Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani
Biographic Data
| ID | 163466 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani |
| GIVEN NAMES | Cecilie |
| FAMILY NAME | Thøgersen-Ntoumani |
| SIGNATURE | THØGERSEN-NTOUMANI C |
| AFFILIATIONS | Curtin University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-0255-1263 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 29 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 93 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 29 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2007 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Motivated and Responsive
Peer-led physical activity programs can support healthy aging, yet the leader-related factors that sustain their delivery are not well understood. This study investigates how peer-leader attributes and motivation influence leadership outcomes critical for program sustainability. A 12-week prospective survey was conducted with 131 trained walking group leaders (mean age = 62.7 years). Guided by the Self-Determination Theory, we examined how autono…
Maintaining conceptual fidelity through teacher-led adaptation
School-based physical activity programs are widely promoted to address adolescent physical inactivity, yet their population-level impact is often limited by implementation challenges in real-world school settings. While implementation fidelity is frequently assessed, less is known about how teachers actively balance adherence and local adaptation while maintaining core program principles. This study examined the implementation of the FIT FIRST Te…
The FIT FIRST 10 dose-response study
Introduction Increasing physical activity (PA) levels among children is critical to mitigate health risks associated with physical inactivity. Schools have been highlighted as ideal setting for promoting PA. However, existing school-based PA programs often face implementation challenges. The FIT FIRST 10 (FF10) multi-sport program has been introduced in Denmark, aiming to increase PA and to enhance children's health, fitness, and well-being. This…
Promoting vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (vilpa) in middle-aged adults
The MovSnax app, tested in the present study, is the world's first digital tool aimed specifically at increasing VILPA. The findings of the present study underscore the need for further app refinement, focusing on clarifying its purpose and instructions, boosting user engagement through personalization and added motivational elements, enhancing accuracy in detecting VILPA bouts, implementing clearer feedback mechanisms, expanding customization ch…
How can older peer leaders best support motivation for walking in physically inactive older adults? A self-determination theory perspective
Objective We aimed to determine what older adults perceive to be need-supportive behaviours of peer walk leaders, drawing primarily from Self-Determination Theory (SDT).Design Experienced peer leaders (n = 13; Mage = 73.23, SD = 6.55) and walkers (n = 17; Mage = 72.88, SD = 5.79) were recruited from existing walking groups. Individuals who expressed an interest in becoming a peer leader (n = 18; Mage = 72.72, SD = 4.99) or walker (n = 20; Mage = …
“More than just a walk in the park”
In spite of the large-scale growth of walking sport (WS) programmes globally, limited research has explored the experiences of the key stakeholders involved in such programmes (i.e. decision-makers, facilitators, and players). We aimed to explore stakeholder experiences of community-based WS programmes to better understand the appeal of such sport options for middle-aged and older adults, and propose tentative recommendations for the feasibility …
A classification system for teachers' motivational behaviors recommended in self-determination theory interventions
Teachers' behavior is a key factor that influences students' motivation. Many theoretical models have tried to explain this influence, with one of the most thoroughly researched being self-determination theory (SDT). We used a Delphi method to create a classification of teacher behaviors consistent with SDT. This is useful because SDT-based interventions have been widely used to improve educational outcomes. However, these interventions contain m…
The Aussie-FIT process evaluation
OBJECTIVE: This process evaluation aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Aussie-FIT, a group-based weight loss intervention for men with overweight and obesity in Australia. DESIGN: = 93) were analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We explored the feasibility and acceptability of program setting and context, recruitment strategies, factors impacting implementation and mechanisms of impact. RESULTS: Recruitment via Australian Football L…
Personality, Risk Perceptions, and Health Behaviors
The aim of the study was to examine reciprocal associations between risk perceptions for cardiovascular disease and health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption), while accounting for key personality characteristics in middle-aged adults. Participants ( N = 297; M ( SD ) age = 51 (6.95); 72.4% female) completed online questionnaires assessing risk perceptions, physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption, and personali…
A meta-analysis of self-determination theory-informed intervention studies in the health domain
Older Adults’ Perceptions toward Walking
