Choosing an activity that suits: development and validation of a questionnaire on motivational competence in exercise and sport

Abstract The current study presents the development and validation of a questionnaire on motivational competence in exercise sport. Motivational characterises self-determined ability to choose suitable sport activity. Knowing one’s own preferences what expect different activities helps people make this choice, which, turn, supports them maintaining their physical activity (PA) long-term regular basis. developed items cover following three components competence: 1) knowing preferences, 2) activities, 3) choosing arranging an Psychometric properties were checked using sample with N = 667 adults ( M age 42.49, SD 14.71, 62% female). final one-dimensional scale consists four items. Construct validity showed positive relationships intrinsic identified motivation modes self-concordance conversely no relationship introjected low negative extrinsic motivation. For criterion validity, structural equation modeling demonstrated that PA-specific self-control are independently positively associated behaviour. Overall, newly is psychometrically sound economical instrument be used promotion (e.g. counselling) research.