Exploração de um modelo de segunda ordem da versão Portuguesa da Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNESp): Validade do constructo e invariância

The objective of this study was to reanalyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale, assessing a second order model encompassing all three basic psychological needs. In addition, we examined measurement invariance for the first and second order model. This study included 550 subjects of both genders (264 female; 286 male), aged between 14 and 69 years (M=30.0; SD=10.2), who practiced physical exercise at gymnasiums or health clubs of various activities. The instrument displayed construct validity (factor, convergent and discriminant validity), as well as acceptable composite reliability. Results showed measurement invariance between gender and gymnasium activities (i.e., bodybuilding, cardiofitness and weight training), in both first and second order models. In short, current evidence confirms the structure validity of the scale and supports the all-inclusive use of the BPNESp Portuguese version for assessing basic psychological needs, individually or as a global index, in future research in the field of exercise.