Measuring Physical Activity Regulatory Styles and Identity Among Adults 55 Years or Older

Area of Science:

• Behavioral psychology
• Gerontology
• Exercise science

Background:

• Understanding physical activity motivation in older adults is crucial for public health.
• Existing measures may not be suitable for the unique needs of adults aged 55 and above.
• Assessing exercise regulation and identity is key to promoting sustained physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of modified Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ) and Exercise Identity Scale (EIS) for adults aged 55+.
• To confirm the reliability and validity of these scales in measuring exercise regulatory styles and identity in older populations.
• To adapt and validate existing tools for a specific, underrepresented demographic in exercise research.

Main Methods:

• Participants aged 55 and older completed modified BREQ and EIS questionnaires twice over four weeks.
• Psychometric properties, including measurement invariance across gender and time, were assessed.
• Convergent and divergent validity were examined by correlating scale scores with physical activity and related constructs.

Main Results:

• Both modified scales demonstrated measurement invariance across gender and time, indicating reliability.
• Findings supported the convergent and divergent validity of the scales for assessing exercise regulation and identity.
• A two-factor model of exercise identity (role identity and physical activity beliefs) showed the best fit, with beliefs linked to introjected regulation.

Conclusions:

• The modified BREQ and EIS are psychometrically sound and suitable for research with adults aged 55 and older.
• These validated instruments can be used to better understand the psychological factors influencing physical activity in older adults.
• The study provides reliable tools for future research on exercise behavior and adherence in the senior population.