Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Neuroticism as Predictors of Sport Motivation in Military Physical Education: A Theoretical-Conceptual Framework with a Salutogenic Perspective

This paper proposes a theoretical-conceptual framework that examines how two central personality traits, Extraversion and Conscientiousness, influence sport motivation within the context of Military Physical Education (MPE), and how stress vulnerability, as an expression of Neuroticism, moderates this relationship. Grounded in the Five-Factor Model (Big Five), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and Antonovsky’s salutogenic paradigm, the study identifies Extraversion and Conscientiousness as positive predictors of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, respectively, while Neuroticism is conceptualized as a moderating factor that amplifies stress reactivity and, through this mechanism, diminishes motivational efficiency. The paper proposes a moderated mediation model in which sport motivation mediates the relationship between personality traits and active engagement in Military Physical Education, while perceived stress, amplified by high levels of Neuroticism, functions as a moderating variable. A holistic approach to Military Physical Education, integrating the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of training, is advanced as the foundation of an instructional system oriented toward health promotion and resilience building. Conceptual definitions, theoretical relationships, and practical implications for the military context are discussed. The proposed model constitutes a theoretical basis for future empirical investigations.