According to the theory of self-determination, meeting which needs through exercise enhances motivation?

The theory of self-determination emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and identifies three core psychological needs that drive behavior and enhance motivation: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. When individuals engage in exercise that fulfills these needs, their motivation increases significantly.

Competence refers to the need to feel effective in one's activities and to develop skills, which can be achieved through challenges in physical activities that promote personal growth and mastery. Relatedness is about feeling connected to others, which can occur in group exercises or social sports, fostering a sense of belonging. Autonomy pertains to having control over one's actions and choices; when individuals can decide what exercises to pursue and how to pursue them, their intrinsic motivation is heightened.

Together, these three needs create a supportive environment for sustained engagement in exercise, leading to a greater likelihood of continuing the behavior and deriving satisfaction from it. This understanding aligns closely with the self-determination theory's emphasis on intrinsic motivation as a driving force behind the pursuit of goals, particularly in the context of physical activity.