Adaptation of the Sport Motivation Scale in Flemish-speaking athletes with and without intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Motivation is essential for adopting and maintaining active lifestyles. This study aims to adapt an instrument that comprehensively screens the degree and type of motivation in Flemish speaking athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID). A translated (SMS-FL), a modified (SMS-FL-ID), and a condensed (SMS-FL-ID-short) version of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) (Pelletier et al., 1995) were created. The 7-factor structure of each scale was examined by an exploratory factor analysis in a sample of athletes without ID (n = 230) and athletes with ID (n = 96). The results confirmed preliminary acceptance of the SMS-FL development. However, two psychometric issues were found in the subscales 'instrinsic motivation to accomplish' and 'identified regulation' extrinsic motivation. These psychometric issues were addressed in future revisions to strengthen the scale. The SMS-FL-ID was developed to the specific characteristics of people with ID. Furthermore, it appears the SMS-FL-ID instrument is too long for this population. However, a 12-item SMS-FL-ID-short version proved preliminary acceptable psychometric properties. The short version is recommended for future use in Flemish athletes with ID. Overall, this study serves as a basis for further research to strengthen the scale in order to assess motivational profiles in individuals with ID.

Keywords

• intellectual impairment
• sport psychology
• validity