Our findings provide insights for the planning of future multilevel walking intervention programs for older adults in Hong Kong. It is suggested that future walking intervention should include professionals (e.g., physiotherapist or coach) in a group setting, practical walking recommendations such as proper walking posture, and additional fun activities for older adults
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion
The findings of this study support the value of peer volunteering as a strategy for mobilising community assets in promoting active ageing. To ensure success and longevity, these schemes require appropriate funding and efficient administrative support
Team resilience emergence
We conducted a longitudinal (3‐month) qualitative study to examine elite military personnel's (N = 32) experiences and perspectives of team resilience emergence following two team‐oriented training courses within an 18‐month high‐stakes training programme where personnel are required to operate in newly formed tactical teams for extended periods. Our thematically informed interpretations of the participants’ subjective experiences of reality were…
Self-Compassion and Need Frustration Moderate the Effects of Upward Appearance Comparisons on Body Image Discrepancies
Drawing from diverse theoretical frameworks, we examined predictors of discrepancy between current and ideal body image in a sample of 396 Greek adolescents. The participants completed assessments of the frequency of comparing oneself with someone of perceived better appearance, appearance evaluations, frustration of basic psychological needs, and appearance self-compassion. We found that upward appearance comparisons negatively predicted appeara…
Profiles of adversity and resilience resources
Adversities refer to events that are characterized by perceived or actual threat to human functioning. Often considered deleterious for health and well‐being, recent work supports an alternative picture of the effects of adversity on human functioning, such that a moderate amount of adversity – when compared with none or high levels – can be beneficial. We extend this body of work in the current study by considering the breadth or type of adversi…
Body image, physical activity, and sport
Beware of your teaching style
Putting self-determination theory into practice
Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), and in the group exercise context, this qualitative study explored: (1) instructors’ experiences of operationalising motivational strategies following participation in an SDT-based training programme, (2) exercisers’ views on instructors use of motivational strategies and any impact on exercisers’ basic psychological needs and motivation and (3) the challenges and facilitators reported by instructors w…
Community Gardening
Community gardens have been associated with a number of positive outcomes, including community and individual well-being. We used self-determination theory as a framework to interpret the social-psychological characteristics of community gardens that may determine their role in sustaining need satisfaction and well-being. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 5 experienced community gardeners and 10 aspiring community gardene…
Physical Activity Adoption to Adherence, Lapse, and Dropout
Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, we aimed to explore and identify key motivational processes involved in the transition from a physically inactive to an active lifestyle, and the processes involved in lapse and dropout behavior within a walking program. We implemented a qualitative, longitudinal case study method, using semistructured interviews and theoretical thematic analyses. Fifteen women were interviewed over 10 months and three profi…
Changing Bodies
We aimed to explore the lived experiences of women who had a surgical menopause as a result of undergoing a hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oopherectomy (BSO). We adopted a qualitative interview design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and recruited 7 women aged 47 to 59. We conducted synchronous online semistructured interviews using the MSN (Microsoft Network) Messenger program. In the findings, we examine the prominent…
The development of synchronous text-based instant messaging as an online interviewing tool
The article reports the development of a synchronous text-based online interviewing tool with a continuity of private discussion that is not achieved in open-ended questionnaires, email interviews and online discussion boards. The participants were women who had undergone a surgical or natural menopause, who in a pilot interview highlighted the potential sensitivity of this subject and inspired the implementation of this method. The overall feedb…
Self-Determination Theory Applied to Health Contexts
Behavior change is more effective and lasting when patients are autonomously motivated. To examine this idea, we identified 184 independent data sets from studies that utilized self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000) in health care and health promotion contexts. A meta-analysis evaluated relations between the SDT-based constructs of practitioner support for patient autonomy and patients’ experience of psychological need satisfaction, a…
A longitudinal examination of coach and peer motivational climates in youth sport
Embedded in achievement goal theory (Ames, 1992; Meece, Anderman, & Anderman, 2006), this study examined how perceptions of coach and peer motivational climate in youth sport predicted moral attitudes, emotional well-being, and indices of behavioral investment in a sample of British adolescents competing in regional leagues. We adopted a longitudinal perspective, taking measures at the middle and the end of a sport season, as well as at the begin…
