The intrinsic and extrinsic motivation towards physical activity among Malaysian technical university (Utem) students

Abstract

This study explores the inherent and external factors which influence university students' involvement in physical activity. As the key respondents were reacting to the adapted Exercise Reward Inventory and Participation Motivation questionnaire, 400 students comprising 200 males and 200 females were sampled. It shows that health and fitness (M = 4.37) are the intrinsic highest mean value variables, whereas peers and friends (M = 3.97) are factors for extrinsic variables. There are substantial differences in the presence of inherent health and fitness motives between gender and physical influences (t =-6.51, p < 1.05) (t =-5.05, p < 0.05). Only in the family did there appear to be substantial sex variations in extrinsic motivation (t = 6.98, p < 0.05). There were only substantial variations of sex in relation to external motivation in the family (t = 6.98, p < 0.05). Lastly, the most contributing factors to physical activity are the inherent motivational and extrinsic motivational factors (the position of the university). University should emphasise the opportunity to promote physical activity among more students by encouraging safer cultural activities between men and women. This study is also important for the physical and spiritual growth of healthy students. This experience shows that the most successful way, particularly for students, is to make the next generation safe and energy efficient.