718 - ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN AUTONOMOUS AND CONTROLLED MOTIVATION, HEALTH-RELATED EATING AND EXERCISE HABITS, AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

Session: P_D08S003 - Poster Session 3 - Division 8
AUTHORS:
Kato Yoshiko (Kobe university ~ Kobe ~ Japan) , Wang Yiran (Qingdao Technical College ~ Qingdao ~ China) , Murata Yasunori (Kobe university ~ Kobe ~ Japan) , Kojima Ami (Fukui Prefectural University ~ Eiheiji ~ Japan)
Abstract text:
Introduction: In Japan, specific health checkups are conducted to prevent lifestyle-related diseases. These assess the presence of health-promoting eating and exercise habits. Motivation for such behaviors can be autonomous or controlled, with autonomous motivation generally associated with more favorable outcomes.
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationships among autonomous and controlled motivation, eating and exercise habits, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), to identify effective motivational pathways for lifestyle improvement.
Method: Participants were 1,411 adults (1,100 men, 311 women; mean age = 46.8 ± 9.7 years). Motivation was assessed using self-determination theory. Eating habits included fast eating, late dinners, snacking between meals, and breakfast skipping. Exercise habits included regular moderate exercise, daily physical activity, and walking speed compared to peers. MetS indicators (body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids) were measured.
Results: Fast eating was positively associated with MetS (β = .136, p < .001). Autonomous motivation showed a weak negative association with fast eating (β = −.133, p = .012), while controlled motivation showed a positive one (β = .141, p = .027). Autonomous motivation was negatively associated with MetS (β = −.197, p < .001); controlled motivation was positively associated (β = .185, p = .003). In the exercise model, autonomous motivation was positively associated with regular moderate exercise (β = .444, p < .001), and controlled motivation was negatively associated (β = −.316, p < .001). Regular moderate exercise showed a weak negative association with MetS (β = .087, p = .009). Importantly, autonomous motivation for exercise was negatively associated with MetS (β = −.376, p < .001), while controlled motivation showed a positive association (β = .448, p < .001).
Conclusions: Fostering autonomous motivation may improve lifestyle habits and reduce MetS risk, supporting its application in health-focused psychological interventions.