The student recreation center (SRC) promotes quality of life among college students. Grounded in self-determination theory, this study examined the relationship between SRC use and subjective vitality using a sample of 540 students at a large state university in the United States. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that use of fitness and group sport facilities both had a positive relationship with subjective vitality, which were mediated by competence need satisfaction, relatedness need satisfaction, and perception of physical health. Implications of the study findings were discussed.
ArtingerL., ClaphamL., HuntC., MeigsM., MilordN., SampsonB., & ForresterS.A. (2006). The social benefits of intramural sports. NASPA Journal, 43(1), 69–86. doi:10.2202/0027-6014.1572
2.
AstinA.W. (1993). What matters in college? Four critical years revisited. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
3.
BelchH.A., GebelM., & MaasG.M. (2001). Relationship between student recreation complex use, academic performance, and persistence of first-time freshmen. NASPA Journal, 38(2), 254–268. doi:10.2202/0027-6014.1138
4.
BentlerP.M. (1992). On the fit of models to covariances and methodology to the Bulletin. Psychological Bulletin, 112(3), 400–404. PubMed ID: 1438635 doi:10.1037/0033-2909.112.3.400
BrowneM.W., & CudeckR. (1993). Alternative ways of assessing model fit. In BollenK.A. & LongJ.S. (Eds.), Testing structural equation models (pp. 136–162). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
7.
BurkeS.M., CarronA.V., EysM.A., NtoumanisN., & EstabrooksP.A. (2006). Group versus individual approach? A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity. Sport & Exercise Psychology Review, 2(1), 13–29.
8.
DanbertS.J., PivarnikJ.M., McNeilR.N., & WashingtonI.J. (2014). Academic success and retention: The role of recreational sports fitness facilities. Recreational Sports Journal, 38, 14–22. doi:10.1123/rsj.2013-0010
9.
DeciE.L., & RyanR.M. (1991). A motivational approach to self: Integration in personality. In DienstbierR. (Ed.), Nebraska symposium on motivation: Perspectives on motivation (Vol. 38, pp. 237–288). Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press.
10.
DeciE.L., & RyanR.M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227–268. doi:10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
11.
DeciE.L., & RyanR.M. (2012). Self-determination theory. In Van LangeP.A.M., KruglanskiA.W., & HigginsE.T. (Eds.), Handbook of theories of social psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 416–437). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
12.
DeciE.L., RyanR.M., & GuayF. (2013). Self-determination theory and actualization of human potential. In McInerneyD., MarshH., CravenR., & GuayF. (Eds.), Theory driving research: New wave perspectives on self processes and human development (pp. 109–133). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Press.
13.
du ToitM., & du ToitS. (2001). Interactive LISREL: User's guide. Lincolnwood, IL: Scientific Software International.
14.
ElkinsD.J., ForresterS.A., & Noël-ElkinsA.V. (2011). The contribution of campus recreational sports participation to perceived sense of campus community. Recreational Sports Journal, 35(1), 24–34. doi:10.1123/rsj.35.1.24
15.
ForresterS. (2014). The benefits of campus recreation. Corvallis, OR: NIRSA.
16.
FoxK.R. (2000). Self-esteem, self-perceptions and exercise. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 31(2), 228–240.
17.
GagnéM. (2003). The role of autonomy support and autonomy orientation in prosocial behavior engagement. Motivation and Emotion, 27, 199–223. doi:10.1023/A:1025007614869
18.
GunnellK.E., CrockerP.R.E., WilsonP.M., MackD.E., & ZumboB.D. (2013). Psychological need satisfaction and thwarting: A test of basic psychological needs theory in physical activity contexts. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14(5), 599–607. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.03.007
19.
HainesD.J., & FortmanT. (2008). The college recreational sports learning environment. Recreational Sports Journal, 32(1), 52–61. doi:10.1123/rsj.32.1.52
20.
HairJ.F., BlackW.C., BabinB.J., AndersonR.E., & TathamR.L. (2006). Multivariate data analysis (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
21.
HenchyA. (2013). The perceived benefits of participating in campus recreation programs and facilities: A comparison between undergraduate and graduate students. Recreational Sports Journal, 37(2), 97–105. doi:10.1123/rsj.37.2.97
KantersM.A., & ForesterS. (1997). The motivations and self-esteem of intramural sports participants. Recreational Sports Journal, 21(3), 3–7. doi:10.1123/nirsa.21.3.3
24.
