Psychometric properties of the spanish version of the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire

The purpose of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire. A total of 398 university students (302 males and 96 females) participated in this study, and completed questionnaires that measured the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, motivational regulations, and goal content for exercise. The results supported the first-order five-factor model (social affiliation, health management, skill development, image and social recognition), as well as the higher order two-factor model, called intrinsic and extrinsic goals, respectively. The structure of both models did not change with gender. Adequate levels were obtained for internal consistency and temporal stability. Intrinsic goals were positively associated with satisfaction of basic psychological needs and autonomous regulation in exercise, while extrinsic goals were positively associated with controlling regulation. The findings of this study provided support to use Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire in Spanish context in order to measure intrinsic and extrinsic exercise goals, in line with the postulates of self-determination theory.