The Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Exercise Overvaluation Scale

in Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

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Mary Page Leggett-James Florida Atlantic University

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Matthew E. Vanaman City University of New York

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Danielle Lindner Stetson University

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Robert L. Askew Stetson University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2019-0213
Keywords:
athletes; measurement; physical activity; self-esteem
First Published Online:
20 Apr 2021
In Print:
Volume 43: Issue 3
Page Range:
223–233
Restricted access

While regular exercise is associated with a number of physical and mental health benefits, basing one’s self-esteem largely on exercise is likely associated with negative outcomes. In the present studies, the authors developed a novel measure of this construct, something they term “exercise overvaluation.” In Study 1, 820 participants completed an online survey measuring self-esteem, exercise attitudes and behaviors, and eating disorder symptoms. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to develop the 14-item Exercise Overvaluation Scale. The results provided evidence of discriminant and convergent validity and internal consistency reliability of scale scores. In Study 2, the Exercise Overvaluation Scale was administered to 134 university athletes, including those who participated in intramural sports, club sports, and collegiate athletics. The results from Study 2 supported the criterion validity and test–retest reliability of scale scores. This scale offers researchers a new tool to help understand the relationships among exercise, self-esteem, and physical and mental health outcomes.

Leggett-James is with Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA. Vanaman is with the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA. Lindner and Askew are with Stetson University, DeLand, FL, USA.

Lindner (dlindner@stetson.edu) is corresponding author.

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Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

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