Self-Determination Theory and Diminished Functioning
Drawing from self-determination theory, three studies explored the social-environmental conditions that satisfy versus thwart psychological needs and, in turn, affect psychological functioning and well-being or ill-being. In cross-sectional Studies 1 and 2, structural equation modeling analyses supported latent factor models in which need satisfaction was predicted by athletes’ perceptions of autonomy support, and need thwarting was better predic…
A classification system for teachers' motivational behaviors recommended in self-determination theory interventions
Teachers' behavior is a key factor that influences students' motivation. Many theoretical models have tried to explain this influence, with one of the most thoroughly researched being self-determination theory (SDT). We used a Delphi method to create a classification of teacher behaviors consistent with SDT. This is useful because SDT-based interventions have been widely used to improve educational outcomes. However, these interventions contain m…
The development of synchronous text-based instant messaging as an online interviewing tool
The article reports the development of a synchronous text-based online interviewing tool with a continuity of private discussion that is not achieved in open-ended questionnaires, email interviews and online discussion boards. The participants were women who had undergone a surgical or natural menopause, who in a pilot interview highlighted the potential sensitivity of this subject and inspired the implementation of this method. The overall feedb…
A longitudinal examination of coach and peer motivational climates in youth sport
Embedded in achievement goal theory (Ames, 1992; Meece, Anderman, & Anderman, 2006), this study examined how perceptions of coach and peer motivational climate in youth sport predicted moral attitudes, emotional well-being, and indices of behavioral investment in a sample of British adolescents competing in regional leagues. We adopted a longitudinal perspective, taking measures at the middle and the end of a sport season, as well as at the begin…
A Self-determination Theory Approach to the Study of Body Image Concerns, Self-presentation and Self-perceptions in a Sample of Aerobic Instructors
This study examined motivational predictors of body image concerns, self-presentation and self-perceptions using Self-determination Theory as a guiding framework. Aerobic instructors ( N = 149) completed questionnaires measuring general need satisfaction, exercise motivational regulations, body image concerns, social physique anxiety and self-perceptions. Introjected regulation predicted all outcome variables in the expected direction. Intrinsic …
Physical Activity Adoption to Adherence, Lapse, and Dropout
Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, we aimed to explore and identify key motivational processes involved in the transition from a physically inactive to an active lifestyle, and the processes involved in lapse and dropout behavior within a walking program. We implemented a qualitative, longitudinal case study method, using semistructured interviews and theoretical thematic analyses. Fifteen women were interviewed over 10 months and three profi…
Changing Bodies
We aimed to explore the lived experiences of women who had a surgical menopause as a result of undergoing a hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oopherectomy (BSO). We adopted a qualitative interview design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and recruited 7 women aged 47 to 59. We conducted synchronous online semistructured interviews using the MSN (Microsoft Network) Messenger program. In the findings, we examine the prominent…
Achievement goals in physical education
The aim of the present study was to investigate the differential relationships between five dimensions of motivational climate and achievement goals, as the latter have been conceptualized by the revised achievement goal theory. Adolescents ( N = 336, M age = 13.45 years, SD = 1.04) participating in a summer camp in southern Greece took part in the study. The participants completed the Approach Avoidance Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AAAGQ; mea…
The FIT FIRST 10 dose-response study
Introduction Increasing physical activity (PA) levels among children is critical to mitigate health risks associated with physical inactivity. Schools have been highlighted as ideal setting for promoting PA. However, existing school-based PA programs often face implementation challenges. The FIT FIRST 10 (FF10) multi-sport program has been introduced in Denmark, aiming to increase PA and to enhance children's health, fitness, and well-being. This…
Profiles of adversity and resilience resources
Adversities refer to events that are characterized by perceived or actual threat to human functioning. Often considered deleterious for health and well‐being, recent work supports an alternative picture of the effects of adversity on human functioning, such that a moderate amount of adversity – when compared with none or high levels – can be beneficial. We extend this body of work in the current study by considering the breadth or type of adversi…
Achievement goals in physical education
