Self-Determination Theory-Based Interventions to Promote Physical Activity and Sport in Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial stage of development in which numerous habits that will shape future health are established. Participation in physical and sport activity is recognized as a key factor not only for improving physical condition but also for psychological and social well-being. However, its practice tends to decline during this vital stage. In this line, Self-Determination Theory (SDT) emerges as a useful approach to understand and promote quality motivation in sports practice. The aim of this study is to examine, through a scoping review, the effects of interventions based on SDT principles on variables related to motivation and well-being in adolescents. This scoping review was based on the PRISMA quality criteria, using the 14 databases included in the Web of Science platform. A total of 10 open access articles published in English and Spanish between 2021–2025 met inclusion criteria, with diverse designs and applied in school, family, and clinical contexts. The results reveal that interventions supporting autonomy, reinforcing competence, and fostering interpersonal relationships produce positive effects on self-determined motivation, active engagement, perceived well-being, and the intention to remain physically active. These findings support the importance of designing programs that are sensitive to the motivational context of adolescents, aimed at holistic development and the consolidation of active habits that become sustainable over time.