Investigate the relationship between behavioral regulations in exercise, leisure negotiation strategies and physical activity levels in adults who participate in physical activity

This study aims to investigate the relationship between behavioral regulations in exercise, leisure negotiation strategies scale and exercise levels in adults who participate in physical activity. The population of the study is made up of individuals who live in the province of Antalya and participate in physical activity on a regular basis. The sample of the study consists of 347 participants (Avg. age=32.42±11.32), 185 females (Avg. age=36.31±12.19) and 162 males (Avg. age=32.42±11.32), selected with the random sampling method. "Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire" developed by Godin and Shephard (1985) in order to measure leisure time exercise activity of individuals and adapted to Turkish by Yerlisu Lapa and Yağar (2015) was used as the data collection tool. In order to measure strategies developed by participants to cope with constraints encountered in their leisure time, "Leisure Negotiation Strategies Scale" developed by Hubbard and Mannell (2001), modified for recreational campus sports by Elkins (2004), tested for validity by Beggs et al. (2005) and adapted to Turkish by Yerlisu Lapa (2012) was used. In order to determine motivational orientations of individuals within the scope of self-determination theory, "Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2" developed by Markland and Tobin (2004) and adapted to Turkish by Ersöz et al. was used. Apart from descriptive statistics, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tamhane's T2 Analysis, which are parametric tests, were used in the study to determine inferential statistics and differences since homogeneity and normal distribution conditions were met. Correlation coefficients were calculated with Pearson-Moment Correlation Coefficient in case of normal distribution. Linear Regression Analysis was performed to determine impact factors in the scales and One-Sample Kolmogrorov-Smirnov Test was used for homogeneity and normal distribution conditions, which are prerequisites for Linear Regression Analysis. In addition, Pearson's Chi-Squared Test was used to calculate correlation in the qualitative data. SPSS 22.0 was used for data analysis. In conclusion, a positive and linear correlation was found between behavioral regulations in exercise, leisure negotiation strategies and physical activity levels of adults who participate in physical activities on a regular basis. The age variable of adults participated in the study showed a positive correlation with both leisure negotiation strategies and exercise levels, whereas it showed a negative correlation with behavioral regulations in exercise. When the difference between the scales used in the study with regard to exercise participation time of individuals, a significant difference was found between Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire and Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Keywords: Leisure Negotiation, Leisure Time Exercise, Behavioral Regulations in Exercise,Adults