Motivation for physical activity in young adults with physical disabilities during a rehabilitation stay: a longitudinal test of self‐determination theory

We tested a self‐determination theory (SDT) process model during a 3 week physical activity rehabilitation stay among young adults with a physical disability (N = 44, M_age = 24.7, SD = 5.1). As hypothesized, perceived autonomy support positively predicted needs satisfaction at the end of the stay (r = .38, p < .01). Further, needs satisfaction was positively linked to changes in autonomous motivation for physical activity (r = .47, p < .01). Both changes in autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy were associated with physical activity increases over the stay (r = .57, p < .01 and r = .47, p < .01, respectively). Bootstrapping results supported the SDT process model, indicating a support for a development toward more self‐determined motivation in rehabilitation.