Examining the Coach Motivation Questionnaire in Fitness Professionals (CMQ-FP): Factor Structure, Invariance, and...

Area of Science:

• Sports Psychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Human Movement Studies

Background:

• Most motivation research focuses on exercisers, not fitness professionals.
• Fitness professionals' motivations can influence their training behaviors.
• A validated tool is needed to assess fitness professionals' motivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the factor structure of the Coach Motivation Questionnaire for Fitness Professionals (CMQ-FP).
• To assess the measurement invariance of the CMQ-FP across genders.
• To test the predictive validity of the CMQ-FP for need-supportive and need-thwarting behaviors.

Main Methods:

• 799 fitness professionals completed a survey on work motivation and interpersonal behaviors.
• Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the CMQ-FP's structure.
• Measurement invariance and predictive validity analyses were conducted.

Main Results:

• The 6-factor measurement model of the CMQ-FP demonstrated acceptable fit.
• The CMQ-FP's factor structure was invariant between male and female fitness professionals.
• Fitness professionals' autonomous and controlled motivation predicted their need-supportive and need-thwarting behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The CMQ-FP is a valid measure for assessing motivation in fitness professionals.
• Understanding fitness professionals' motivation can inform professional development.
• This can lead to more need-supportive and less need-thwarting pedagogical behaviors.