What Motivates Students to Physical Activity: Development and Validation of the Students Physical Activity Motivation Scale

Abstract

In India, physical inactivity in children and youth is a public health concern, and it is unfortunate to see that most Indian children do not accomplish prescribed levels of physical activity. We strongly believe that the availability of a physical activity motivation instrument specific to the Indian population can significantly promote physical activities in India. This study aimed to develop the student’s physical activity motivation scale (SPAMS). The convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 622 participants from 5 states and 1 union territory of India. A multi-stage approach using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was computed to develop and validate its psychometric properties in two different samples (EFA-311 and CFA-311). Factor analysis revealed three distinct factors underlying physical activity motivation: skill development, appearance and positive health. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that SPAMS meets the concept and external validity criteria and that it is suitable for theoretical and practical applications.