Author Identifier (ORCID)
Stephen Bright: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9001-032X
Abstract
Background: Research on physical activity (PA) interventions for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) has yielded mixed findings regarding impact on substance use, mental health, and physical health. Low motivation, a common barrier in this population, can limit intervention effectiveness. This study evaluated the perceived effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a motivational group intervention designed to enhance PA motivation among residents of a SUD treatment facility in Western Australia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 intervention participants and five treatment facility stakeholders (n = 15). Data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results: This generated five key themes: (1) Fostering Autonomous Motivation and Positive Change outlines perceptions of enhanced PA motivation; (2) Self-Monitoring Increased Motivation reflected benefits of self-monitoring components; (3) Meaningful and Motivating Content described how specific elements increased PA motivation; (4) Collective Support Through Connection illustrated how social support enhanced relatedness and motivation; and (5) Amplifying Impact Through Facilitator Collaboration highlighted how facilitator dynamics supported motivation via relatedness and competence. Conclusion: Overall, participants found the intervention acceptable, feasible, and effective in supporting autonomous motivation for PA. Findings can inform future intervention development to promote sustained PA motivation and long-term behaviour change in SUD treatment contexts.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Publication Title
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
88088
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Thal, S., Ntoumanis, N., Bright, S., Quested, E., Kwasnicka, D., Maung, M., & Myers, B. (2025). Qualitative evaluation of a physical activity motivation intervention at a residential substance use disorder treatment facility. Drugs Education Prevention and Policy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2025.2566013