Adaptación y validación española de la escala revisada del locus percibido de causalidad (PLOC-R) en educación física

Research has shown the influence of the motivational elements involved in physical education classes in the development of healthy behaviors by adolescents. However, the available instruments to assess the quality side of motivation postulated by the self-determination theory (SDT) in this field in the Spanish context show several psychometric and content-related limitations. The aim of this study was to validate the "Revised Perceived Locus of Causality Scale" (PLOC-R) in the Spanish context, adding the measurement of integrated regulation. A sample of 444 secondary school students aged between 13 and 19 (Mage= 15,63; SD= 1,17) participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated suitable fit for the correlated 6-factor model and invariance across sex. The instrument showed good discriminant validity, internal consistency and temporal stability. In addition, the self-determined (no self-determined) forms of motivation correlated positively (negatively) with students' physical activity frequency. Integrated regulation was the only motivational form that predicted the practice of extracurricular physical and sporting activity. Conclusions: The obtained instrument seems to be a valid and reliable tool to measure the whole motivational continuum defined by SDT in physical education classes in the Spanish context.