La GuardiaJ.G., RyanR.M., CouchmanC.E., & DeciE.L. (2000). Within-person variation in security of attachment: A self-determination theory perspective on attachment, need fulfillment, and well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(3), 367–384. PubMed ID: 10981840 doi:10.1037/0022-3514.79.3.367
25.
LindseyR., & SessomsE. (2006). Assessment of a campus recreation program on student recruitment, retention, and frequency of participation across certain demographic variables. Recreational Sports Journal, 30(1), 30–39. doi:10.1123/rsj.30.1.30
26.
LowerL.M., TurnerB.A., & PetersenJ.C. (2013). A comparative analysis of perceived benefits of participation between recreational sport programs. Recreational Sports Journal, 37(1), 66–83. doi:10.1123/rsj.37.1.66
27.
MacKinnonD.P., LockwoodC.M., HoffmanJ.M., WestS.G., & SheetsV. (2002). A comparison of methods to test mediation and other intervening variable effects. Psychological Methods, 7(1), 83–104. PubMed ID: 11928892 doi:10.1037/1082-989X.7.1.83
28.
MartelaF., & RyanR.M. (2016). The benefits of benevolence: Basic psychological needs, beneficence, and the enhancement of well-being. Journal of Personality, 84(6), 750–764. PubMed ID: 26249135 doi:10.1111/jopy.12215
29.
McAuleyE., MihalkoS.L., & BaneS.M. (1997). Exercise and self-esteem in middle-aged adults: Multidimensional relationships and physical fitness and self-efficacy influences. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 20(1), 67–83. PubMed ID: 9058180 doi:10.1023/A:1025591214100
30.
McMahanE.A., & EstesD. (2011). Hedonic versus eudaimonic conceptions of well-being: Evidence of differential associations with self-reported well-being. Social Indicators Research, 103, 93–108. doi:10.1007/s11205-010-9698-0
31.
MillerJ.J. (2011). Impact of a university recreation center on social belonging and student retention. Recreational Sport Journal, 35(2), 117–129. doi:10.1123/rsj.35.2.117
NixG.A., RyanR.M., ManlyJ.B., & DeciE.L. (1999). Revitalization through self-regulation: The effects of autonomous and controlled motivation on happiness and vitality. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 35(3), 266–284. doi:10.1006/jesp.1999.1382
34.
PhippsC., CooperN., ShoresK., WilliamsR., & MizeN. (2015). Examining the relationship between intramural sports participation and sense of community among college students. Recreational Sports Journal, 39(2), 105–120. doi:10.1123/rsj.2015-0041
35.
ReisH.T., SheldonK.M., GableS.L., RoscoeJ., & RyanR.M. (2000). Daily well-being: The role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 26(4), 419–435. doi:10.1177/0146167200266002
36.
RyanR.M., & DeciE.L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. PubMed ID: 11392867 doi:10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
37.
RyanR.M., & DeciE.L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141–166. PubMed ID: 11148302 doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.141
38.
RyanR.M., & DeciE.L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. New York, NY: Guilford Publishing.
39.
RyanR.M., & FrederickC.M. (1997). On energy, personality, and health: Subjective vitality as a dynamic reflection of well-being. Journal of Personality, 65(3), 529–565. PubMed ID: 9327588 doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1997.tb00326.x
40.
RyffC.D., & SingerB. (1998). The contours of positive human health. Psychological Inquiry, 9(1), 1–28. doi:10.1207/s15327965pli0901_1
41.
SimmonsS., & ChildersK. (2013). Effects of intercollegiate athletics and intramural participation on self-esteem and physical self-description: A pilot study. Recreational Sports Journal, 37(2), 160–168.
42.
StewartA.L., HaysR.D., & WareJ.E.Jr. (1992). Health perceptions, energy/fatigue, and health distress measures. In StewartA.L. & WareJ.E.Jr. (Eds.), Measuring functioning and well-being: The medical outcomes study approach (pp. 143–172). Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
43.
ToddM.K., CzyszczonG., CarrJ.W., & PrattC. (2009). Comparison of health and academic indices between campus recreation facility users and nonusers. Recreational Sport Journal, 33(1), 43–53. doi:10.1123/rsj.33.1.43
44.
VlachopoulosS.P., & KaravaniE. (2009). Psychological needs and subjective vitality in exercise: A cross-gender situational test of the needs universality hypothesis. Hellenic Journal of Psychology, 6, 207–222.
45.
WilsonP.M., RodgersW.M., BlanchardC.M., & GessellJ. (2003). The relationship between psychological needs, self-determined motivation, exercise attitudes, and physical fitness. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 33(11), 2373–2392. doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2003.tb01890.x
