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Development and validation of the physical effort scale (PES)

Cheval, Boris, Maltagliati, Silvio, Courvoisier, Delphine S, Marcora, Samuele Maria, Boigontier, Matthieu P (2024) Development and validation of the physical effort scale (PES). Psychology of Sport and Exercise, . Article Number 102607. ISSN 1469-0292. (doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102607) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:105175)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided. (Contact us about this Publication)
Official URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102607

Abstract

Previous literature has primarily viewed physical effort as an aversive experience. However, recent research suggests that effort can also be valued positively. These differences in approach and avoidance tendencies toward physical effort may play a key role in the self-regulation of physical activity behaviors. The aim of this study was to develop a scale that measures these tendencies and contributes to a better understanding of physical effort and how it affects behavior. The Physical Effort Scale (PES) was developed in Study 1 based on expert evaluations (n = 9) and cognitive interviews (n = 10). In Study 2 (n = 680, 69% female), content validity and dimensional structure were examined using principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Item reduction was conducted using item response theory. Preliminary construct validity was explored using regression. Study 3 (n = 297, 71% female) was used to validate dimensional structure, internal consistency, and construct validity, and to assess test-retest reliability. In Study 1, 44 items were rated for content validity, of which 18 were selected and refined based on cognitive interviews. Analyses from Study 2 allowed reducing the scale to 8 items with a two-dimension structure: Tendency to approach (n = 4) and to avoid physical effort (n = 4). The two subscales showed high internal consistency (α = 0.897 for the approach dimension and 0.913 for the avoidance dimension) and explained usual levels of physical activity, providing preliminary evidence of construct validity. Study 3 confirmed the two-dimension structure with high internal consistency (α = 0.907 and 0.916 for the approach and avoidance dimension, respectively) and revealed acceptable test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation >0.66). Patterns of associations with other constructs showed expected relationships, confirming the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity of the scale. The PES is a valid and reliable measure of individual differences in the valuation of physical effort. This scale can assess the propensity to engage in physically demanding tasks in non-clinical populations. The PES and its manual are available in the Supplementary Material.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102607
Uncontrolled keywords: Exercise, Validation study, Personality, Motivation, Physical exertion, Sports, Investigative techniques
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > Sports sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Sport and Exercise Sciences
SWORD Depositor: JISC Publications Router
Depositing User: JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited: 01 Mar 2024 15:58 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 10:07 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/105175 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Marcora, Samuele Maria.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1570-7936
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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