Psychometric properties of the sports motivation scale in Spanish athletes

The psychometric properties (factorial validity, reliability, and construct validity) of the Spanish version of the Sports Motivation Scale (Sms; Pelletier et al., 1995) were studied in a sample of 301 Spanish athletes. The hypothesized 7-factor structure of the Spanish version of the SMS was confirmed and all subscales demonstrated satisfactory internal reliability. Support for 5- and 3-factor structures was also obtained. Inter-correlations between subscales revealed a simplex pattern, providing evidence for the self-determination continuum and the construct validity of the Spanish Sms. Gender differences in sport motivation emerged with female athletes showing lower levels of external regulation and lower non-motivation.