The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (Paces) as a Two-Dimensional Scale: Exploratory and Invariance Analysis

Abstract

ing two correlated but distinct dimensions of enjoyment. In total, 277 individuals (female = 108) aged between 18 and 53 years (M = 35.66; SD = 7.42) participated in the study. The unidimensional model solution displayed good fit. However, the exploratory structural equation modelling specification considering two correlated but distinct dimensions of enjoyment showed a better fit. This study was the first attempt to examine the possible existence of two dimensions within the eight-item PACES measure. The distinct aspect of the current research is to emphasize the complex and constant process of instrument validation. Scales should be viewed as a continuous process, and future methodological procedures will increase our understanding of instrument examination with more innovative statistical approaches.

Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency: The Intensity Traits Discrepancy Moderation Role

“…Moreover, enjoyment perception of a given activity is not expected to be a static process. The characteristics of what is considered enjoyable may reflect a wide array of subjective aspects, and can be manifested in distinct ways (Rodrigues et al, 2021b). As seen in this study results, enjoyment positively predicted exercise habit, intention to continue exercising, and exercise frequency, aligning with previous empirical assumptions.…”

“…The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (Original: PACES; Kendzierski and DeCarlo, 1991;PACES Portuguese Version: Teques et al, 2017;Rodrigues et al, 2021b) The PACES is an 8-item scale that assesses the level of exercise enjoyment (e.g., "It is fun") using a 7-point bipolar Likert scale ranging from 1 (Totally disagree) to 7 (Totally agree). The question used was "How do you feel at the moment about the exercise you are doing?"…”

Did You Enjoy It? The Role of Intensity-Trait Preference/Tolerance in Basic Psychological Needs and Exercise Enjoyment

“…Considering known associations between intensity and pleasure, it is expected that increases in exercise intensity would promote a better affective response until a specific point/moment, where inter-individual variability seems to differentiate the affective outcome dependent on exercise intensity ( Ekkekakis et al, 2011 ; Ladwig et al, 2017 ; Evmenenko and Teixeira, 2020 ). Considering that enjoyment reflects positive feelings about exercise, it is plausible that a better affective response would be related to a better individual perception of a joyful activity or exercise experience ( Raedeke, 2007 ; Rodrigues et al, 2021 ).…”

“…The impact of a behavior such as physical activity is emotionally and subjectively interpreted by individuals, gaining a positive and reinforcing meaning (i.e., when the activity is perceived as interesting, pleasant, and enjoyable), or a negative and avoidant value (i.e., if an activity is perceived as unpleasant, boring or uninteresting). Consequently, the perception of a certain activity appears to have a substantial effect on exercise engagement and commitment in the future ( Jekauc and Brand, 2017 ; Rodrigues et al, 2021 ). As reported in literature, enjoyment can be understood as an experience that reflects generalized feelings of pleasure, liking, and satisfaction, and may reflect an intrinsically motivational factor for participation in physical activity ( Moore et al, 2009 ; Nielsen et al, 2014 ).…”

Set to fail: Affective dynamics in a resistance training program designed to reach muscle concentric failure

“…The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale Portuguese version 41 was used to measure the level of exercise enjoyment. This questionnaire includes eight items related to “how do you feel at the moment about the exercise you have been doing?” that are answered using a 7‐point bipolar scale ranging from 1 (“Totally disagree”) to 7 (“Totally agree”).…”