The effect of exercise motivation on levels of individual and social responsibility among young adolescents

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exercise motivation on individual and social responsibility levels among early adolescents. The research was conducted using a correlational survey design, one of the quantitative research methods. The study sample consisted of 297 adolescent students enrolled in schools in Kahramanmaraş during the 2025–2026 academic year and selected through a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Exercise Motivation Attitude Scale, and the Individual and Social Responsibility Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed significant gender-based differences in the “Positive Perspective and Health” and “Physical Appearance and Health” sub-dimensions of exercise motivation in favor of male students, whereas no significant differences were found in the “Negative Attitudes and Thoughts” dimension or in individual and social responsibility levels. No significant differences were observed in exercise motivation or responsibility levels according to income level. Students who regularly participated in sports demonstrated significantly higher scores in the positive dimensions of exercise motivation as well as in individual and social responsibility compared to their non-participating peers. Correlation analysis indicated positive and significant relationships between all dimensions of exercise motivation and individual and social responsibility. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that exercise motivation was a significant predictor of individual and social responsibility. Among the sub-dimensions, “Physical Appearance and Health” emerged as the strongest predictor of responsibility levels. In conclusion, exercise motivation appears to be an important psychosocial factor that supports the development of individual and social responsibility among early adolescents. Interventions and programs designed to enhance exercise motivation and encourage regular participation in physical activity may contribute positively to the development of responsible behaviors during adolescence.