Physical activity, well-being and needs satisfaction in eight and nine-year-old children from areas of socio-economic disadvantage

ABSTRACTNeed-supportive environments have been shown to predict children’s physical activity levels, and in a few cases to well-being. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the influence of psychological need (competence and social relatedness) satisfaction on physical activity levels and well-being in children from areas of social and economic disadvantage. A total of 211 children aged eight and nine years from areas of low socio-economic status wore an accelerometer for one week, and completed a questionnaire assessing psychological need satisfaction and well-being. Confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were conducted to assess the factor structure of the measures, and to test for theoretical relationships between psychological needs, physical activity and well-being. The factor structure of the instruments was supported, and a significant positive relationship was found between athletic competence and physical activity (β = 0.19). Athletic c...