Development and validation of the goal content for exercise questionnaire.
Self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000) proposes that intrinsic, relative to extrinsic, goal content is a critical predictor of the quality of an individual's behavior and psychological well-being. Through three studies, we developed and psychometrically tested a measure of intrinsic and extrinsic goal content in the exercise context: the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ). In adults, exploratory (N = 354; Study 1) and confirmatory factor analyses (N = 312; Study 2) supported a 20-item solution consisting of 5 lower order factors (i.e., social affiliation, health management, skill development, image and social recognition) that could be subsumed within a 2-factor higher order structure (i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic). Evidence for external validity, temporal stability, gender invariance, and internal consistency of the GCEQ was found. An independent sample (N = 475; Study 3) provided further support for the lower order structure of the GCEQ and some support for the higher order structure. The GCEQ was supported as a measure of exercise-based goal content, which may help understand how intrinsic and extrinsic goals can motivate exercise behavior.
Sebire
Simon J
SJ
Motivationi for Exercise, Sport, and Health Research Group, School for Health, University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Standage
Martyn
M
Vansteenkiste
Maarten
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004739:England; D015444:Exercise; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*