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Original Articles

Self-Determination Theory and Exercise Behavior: An Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Exercise Motivation Scale

Pages 471-486 | Received 28 Sep 2005, Accepted 12 Jun 2006, Published online: 11 Oct 2007
 

Abstract

The purpose of these studies was to examine the psychometric properties of the Exercise Motivation Scale (EMS). One hundred forty-three undergraduates were surveyed in Study 1. Internal consistency reliability estimates ranged from .75 to .90 for the eight subscales. Discriminant validity was established via non-significant correlations with social desirability bias. The factor structure was confirmed by examining the intercorrelations of the EMS subscales which revealed a tenable simplex pattern. Differences on EMS subscales for participants at different Stages of Change supported group differentiation validity. Study 2 employed 58 undergraduates. Criterion validity was established by relationships between EMS subscales and distance walked during a self-selected intensity bout of exercise. A strong correlation between Exercise Identity Scale scores and integrated subscale scores supported the convergent validity of the integrated subscale. Overall the EMS yielded reliable scores and provided a valid means of making inferences about exercise behavior. Last, new findings about the relationship between the Self-Determination Theory and the Stages of Change Model are described which have significant applied implications.

Notes

∗, p < .05;

∗∗, p < .01

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