Psychometric properties of the exercise identity scale in a university sample

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the structural and criterion validity of scores derived form the Exercise Identity Scale (EIS; Anderson & Cychosz, 1994). Participants (N = 269; 61.0% female) completed the EIS (Anderson & Cychosz, 1994), the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE; Wilson, Rogers, Rodgers, & Wild, 2006), and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin & Shepherd, 1985). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated a 2‐factor EIS measurement model comprised of role identity and exercise beliefs factors provided a superior fit to the data compared with a unidimensional model. Correlational and multiple regression analyses suggested that both role identity and exercise beliefs were associated with more frequent exercise behavior and stronger psychological need fulfillment in exercise, although the pattern was more pronounced for role‐identity. Collectively, these results suggest the EIS may hold some promise for advancing our understanding of exercise identity issues and highlights the need for further construct validation research with the EIS.

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