition the study investigated differences among users of the program and amount of participation in regards to perceptions of student satisfaction. The study also introduced the Campus Recreation Participation Ladder as a heuristic model specific to campus recreation professionals (CRPL). The instrument used for testing the research questions was the College Senior Survey, developed and supplied by the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI). Scales were created for analysis of the data and were found to be reliable with a Cronbach's Alpha calculation of at least 0.7 for each scale. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant difference between users and nonusers regarding perceptions about satisfaction with academic life and satisfaction with campus life participation. No significant difference between users and nonusers was found on the scales of leadership and happiness, suggesting that participation in intramural sports has limited or no effect on a student's satisfaction with leadership development opportunities and overall happiness. Satisfaction levels of users based on the amount of participation were approaching significance and warrants further investigation. Implications of the results on the use of the CRPL are discussed and further suggestions for future research are listed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Mettling ◽  
Jung-Min Lee ◽  
Ashley Blount ◽  
Danae Dinkel

The purpose of this study was to (a) examine differences between type of physical activity (PA), college, gender, and body mass index (BMI); and (b) explore the needs of college students in regard to PA programming using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Students at a Midwestern university completed a PA programming questionnaire and the Stages of Change questionnaire. After exclusions, 535 questionnaires were analyzed. Of those surveyed, 45.6% met aerobic PA guidelines, 38.5% met muscle-strengthening guidelines, half of the students were of normal weight, and the other half were overweight or obese. Males participated in more PA than females in both categories. The greatest percentage of students were in the maintenance stage of the TTM (38.1%). In regard to PA programming, the largest percentage of students wanted more variety in times and styles for cardio and strength classes. Future campus recreation professionals could consider utilizing a similar survey to identify demographics and stage of change to better design PA programs.


2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson Cooper ◽  
Daniel Theriault

Recent research has illustrated that young people tend to develop poor physical activity behaviors before the college years and maintain poor behaviors throughout the college experience. The undergraduate experience (ages 18–24) is an opportunity to affirm positive physical activity behaviors. Campus recreation facilities and programs are positioned to contribute to this effort because they provide easily accessible recreation opportunities to students, faculty, and staff. This being the case, campus recreation professionals should consider the factors that encourage and promote physical activity. One set of factors, environmental, might be of particular interest to campus recreation professionals. Although environmental factors are often considered for the purposes of operation and safety, their correlation with physical activity might not be considered as much. The current article presents a literature review of 3 environmental correlates of physical activity: proximity, access, and aesthetics. Implications for campus recreation professionals are also presented.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Beggs ◽  
Olivia Butts ◽  
Amy Hurd ◽  
Daniel Elkins

Core competencies are defined as skills, knowledge, and abilities that an employee needs to be successful in a job. There has been research examining competencies in a variety of professional recreation settings, including campus recreation. Research in campus recreation has confirmed the understanding of the NIRSA Core Competencies: program delivery; philosophy and theory; personal and professional qualities; legal liabilities and risk management; human resources management; facility planning, management, and design; business management; and research and evaluation. The purpose of this study was to examine competencies of entry-level employees in campus recreation departments. More specifically, this study investigated differences in perceptions of entry-level competencies between entry-level employees, mid-level, and upper-level employees in campus recreation departments. There were 466 campus recreation professionals that participated in the survey research and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests indicated that entry-level employees assign greater importance to specific competencies than employees higher up in the organization.


