Francis, Jacqueline. 2025. Black People Move: Ethnicity and Motivation to Change Physical Activity Behaviour. Doctoral thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London [Thesis]

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Abstract or Description

Physical activity is a widely known modifiable risk factor for many non-communicable diseases. However, many fail to achieve the recommended daily amount of physical activity which is often attributed to a lack of motivation. Those of Black ethnicities have reportedly lower physical activity levels than those of White ethnic groups and paradoxically are disproportionately burdened by health conditions that would benefit from an increase in physical activity. Little is known of the factors and mechanisms which contribute to the lack of physical activity motivation and much less of how this differs by ethnicity. Through a self-determination theory lens, this thesis investigates factors which contribute to a lack of physical activity motivation. The thesis responds to the gap in the literature and examines how these relationships differ between Black people and White people. Through a series of empirical studies examining predictors of autonomy, perceived competence and stages of change this thesis provides insight into the mechanisms which encourage and thwart physical activity behaviour change differently for Black people and White people.

The results indicate that Black people’s physical activity levels, whilst not optimal, are no worse than those of White people. Support is found for the health and well-being benefits gained from being physically active, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; benefits which are evidenced as equitable for all ethnicities. Ethnically congruent role models are found beneficial for Black people and ethnically stereotypical messaging is unhelpful, particularly for White people. Promotion of non-ethnically stereotypical messaging will benefit all ethnic groups whilst contributing to a much-needed positive narrative for Black people. The findings add to the physical activity behaviour literature and provide valuable insight to create appropriate health promotion strategies to encourage the inactive to move more.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.25602/GOLD.00038813
Keywords:	Behaviour change, Ethnicity, Motivation, Physical activity
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Psychology
Date:	30 April 2025
Item ID:	38813
Date Deposited:	13 May 2025 16:59
Last Modified:	13 May 2025 17:05
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/38813

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