Analysis of relationship between motivation, subjective well-being and basic psychological need satisfaction in recreational cyclists

Primary aim of the study is to examine the relationships between basic psychological need satisfaction, motivation and subjective well-being in individuals riding bicycle for recreative purposes. The second aim of the study is to assess whether there are any differences in motivations of recreative bicycle riders based on their age groups, education level, preferred type of bicycle and preferred recreational activity. The study sample consisted of bicycle riders subscribed to Facebook Interrail Turkey Bicyclerail group. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis of general pattern of data obtained were firstly conducted in line with the data collected by structured survey technique, and then relationships between variables were studied. Finally, results of fundamental hypothesis of the tested research were reported by means of structural equation modeling. The obtained findings indicated that fundamental effect of being from different age group is significant. The obtained results showed that individuals from age group of 20 and younger had a higher autonomous motivation level when compared to individuals from group of 51 and older. The results showed that fundamental effect of different education level was significant. Controlled motivation levels of individuals graduated from primary school were higher than the levels of other individuals. It was seen that fundamental effect of type of bicycle used was significant. Autonomous motivation of those using race bicycles was higher than motivation of those using city bicycles. Reports of participants showed that fundamental effect of way of participating in activities was significant. Both autonomous and controlled motivations of individuals participating activity as a member of a group were higher than motivations of individuals participating activities individually. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test fundamental hypothesis of the study. Our proposed indirect effect of autonomous motivation model indicated that satisfaction of basic psychological needs predicted autonomous motivation, satisfaction with life and positive emotional state positively and significant. It was also found out that autonomous motivation predicted satisfaction with life and positive emotional state positively and significant. The indirect effect of controlled motivation model indicated that satisfaction of basic needs predicted satisfaction with life and positive emotional state positively and significant. In addition, it was also found out that controlled motivation predicted satisfaction with life positively and significant. The indirect effect of no motivation model indicated that satisfaction of basic needs predicted no motivation negatively while satisfaction with life and positive emotional state positively and significant. It was also found out that no motivation predicted negative emotional state negatively and significant. Keywords: Recreation, Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction, Motivation, Subjective Well-Being.