| The Relationship Between Intrinsic Motivation and Training Adherence Among Amateur Bodybuilders in Mashhad |
| Paper ID : 1130-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
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Mohamad ali Biabangard *, Zahra Hoseinzadeh, Saeid Azadbakht Department of Sport Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Motivation is one of the fundamental psychological constructs that plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining regular training behaviors among athletes. Previous evidence suggests that athletes with higher levels of intrinsic motivation are more likely to engage consistently in training activities. However, this relationship has received limited attention among amateur bodybuilders, particularly within the cultural and social context of Mashhad. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between intrinsic motivation and training adherence among amateur bodybuilders in this city. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 amateur male bodybuilders aged 18–30 years who trained at local fitness centers in Mashhad. Inclusion criteria were having at least six months of continuous training experience. Data were collected using two instruments: (1) a short version of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) to assess intrinsic motivation, and (2) a self-report form to record the average number of weekly training sessions over the past four weeks. Descriptive statistics and analysis were applied using SPSS. Results: The mean score of intrinsic motivation was 3.87 ± 0.71, and the mean number of weekly training sessions was 4.31 ± 1.45. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a positive and significant relationship between intrinsic motivation and training adherence (r = 0.42, p = 0.002). Participants with higher intrinsic motivation scores reported a greater number of training sessions per week compared to those with lower motivation levels. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the pivotal role of intrinsic motivation as a facilitating factor in adherence to training programs among amateur bodybuilders. Enhancing intrinsic motivational components may serve as an effective strategy for coaches and sport psychologists to promote consistency and long-term engagement in training among this population. |
| Keywords |
| Intrinsic motivation, Training adherence, Bodybuilding, Sport psychology |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
