Edited and reviewed by: Miguel-Angel Gomez-Ruano, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
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Motivation is a cornerstone of human behavior, directing the choices and actions shaping physical and mental wellbeing. Within the realm of physical activity, understanding the factors that drive participation, and adherence holds profound implications for public health, education, and clinical interventions. Building on the success of the first volume (Rogowska and Morouço,
The contributions in this Research Topic span a broad spectrum of research areas, from theoretical explorations of motivational constructs to practical interventions aimed at fostering physical activity. Collectively, they enrich our understanding of how motivational processes operate in diverse settings and populations.
The relationship between self-efficacy and motivation is foundational in understanding physical activity behaviors across different stages of life.
Individual differences in personality and psychological characteristics shape how people engage with physical activity.
The role of the social and physical environment is crucial in shaping early and sustained engagement in physical activity. The family environment emerges as a critical determinant in
Intervention strategies remain central to efforts to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes. Innovative interventions are also represented.
Physical education and mental health contexts offer unique opportunities to study motivation's role in promoting physical activity. The mediating role of motivation is explored in
The insights offered by this Research Topic place the study of physical activity motivation within a broader context of contemporary behavioral science. They reflect the multidimensionality of motivation, emphasizing that sustaining engagement in physical activity demands an integrative approach—one that accounts for individual, social, and environmental factors.
Looking ahead, the field stands poised for significant developments. Emerging technologies, such as AI-driven or web-based personalized interventions, and the growing recognition of cultural and contextual factors, offer promising avenues for further exploration. Additionally, experimental and longitudinal research are crucial to explore the long-term effects of motivational strategies for physical activity adherence. The studies featured in this Research Topic collectively advance our understanding of the complex dynamics that motivate individuals to engage in physical activity. By addressing diverse populations and using various theoretical frameworks, they provide a robust foundation for future research and practice. It is our hope that these contributions will encourage further innovation and collaboration toward healthier, more active societies.
PM: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. AR: Writing – review & editing. BB: Writing – review & editing.
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.
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