Preliminary validation of the Italian version of the original sport motivation scale

Abstract

This study aims at develop and validate a preliminary Italian version of the original Sport Motivation Scale. The original scale was translated into Italian following transcultural procedures. The scale was administered to 228 athletes (55% females, n = 125, M age= 25, SD= 13) recruited in an Italian Sports Medicine Center. Confirmatory factor, internal consistency and correlation analysis among subscales were performed. Gender differences and associations between SMS subscales and psychological variables (coach leadership style, sport enjoyment, self-confidence in sport, attitude toward doping behaviors) were investigated. The analysis showed encouraging results about the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the SMS scale.