Objectification and Self-Determination in Fitness
A Qualitative Investigation of Women’s Motivations for Physical Exercise
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21975192 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cara Deininger (Department of Veterans Affairs), Akorede Teriba (0000-0002-1279-9337, University of North Dakota, corresponding author), Megan Foley‐Nicpon (0000-0002-8677-3578, University of Iowa) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pages | 644 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-03 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Social Sciences (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2076-0760 • E-ISSN: 2076-0760 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/socsci14110644 |
| OpenAlex | W4415819868 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 70 |
This qualitative study explored physically fit women’s physical, psychological, and societal reasons for engaging in exercise through the lenses of objectification theory and self-determination theory. A phenomenological approach enabled an in-depth examination of the complexity of women’s experiences, including the challenges and successes associated with physical exercise. The participants’ narratives ranged from accounts of perseverance in exercising, despite societal expectations and gendered stereotypes, to expressions of a desire to live long, happy, and healthy lives. Eight key themes were identified: initial motivators for physical exercise, benefits of physical exercise, perseverance, definition of a successful workout, gendered barriers to physical fitness, physical fitness identity, cost of physical fitness pursuit, and appearance motives. The findings highlight how physical exercise fosters empowerment and psychological well-being, with benefits such as self-assurance and self-love supporting sustained motivation over time. This study deepens understanding of how women navigate fitness within a broader sociocultural context and illustrates how external motivators can evolve into intrinsic motivation centered on autonomy, competence, and personal well-being
Empowerment · Human physical appearance · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Objectification · Physical fitness · Qualitative research · Self-determination theory · Sociocultural evolution · Education, Achievement, and Giftedness · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Physical Education and Pedagogy
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| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |