Motivators and Barriers for Green Physical Activity in the U.S. Examining the Role of Gender, Sexual Identity, Disability, and Race

This study explored differences in motivations and barriers for green physical activity (GPA) in a sample of U.S. adults (N = 205). Differences by identity (i.e. gender, sexual identity, disability status, and race/ethnicity) were examined. Participants (33.5 ± 9.2 years, 76.6% female and 7.8% genderqueer/non-conforming, 33.3% LGBTQIA+, 34.1% BIPOC, 10.7% individuals with disabilities) responded to survey measures for motivations/barriers and could provide open-ended motivations/barriers not covered by scales. Genderqueer/non-conforming participants were significantly less motivated by competition/ego, appearance, and others’ expectations (p’s < 0.05). LGBTQIA + participants were overall less motivated to do GPA (p = 0.02). Overall barrier scores were significantly higher for LGBTQIA + participants (p = 0.01) and participants with disabilities (p = 0.02). Qualitative analysis revealed themes outside of the scales for motivators (i.e. GPA integrated into daily life, active citizenship, mental health, and physical activity benefits) and further barriers at all levels (i.e. structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal). Historically excluded groups’ motivators/barriers should be prioritized in GPA-related campaigns and programming.