Assessing sport motivation in non-English speaking exercisers: validation of an Italian version of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2)

Aim: Physical activity can be motivated by a variety of reasons and the Self-determination theory offers a suitable framework for studying exercise behaviour. The Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2) is a useful tool for assessing sport motivation in regular exercisers from the point of view of the Self-determination Theory. A measure of this construct is currently not available in Italian, and a validation process is required. In order to provide an initial psychometric evaluation of the Italian adaptation, we have translated the BREQ-2 to be used on Italian-speaking populations. Methods: We administered the questionnaire to 576 regular gym users. The subjects were 290 males and 287 females recruited in gyms from different cities and provinces of Sicily and Calabria (Italy). Results: Exploratory factor analysis conducted the same factor structural validity of the original instrument and of the translation in different language; Cronbach’s Alfa reveals an internal consistency and Spearman's bivariate correlations show the instrument criterion validity. The questionnaire was sensitive in detecting sport motivation. Conclusion: We conclude that the Italian version of the BREQ-2 has good psychometric characteristics that can make it a useful measure for behavioural regulations exercise, from the perspective of the Self-determination Theory, in the Italian context.