Latent Profiles of Tai Chi Motivation and Their Associations with Participation Behavior Among College Students: A Gender-Specific Analysis Based on Self-Determination Theory

Physical inactivity remains a critical global public health challenge for college students. Tai Chi is an accessible low-intensity exercise for campus settings, but research on its motivational drivers remains limited. Most studies use variable-centered approaches and overlook gender-specific motivational patterns for traditional sports. This study identifies latent Tai Chi motivation profiles among college students using Self-Determination Theory, and examines links between profiles, gender and participation behavior. We analyzed data from 1191 undergraduate students in South China.