ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

What type of motivation describes Jack's childhood participation in physical education to avoid punishment?

1. Integrated regulation

2. Identified regulation

3. Introjected regulation

4. External regulation

The correct answer is: External regulation

The type of motivation that best describes Jack's childhood participation in physical education to avoid punishment is external regulation. This form of motivation is characterized by engaging in a behavior primarily to satisfy an external demand or to end an aversive event. In Jack's case, the avoidance of punishment from a teacher or guardian drove him to participate, rather than an internal desire to engage in physical activity or to enjoy the process of learning and developing skills. External regulation contrasts with forms of autonomous motivation, such as integrated regulation and identified regulation, where the participation stems from personal goals or values rather than external pressures. Introjected regulation, while also a form of controlled motivation, involves internalized pressures such as guilt or anxiety about not participating. In Jack's scenario, the focus is on avoiding negative consequences, which aligns clearly with external regulation.