title: Validation of the German Version of the Commitment to Exercise Scale.
abstract: Pathological forms of exercising are a topic of debate in terms of classification, etiology, and treatment. Validated instruments are a precondition for research in this field. The aim of this study was to validate the German version of the Commitment to Exercise Scale (CES-de). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using data from a large community sample (n = 571). In a second study, 100 eating disordered patients, 107 elite athletes and 100 individuals engaged in leisure time sporting activities were compared to assess discriminant validity and psychological correlates. A 1-factor solution showed the best fit to the data. The CES-de differentiated between the eating disordered group and individuals engaged in leisure time sporting activities, but not between those with an eating disorder and competitive athletes. The total score was significantly correlated with drive for thinness, perfectionism, and overall psychopathology. The CES-de can be considered a valid instrument for measuring problematic behavioral and attitudinal aspects of the commitment to exercise. The use of the CES-de total score is recommended. However, a more specific instrument should be used for athletes. A limitation of the study is that the samples were not stratified by age and gender.
authors.forename: Almut
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zeeck
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schlegel
authors.forename: Katrin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Giel
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Junne
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joos
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Armin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hartmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Assessment; Eating disorders; Exercise; Physical activity