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Abstract

Introduction: Imagery is an extensively studied topic in sports and exercise psychology and is considered an intervention strategy to modify behaviour related to exercise performance. Methods: In this study, we examined the effect of a Motivation Imagery (MI) intervention and a General Physical Activity Imagery (GPAI) intervention on motivation for Physical Activity in 20 undergraduate female students at The Islamia University, Bahawalpur. Ten participants, assigned at random, practiced the MI intervention, with motivation-related content, while the other 10 participants practiced a GPAI intervention with no motivation-related content. The intervention's impact was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to measure the physical activity levels of participants, while the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) was utilized to evaluate both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Results: the independent t-test analysis revealed a significant difference (p < .05) between the MI and GPAI conditions in both intrinsic motivation and PA. Specifically, there was a greater increase in intrinsic motivation for Weeks 0 to 12 in the MI condition compared to the GPAI condition. Additionally, a greater increase in PA for Weeks 0 to 12 was observed in the MI condition compared to the GPAI. There was no significant difference in extrinsic motivation in the MI condition as compared to the GPAI conditions. Conclusion: These results supported the proposition that an imagery intervention focused on motivation was an effective cognitive-behavioural technique that led to an increase in intrinsic motivation, as well as promoting active participation in physical activities.