The aim of the present study was to investigate the differential relationships between five dimensions of motivational climate and achievement goals, as the latter have been conceptualized by the revised achievement goal theory. Adolescents ( N = 336, M age = 13.45 years, SD = 1.04) participating in a summer camp in southern Greece took part in the study. The participants completed the Approach Avoidance Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AAAGQ; mea…
A Self-determination Theory Approach to the Study of Body Image Concerns, Self-presentation and Self-perceptions in a Sample of Aerobic Instructors
This study examined motivational predictors of body image concerns, self-presentation and self-perceptions using Self-determination Theory as a guiding framework. Aerobic instructors ( N = 149) completed questionnaires measuring general need satisfaction, exercise motivational regulations, body image concerns, social physique anxiety and self-perceptions. Introjected regulation predicted all outcome variables in the expected direction. Intrinsic …
"Step by Step". A feasibility study of a lunchtime walking intervention designed to increase walking, improve mental well-being and work performance in sedentary employees
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN81504663
Self-Determination Theory and Diminished Functioning
Drawing from self-determination theory, three studies explored the social-environmental conditions that satisfy versus thwart psychological needs and, in turn, affect psychological functioning and well-being or ill-being. In cross-sectional Studies 1 and 2, structural equation modeling analyses supported latent factor models in which need satisfaction was predicted by athletes’ perceptions of autonomy support, and need thwarting was better predic…
Psychological Need Thwarting in the Sport Context
Research in self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2002) has shown that satisfaction of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs in sport contexts is associated with enhanced engagement, performance, and well-being. This article outlines the initial development of a multidimensional measure designed to assess psychological need thwarting, an under-studied area of conceptual and practical importance. Study 1 generated a pool of items designed …
Self-Determination Theory Applied to Health Contexts
Behavior change is more effective and lasting when patients are autonomously motivated. To examine this idea, we identified 184 independent data sets from studies that utilized self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000) in health care and health promotion contexts. A meta-analysis evaluated relations between the SDT-based constructs of practitioner support for patient autonomy and patients’ experience of psychological need satisfaction, a…
A longitudinal examination of coach and peer motivational climates in youth sport
Embedded in achievement goal theory (Ames, 1992; Meece, Anderman, & Anderman, 2006), this study examined how perceptions of coach and peer motivational climate in youth sport predicted moral attitudes, emotional well-being, and indices of behavioral investment in a sample of British adolescents competing in regional leagues. We adopted a longitudinal perspective, taking measures at the middle and the end of a sport season, as well as at the begin…
The development of synchronous text-based instant messaging as an online interviewing tool
The article reports the development of a synchronous text-based online interviewing tool with a continuity of private discussion that is not achieved in open-ended questionnaires, email interviews and online discussion boards. The participants were women who had undergone a surgical or natural menopause, who in a pilot interview highlighted the potential sensitivity of this subject and inspired the implementation of this method. The overall feedb…
Physical Activity Adoption to Adherence, Lapse, and Dropout
Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, we aimed to explore and identify key motivational processes involved in the transition from a physically inactive to an active lifestyle, and the processes involved in lapse and dropout behavior within a walking program. We implemented a qualitative, longitudinal case study method, using semistructured interviews and theoretical thematic analyses. Fifteen women were interviewed over 10 months and three profi…
Changing Bodies
We aimed to explore the lived experiences of women who had a surgical menopause as a result of undergoing a hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oopherectomy (BSO). We adopted a qualitative interview design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and recruited 7 women aged 47 to 59. We conducted synchronous online semistructured interviews using the MSN (Microsoft Network) Messenger program. In the findings, we examine the prominent…
Beware of your teaching style
Putting self-determination theory into practice
Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), and in the group exercise context, this qualitative study explored: (1) instructors’ experiences of operationalising motivational strategies following participation in an SDT-based training programme, (2) exercisers’ views on instructors use of motivational strategies and any impact on exercisers’ basic psychological needs and motivation and (3) the challenges and facilitators reported by instructors w…
Community Gardening
Community gardens have been associated with a number of positive outcomes, including community and individual well-being. We used self-determination theory as a framework to interpret the social-psychological characteristics of community gardens that may determine their role in sustaining need satisfaction and well-being. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 5 experienced community gardeners and 10 aspiring community gardene…
