The situational motivation scale in the exercise context: Construct validity, factor structure, and correlational analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to: a) translate and adapt the Situational Motivational Scale (SIMS) in a sample of Portuguese exercisers and examine the factor structure of the scale; and b) evaluate discriminant validity and internal consistency of the factors, as a way to determine multidimensionality. Additionally, we sought to determine the correlational validity of the scale by examining exerciser motivation on enjoyment and exercise participation. Participants were 264 Portuguese exercisers (female = 157) aged between 18 and 69 years, with a mean exercise experience of 5.73 years. Exercisers completed a multi-section survey assessing their situational motivation towards exercising. Several model specifications were tested, namely confirmatory and exploratory factor models. The results of this research support all three hypotheses: (i) that the translation and item adaptation were done correctly, and that the measurement model showed acceptable fit to the data; (ii) the discriminant validity of the factors as well as acceptable internal consistency; and (iii) the correlational validity of exercisers’ motivation with enjoyment and exercise frequency.