Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.24141/2/10/1/4
Understanding Factors of Exercise Motivation: Simplification of the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2)
Janko Babić
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Renata Barić
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Takšić
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Introduction. Physical inactivity represents a major
public health concern, contributing to the development
of numerous chronic diseases.
Aim. The aim of this study was to simplify the Exercise
Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2) using exploratory
and confirmatory factor analysis in order to identify
a new, meaningful factor structure that effectively explains the underlying motives for physical activity
among university students.
Methods. The study was conducted on 1,304 students
of the University of Zagreb (65.7% female).
The Croatian version of the EMI-2 questionnaire was
employed, comprising 54 items designed to assess
various intrinsic and extrinsic motives for exercise,
which in the original English version are grouped into
14 factors. Data were analyzed using exploratory
factor analysis (EFA) to identify latent factors, followed
by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify
the factor structure. Reliability was assessed using
Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
Results. The exploratory factor analysis initially identified
eight factors; however, the scree plot suggested
a three-factor solution encompassing psychological,
social, and health-related motives for exercise. The
simplified model demonstrated high internal consistency
(Cronbach’s alpha: psychological motives = 0.934;
social motives = 0.919; health motives = 0.922). The
confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the validity of
the model with acceptable fit indices (CFI = 0.92; NFI
= 0.91; IFI = 0.92), while regression analysis indicated
that these factors significantly predicted students’
leisure-time physical activity.
Conclusions. The simplified version of the EMI-2 provides
a reliable and valid tool for assessing motives for
physical activity, particularly within the student population.
Simplifying the factor structure facilitates its
use in both research and practical settings, supporting
the development of targeted intervention programs
aimed at promoting physical activity. The findings
highlight the importance of psychological, social, and
health-related motives in understanding and improving
physical activity behaviors. Future research should
examine the applicability of this model across different
populations to confirm its universal relevance.
Ključne riječi
physical activity; motivation; EMI-2; factor analysis; students
Hrčak ID:
345878
URI
Datum izdavanja:
27.3.2026.
Posjeta: 38 *