Nutrients ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 331
Author(s):  
Bogna Gryszczyńska ◽  
Magdalena Budzyń ◽  
Joanna Grupińska ◽  
Magdalena Paulina Kasprzak ◽  
Agnieszka Gryszczyńska

The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, including social isolation, movement restrictions and work instability have altered many people’s nutritional behaviors and daily lifestyle. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on selected eating habits, physical activity and daily lifestyle changes of Polish adults (n = 145). The self-designed and anonymous questionnaire was available online from the 1 May 2021 to the 15 May 2021. In general, 60% of respondents declared that the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect their dietary habits, whereas 26% of surveyed individuals answered in the affirmative. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on changing dietary habits was differentiated by age (Pearson’s χ2 = 12.604; p = 0.0134). The number of meals consumed by respondents per day differed across gender groups (Pearson’s χ2 = 9.653; df = 4; p = 0.0466). An increase in body weight during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by 43% of women and 7.6% of surveyed men. Additionally, hybrid working women declared most often an increase in body mass independent of age, education level and living place. Moreover, the majority of respondents who reported the effect of the pandemic on changing dietary habits also declared more frequent sweets consumption. The study revealed that respondents who stated more frequent sweets consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely associated with an increase in body mass (OR = 6.75, 95% CI, 6.75–91.25). No increase in the consumption of vitamin D, C and Mg supplements and pickled products was found.


2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenna G. Bower ◽  
Mary A. Hums ◽  
John L. Keedy

The purpose of this study was to discover factors influencing a person's decision to mentor students within campus recreation. The present study investigated four areas of inquiry within campus recreation: (a) What are the individual reasons for mentoring students? (b) What organizational factors inhibit or facilitate mentoring students? (c) What protégé characteristics attracted mentors?, and (d) What outcomes are associated with mentoring students? The phenomenological study relied on in-depth interviews of five campus recreation professionals. This research study utilized three in-depth phenomenological interviews with each participant as the primary means of collecting data. The researcher used the constant comparative method of analysis throughout the study. Analysis of the data produced personal life history portraits of each participant and provided themes and categories for each research question. Study findings provided valuable information for campus recreation directors wishing to successfully mentor students entering the campus recreation profession.


Author(s):  
Ana F. Abraído-Lanza ◽  
Karen R. Flórez ◽  
Rachel C. Shelton

Despite the many health benefits of physical activity (PA), the majority of Latinos do not meet recommended levels of PA. This chapter provides an overview of research on acculturation and PA among adult Latinos in the United States. It identifies gaps in knowledge concerning the association between acculturation and different types of PA, the joint effects of socioeconomic position and acculturation on PA, and research on gender. It suggests several areas for further research related to acculturation and PA, including an exploration of norms, social networks, and broader social contexts. It concludes that although the bulk of evidence indicates that greater acculturation is associated with increased PA, more complex research designs and greater methodological and conceptual rigor are needed to move forward research in this area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-59
Author(s):  
Seonghun Lee ◽  
Tyler Spencer ◽  
Mary A. Hums ◽  
Meera Alagaraja

International college students have become an important subgroup in U.S. higher education. However, their campus recreation participation rate is relatively low. Previous studies indicate significant factors preventing international students from campus recreation participation were lack of time, lack of workout partners, and lack of recreation information. Relatively little research has been undertaken on understanding and explaining campus recreation experiences among the international graduate student population. This study utilized semistructured interviews with 14 students who used campus recreation services at a 4-year major U.S. public university. Results indicated three primary constraints emerged: time, transportation, and information. However, these students recognized the benefits of using campus recreation services regularly because it helps improve physical health, personal well-being, and social engagement. The findings of this study will provide campus recreation service administrators with a better understanding of international graduate students’ needs in terms of campus recreation services.


2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robbie Shifman ◽  
Katelyn Moss ◽  
Giselle D'Andrade ◽  
Jessica Eichel ◽  
Scott Forrester

This study investigated if international students face unique interpersonal, intrapersonal, and structural constraints to participation in intramural sports. Surveys were collected from 292 participants, with proportionate representation of international and noninternational students when compared with the broader university population. Results demonstrated that international students who have participated in intramural sports experience significantly higher interpersonal and intrapersonal constraints when compared with noninternational students who also have participated in intramural sports. There were no significant differences in the three types of constraints between international vs. noninternational students who have not participated in intramural sports. It was concluded that campus recreation and international student service departments at universities need to collaborate to foster awareness, promote the benefits of participation, and assist international students in overcoming these constraints to participating in intramural sports.


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