The relevance of multiple attachment relationships to college student physical self and physical activity constructs

Sarah Ullrich-French, Purdue University

Abstract

Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969/1982, 1988) and self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2002) have parallel assertions, but have not been examined together to address physical activity motivation. Therefore, this study examined the relevance of attachment relationships to physical self-perceptions, self-determined physical activity motivation, and physical activity behavior. The first hypothesis was that security of attachment would positively correlate with these constructs. The second hypothesis was that the association between attachment relationships and physical activity motivation would be mediated by physical self-worth and perceived internal locus of control. Also, physical activity motivation would mediate the association of physical self-worth and internal locus of control with physical activity. Attachment relationships may be particularly salient during transitions (Papini & Roggman, 1992), therefore the third hypothesis was that first-year undergraduate students would exhibit stronger associations between attachment security and physical self-worth, perceived locus of control for physical activity, self-determined motivation, and physical activity than upper-level undergraduate students. Because it is not clear how multiple attachment relationships operate in combination, this study also examined (a) if there are profiles of parent, best friend, and romantic partner attachment relationships and (b) whether these profiles are motivationally relevant in the physical domain. Profiles characterized by more secure attachments were expected to show more adaptive motivation. Undergraduate students (N = 893, M age = 20.1 years) completed an online questionnaire reliably assessing attachment with mother, father, best friend, and romantic partner, physical self-perceptions, locus of control for physical activity, self-determined motivation for physical activity, and physical activity behavior. More secure attachment relationships were significantly correlated with more positive motivational indices. Structural equation modeling identified that physical self-worth and internal locus of control mediated the association of father and best friend attachment, respectively, with self-determined motivation. Fisher's r to z transformation revealed few differences in correlations between first-year and upper-level undergraduate students. Cluster analysis identified distinct profiles of attachment relationships and MANOVA showed the profiles were motivationally different. Although strength of support for specific hypotheses was modest, the findings were consistent with attachment theory and self-determination theory. Findings also highlight the importance of considering combinations of multiple attachment relationships.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Smith, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology|Recreation

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