Validation of the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) on Hungarian sample

Abstract

Background and aims: Our aim was to check the reliability, validity and the psychometrical properties of the Hungarian version of the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS-H). Methods: 893 participants took part in this study (nmale = 428, mean age = 33.7 years; SD = 11.79 years). Besides the above-mentioned questionnaire, the Sport Motivation Scale-II (SMS-II) was administered for validation. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis supported the eight-dimensional theoretical model, that indicated an acceptable fit to the data (χ2(893) = 3427.77, p < 0.01, GFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.94, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.07). Internal consistency of the subscales (Cronbach's α = 0.85-0.91) proved to be adequate (except for α = 0.58 for Others' Expectations). The scale appeared invariant across genders. Examination of construct validity revealed moderate or strong significant relationships between Mastery orientation, and Enjoyment and the Intrinsic motivation scale of the SMS-II (r = 0.53-0.70 respectively), and between integrated (r = 0.41-0.47), identified (r = 0.32-0.60) and introjected regu- lation (r = 0.36-0.37). Weak or moderate (r = 0.20-0.47) was found between the other scales of PALMS-H and self-determined behaviour subscales of SMS-II. Conclusion: The Hungarian version of the PALMS seems to be a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure physical activity and leisure motivation.