Development and Validation of the Running Identity Scale
Keywords:
runner role, self-concept, cross-country, track and field, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysisAbstract
While a number of scales measure athletic identity, there are no instruments that evaluate the degree to which one identifies with the runner role. Therefore, the purpose of the current studies was to develop and validate a reliable and valid scale that assesses running identity. Drawing from two independent samples of runners (n = 437, n = 367), a multiphase study was employed to develop and preliminarily validate the Running Identity Scale (RIS). In Study 1, we developed an initial pool of items based on a literature review, Delphi technique, and pre-test. In Study 2, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis to identify an appropriate factor structure for the RIS, assessed the internal consistency, and examined the instrument’s validity. In Study 3, we employed a confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the factor structure, reliability, and validity found in Study 2. Together, the findings supported an 11-item, three-factor structure for the RIS. In both Study 2 and Study 3, the RIS exhibited good reliability and demonstrated positive moderate associations with both Athletic Identity Measurement Scale and Public-Private Athletic Identity Scale scores. Running identity and athletic identity appear to be related, yet distinct constructs. A valid and reliable measure of running identity holds promise in examining associations with exercise adherence, body image, disordered eating, exercise addiction, and several other variables of interest to sport and exercise psychology researchers.
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