Body image, physical activity, and sport
Self-Compassion and Need Frustration Moderate the Effects of Upward Appearance Comparisons on Body Image Discrepancies
Drawing from diverse theoretical frameworks, we examined predictors of discrepancy between current and ideal body image in a sample of 396 Greek adolescents. The participants completed assessments of the frequency of comparing oneself with someone of perceived better appearance, appearance evaluations, frustration of basic psychological needs, and appearance self-compassion. We found that upward appearance comparisons negatively predicted appeara…
Profiles of adversity and resilience resources
Adversities refer to events that are characterized by perceived or actual threat to human functioning. Often considered deleterious for health and well‐being, recent work supports an alternative picture of the effects of adversity on human functioning, such that a moderate amount of adversity – when compared with none or high levels – can be beneficial. We extend this body of work in the current study by considering the breadth or type of adversi…
A meta-analysis of self-determination theory-informed intervention studies in the health domain
Older Adults’ Perceptions toward Walking
Our findings provide insights for the planning of future multilevel walking intervention programs for older adults in Hong Kong. It is suggested that future walking intervention should include professionals (e.g., physiotherapist or coach) in a group setting, practical walking recommendations such as proper walking posture, and additional fun activities for older adults
Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion
The findings of this study support the value of peer volunteering as a strategy for mobilising community assets in promoting active ageing. To ensure success and longevity, these schemes require appropriate funding and efficient administrative support
Team resilience emergence
We conducted a longitudinal (3‐month) qualitative study to examine elite military personnel's (N = 32) experiences and perspectives of team resilience emergence following two team‐oriented training courses within an 18‐month high‐stakes training programme where personnel are required to operate in newly formed tactical teams for extended periods. Our thematically informed interpretations of the participants’ subjective experiences of reality were…
The Aussie-FIT process evaluation
OBJECTIVE: This process evaluation aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Aussie-FIT, a group-based weight loss intervention for men with overweight and obesity in Australia. DESIGN: = 93) were analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We explored the feasibility and acceptability of program setting and context, recruitment strategies, factors impacting implementation and mechanisms of impact. RESULTS: Recruitment via Australian Football L…
Personality, Risk Perceptions, and Health Behaviors
The aim of the study was to examine reciprocal associations between risk perceptions for cardiovascular disease and health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption), while accounting for key personality characteristics in middle-aged adults. Participants ( N = 297; M ( SD ) age = 51 (6.95); 72.4% female) completed online questionnaires assessing risk perceptions, physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption, and personali…
How can older peer leaders best support motivation for walking in physically inactive older adults? A self-determination theory perspective
Objective We aimed to determine what older adults perceive to be need-supportive behaviours of peer walk leaders, drawing primarily from Self-Determination Theory (SDT).Design Experienced peer leaders (n = 13; Mage = 73.23, SD = 6.55) and walkers (n = 17; Mage = 72.88, SD = 5.79) were recruited from existing walking groups. Individuals who expressed an interest in becoming a peer leader (n = 18; Mage = 72.72, SD = 4.99) or walker (n = 20; Mage = …
“More than just a walk in the park”
In spite of the large-scale growth of walking sport (WS) programmes globally, limited research has explored the experiences of the key stakeholders involved in such programmes (i.e. decision-makers, facilitators, and players). We aimed to explore stakeholder experiences of community-based WS programmes to better understand the appeal of such sport options for middle-aged and older adults, and propose tentative recommendations for the feasibility …
A classification system for teachers' motivational behaviors recommended in self-determination theory interventions
Teachers' behavior is a key factor that influences students' motivation. Many theoretical models have tried to explain this influence, with one of the most thoroughly researched being self-determination theory (SDT). We used a Delphi method to create a classification of teacher behaviors consistent with SDT. This is useful because SDT-based interventions have been widely used to improve educational outcomes. However, these interventions contain m…
Psychology (24 works) · Social Psychology (16 works) · Medicine (14 works) · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports (14 works) · Applied Psychology (9 works) · Developmental psychology (9 works) · Behavioral Health and Interventions (8 works) · Gerontology (7 works) · Perception (7 works) · Physical activity (7 works)