The Research Lens for Northern Ireland’s #ActiveFitSporty Project !!!

Introduction: It is important to understand the impact investment and alignment to core outcomes from PfG have had on the #activefitsporty project. Using extended methodologies related to theoretical principles (SDT and TPB), the 2018-2019 programmes all followed a standardised approach to gain a better understanding. The aim of this project is to deliver strengthened sporting structures for females, to ensure participants are; inspired, welcomed, enthused and remain motivated to stay active.

Method: Cross sectional study, variables measured at two time-points. Measures were; Autonomy satisfaction (PCASS); Well-being (WEMWBS); Daily Needs satisfaction scale and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). At both baseline and follow-up, the data from each participant was given a unique identifying code for the study. Confirmatory factor analysis and data consistency checks were conducted to ensure factorial validity and internal consistency of the scales before analysis. Structural equation modelling analysis was used to test SDT hypothesis on the values. Statistically pathways between autonomy-supportive and controlling behaviours and needs satisfaction and wellbeing were completed.

Results: Significant relationships between variables; needs-autonomy, competence and relatedness all have significant positive strong relationships with mental well-being, suggesting high levels of need satisfaction, which lead to higher levels of well-being. The significant positive moderately strong relationship between motivation for sport and attitudes suggested a counterintuitive relationship between the variables, with higher motivation to involve more females in sport generating greater negative feelings towards involvement of more females in sport. The significant weak negative relationship between attitude and intentions indicated positive feelings towards involving more females in sport with greater intentions to involve more females in sport. Greater levels of control, that is, confidence in ability to involve more females in sport, significantly related to at least moderate intentions to involve more females in sport

Conclusions: A positive and healthy coach / leader / volunteer –athlete / participant relationship is essential for the development of positive change. Within this piece of research, the relationships between leaders and participants showed the importance of this across each programme. How each intervention programme (of varying length and content) can assist in enhancing the wellbeing of the female population is indeed dependent on their context.