Emma Tobin 

The aim of this project was to explore the research question; does exercise motivation differ based on self-esteem and exercise self-efficacy? The current study included 161 Irish undergraduate students aged between 18 and 25 years. A short demographic questionnaire was used to determine age, gender, year of study, whether or not they engaged in exercise and what type of exercise they engaged in. Participants self-esteem and exercise self-efficacy was also measured using two questionnaires.

Results of the present study suggest that those low in self-esteem were motivated by external factors, such as affiliation and competition, but not by other motivators. Results also suggest that those high in exercise self-efficacy were motivated by internal rewards, such as stress management, revitalisation, and enjoyment, but not by other motivators. No significant interaction between self-esteem and exercise self-efficacy based on exercise motivation was found. The current study contributes to the research body on exercise motivation as it investigates a combination of variables that has not been explored before. With the rise in popularity of exercise as a coping mechanism for the current circumstances of COVID-19, the findings of the present study may appeal greatly to those utilizing online training methods to coach clients, to gain knowledge on some cognitive factors that affect exercise motivation.