The Psychometric Properties of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3): Factorial Structure, Invariance and Validity in the Italian Context

Abstract

Background: Motivation to engage in physical activity plays a central role in ensuring the health of the population. The present study investigated the psychometric properties and validity in Italy of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), a widely used instrument for assessing individuals’ motivation to exercise based on self-determination theory (SDT). Methods: A large sample (N = 2222; females = 55.4%; Mage = 36.4 years, SDage = 13.9, min = 20, max = 69) of young people, and middle aged and older adults completed the Italian translation of the BREQ-3, also indicating their intentions to exercise in the following weeks. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the posited six-factor structure of the BREQ-3 fitted the data well (CFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.04) and provided evidence for full measurement invariance across gender and different age groups. The construct validity of the BREQ-3 was supported by the latent correlations among the subscales, which were consistent with the quasi-simplex pattern theorized by SDT. The overall level of self-determination and the intention to exercise were positively correlated, providing evidence for the criterion validity of the scale. Conclusions: The Italian version of the BREQ-3 has proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the behavioral regulation of exercise in individuals with different demographic characteristics.

Psychometric properties and measurement invariance across gender of the Italian version of the tempest self-regulation questionnaire for eating adapted for young adults

“…As reported by several studies, self-control over eating can be particularly weak at times of increased psychological tension and distress, including collective distress, as may have occurred during the current pandemic, where social constraints have also often reinforced sedentary lifestyles in young adults, fostering unregulated and compensatory eating behaviors ( Diotaiuti et al, 2021b ; Cavicchiolo et al, 2022 ; Ferrara et al, 2022 ; Galli et al, 2022 ), and even addictive practices ( Petruccelli et al, 2014 ; Avena et al, 2021 ; Lim, 2021 ; Diotaiuti et al, 2022 ).…”

A Self-Determination Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based intervention aimed at increasing adherence to physical activity

“…After discussing instances of non-equivalence, the final version was established. Several studies have provided evidence of the validity of this instrument both in in English version (e.g., Wilson et al, 2022 ), as well as in other countries and languages such as Italian (e.g., Cavicchiolo et al, 2022 ), Portuguese (e.g., González-Cutre et al, 2010 ), and Chinese (e.g., Luo et al, 2022 ). BREQ-3 measures motivation along the self-determination continuum, based on Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan, 2000 ).…”

“…After discussing instances of non-equivalence, the final version was established. Several studies have provided evidence of the validity of this instrument both in in English version (e.g., Wilson et al, 2022), as well as in other countries and languages such as Italian (e.g., Cavicchiolo et al, 2022), Portuguese (e.g., BREQ-3 measures motivation along the self-determination continuum, based on Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan, 2000). The measure consists of 24 items answered on a 5point Likert scale and measures the six types of motivation along the SDT continuum, using four items for each motivational score.…”

Effects of Cognitive Appraisals on Perceived Self-Efficacy and Distress during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Empirical Analysis Based on Structural Equation Modeling

“…Therefore, including a population living in a large city could have shown different effects on the psychological perceptions of discomfort, such as smaller living spaces being even more common, the presence of more people cohabiting in small spaces, and the reduced availability of outdoor areas, such as balconies, gardens, and courtyards. Considering that the practice of sports was reported as a positive factor for several physical and psychological health outcomes from children and adolescents to the elderly [ 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 ], future analyses could include a specific assessment concerning the impact of these factors.…”