MOTIVATIONAL FEATURES FOR ENGAGING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OVERWEIGHT ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Abstract

Purpose. The study aims to determine the characteristics of motivation for physical activity among adolescent girls with body mass disorders. Methods. The research employed theoretical analysis of specialized scientific and methodological literature and documentary materials, pedagogical research methods, sociological methods (survey), and mathematical statistics methods. The study involved 24 twelve- year-old girls, seventh-grade students, who had body mass disorders. All participants lived in the same city and had similar living conditions, nutrition, financial status, and social background. The selection of participants was based on body mass index (BMI) indicators, which served as a criterion for forming the study group for further observation. Results. The survey results revealed key aspects of adolescent girls’ attitudes toward physical activity, as well as their emotional and motivational characteristics. Most of the girls indicated that their primary motives for engaging in physical activity were improving health, enhancing appearance, and socializing with peers. Parental and teacher recommendations had a lesser influence, highlighting the importance of an individualized approach to motivation. A significant portion of the girls reported that physical activity brought them joy, energy, and calmness. At the same time, some respondents experienced tension or fatigue, suggesting the need to optimize physical activity loads.The main reasons for avoiding physical activity were lack of time, fatigue, poor well-being, and insufficient interest in exercise. This underscores the need to adjust programs according to adolescents’ real capabilities and needs. Girls who regularly engaged in physical activity mostly noted a positive impact on their self-esteem, confirming the role of physical activity in fostering self-confidence. Only a small percentage of respondents indicated that their emotional state consistently led them to avoid physical activity, suggesting a need for additional psychological support for certain participants. Most respondents described their emotional state as stable or good, although some noted mood variability or tension, which could affect their overall motivation for exercise. The majority reported that physical activity improved their emotional state, though a portion of them indicated only a partial or no effect.