The benefits of being self-determined in promoting physical activity and affective well-being among women recently treated for breast cancer.
PURPOSE
In this study, changes in motivational regulations in women following treatment for breast cancer were described. Changes in motivational regulations as predictors of subsequent change in light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and affect were also examined.


METHODS
Women [n = 150; M(age) = 54.41 (SD = 10.87) years] completed self-report questionnaires and wore an accelerometer for 7 days at Time 1 [M = 3.94 (SD = 3.08) months following primary treatment], as well as 3 (Time 2) and 6 (Time 3) months later. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and path analysis using residual change scores.


RESULTS
Identified regulation and self-determined motivation (i.e., combined intrinsic motivation and identified regulation) scores decreased over time (p < 0.05). In the path model [χ(2)(4) = 5.66, p = 0.22, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05 (90% CI: 0.0; 0.15), comparative fit index = 0.99, standardized root mean square of the residuals = 0.03], ΔTime(1-2) in external regulation was associated with ΔTime(2-3) in positive affect (β = -0.16), ΔTime(1-2) in introjected (β = 0.25) and amotivation (β = 0.19) were related to ΔTime(2-3) in negative affect, and ΔTime(1-2) in self-determined motivation was related to ΔTime(2-3) in positive affect (β = 0.40) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (β = 0.21).


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in motivational regulations were related to changes in PA and affect in the aftermath of breast cancer. Given the benefits of self-determined motivation, additional research is needed to develop and test interventions aimed at enhancing this type of motivation.
['Brunet|Jennifer|J|', 'Burke|Shaunna M|SM|', 'Sabiston|Catherine M|CM|']
D061725:Accelerometry D000328:Adult D000339:Affect D000368:Aged D001943:Breast Neoplasms D015444:Exercise D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008603:Mental Health D008875:Middle Aged D009042:Motivation D009043:Motor Activity D026684:Personal Autonomy D010549:Personal Satisfaction D017741:Survivors
physical activity breast cancer motivation longitudinal study oncology survivorship well‐being