Development and practical implications of the Exercise Resourcefulness Inventory.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity and reliability of the Exercise Resourcefulness Inventory (ERI) designed to assess the self-regulatory strategies used to promote regular exercise. METHODS: In Study 1, the inventory's relationship with other established scales in the exercise behavior change field was examined. In Study 2, the test-retest reliability and predictive validity of the ERI was established by having participants from Study 1 complete the inventory a second time. RESULTS: Internal consistency, and convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity were supported in both studies. The test-retest correlation of the ERI was .80. As well, participants scoring higher on the ERI in Study 1 were more likely to be at a higher stage of change in Study 2, and greater increases in exercise resourcefulness over time were predictive of advancement to higher stages of change. CONCLUSIONS: ERI is a reliable and valid measure to assess the self-regulatory strategies used to promote regular exercise. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Facilitators may want to tailor exercise programs for individuals scoring lower in resourcefulness to prevent them from relapsing.