Physical self-concept and basic psychological needs in exercise: Are there reciprocal effects?

This study investigated a reciprocal effects model of physical self-concept and basic psychological need satisfaction in a sample of undergraduate students engaged in structured exercise classes. A total of 329(N = 329) exercisers completed surveys at the beginning and end of the semester. Hierarchical linear modelling analyses revealed that physical self-concept at the start of the semester predicted exercisers’ feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness at the end of the semester after controlling for individual and class-related variables. Surprisingly, autonomy, competence, and relatedness at the start of the semester did not predict physical self-concept at the end of the semester. Thus, the self-enhancing effects of physical self-concept on future exercise need satisfaction were supported while reciprocal effects were not. Findings suggest that physical self-concept may be best situated as an antecedent rather than an outcome of exercise need satisfaction.