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Garstang, KR, 2024. Optimising the setting and pursuit of physical activity goals in insufficiently active adults: an exploration of how goal types and goal motives can impact physical activity and well-being. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.
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Abstract
This thesis contributes to the growing body of goal setting literature by offering novel insights into the effects of different goal types on not just physical activity, but additionally the psychological variables associated with long-term engagement, particularly for insufficiently active adults. Additionally, it is the first body of work, that we are aware of, that looks to assess both the how (i.e., goal types) and why (i.e., goal motives) of goal setting for physical activity. These additions seek to improve the setting and pursuit of goals to improve global physical activity levels and population health. To summarise, the overall aim of this research programme was to explore the effects of different goal types (e.g., specific, open, learning goals) on physical activity and psychological variables (motivation, self-efficacy and affect); and to assess the effect of goal types on goal motives (e.g., autonomous and controlled), and the subsequent impact this has on physical activity and well-being. These overarching aims are addressed by seven objectives presented over five empirical chapters.
A systematic review and meta-analysis is presented in Chapter 3 that identified specific goals are effective for physical activity in insufficiently active adults, but less so for psychological variables. However, these effects are only comparable to no goal, highlighting a need to test additional goal types in this population. Chapter 4 identified that of all of the mechanisms and moderators suggested by Goal Setting Theory (Locke & Latham, 1990, 2002), task complexity was the only variable to influence physical activity and mental well-being. Thus, questioning the applicability of the theory in a physical activity context. In Chapter 5 the Self Concordance Model alongside previous goal setting literature was used to inform a proposed model of the associations between goal motives, psychological variables, physical activity, and mental well-being. Chapter 6 identified that although goal types do not alter performance in simple and complex tasks, perceptual differences were found that when related to a physical activity context could impact upon future engagement and adherence. Finally, Chapter 7 provided initial insights into the comparative effects of different goal types on physical and psychological variables over time in insufficiently active adults, highlighting the need for a more individualised approach to goal setting in this context and for this population.
The findings presented in this thesis offer novel insight providing context specific answers to poignant critical questions raised in literature surrounding goal setting for physical activity for insufficiently active adults. A greater understanding of the types of goals and the underpinning motives effects on physical and psychological variables is provided, ultimately imploring further research to explore additional factors that could result in varied individual responses to goal setting for physical activity, specifically for insufficiently active adults.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Garstang, K.R. |
| Contributors: | Name Role NTU ID ORCID |
| Date: | November 2024 |
| Rights: | The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author |
| Divisions: | Schools > School of Science and Technology |
| Record created by: | Jeremy Silvester |
| Date Added: | 04 Jul 2025 10:56 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Jul 2025 10:56 |
| URI: | https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53883 |
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