Date of Award
Spring 4-15-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation was to expand the body of knowledge on physical activity (PA) interventions and their impact on quality of life (QoL) and motivation among university faculty mothers, a population facing unique challenges in balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities. This study utilized an eight-week "Move Your WayⓇ" (MYWⓇ) PA intervention grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to explore its effects on QoL, PA levels, and exercise motivation. A total of 22 university faculty mothers participated in the study, completing pre-, mid-, and post-intervention assessments using validated tools, including the WHOQOL-BREF, IPAQ-SF, and BREQ-3. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall QoL, with participants reporting enhanced physical, psychological, and social domains. Participants successfully adhered to the recommended PA guidelines of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, indicating the MYWⓇ PA intervention's effectiveness in promoting sustainable PA engagement. Additionally, the study revealed significant increases in autonomous forms of motivation, such as intrinsic and integrated regulation. These findings suggest that autonomy-supportive interventions tailored to the specific needs of faculty mothers can positively impact their well-being and motivation. This research contributes to the kinesiology literature by addressing a critical gap in understanding the intersection of academic roles, motherhood, and health behaviors, offering practical implications for professional practice and institutional wellness initiatives.