Psychometrics of the recreation experience preference scale in Iranian elderly

Background: The researches have shown that the motivation to health is an important dimension in leisure satisfaction. The aim of this study was to measure the validity and reliability of the recreation experience preference scale (REP scale) in Iranian elderly. Materials and Methods: A total of 552 elderly participants (347 males, 205 females) aged 60 years or older were randomly selected by the multistage sampling method from 9 provinces of Iran in 2013. Demographic characteristic questionnaire and recreation experience preference scale were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation, confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity, Pearson correlation for internal consistence construct validity, Cronbach's coefficient alpha for reliability and multivariate analysis of variance for construct validity. Results: Results showed that the REP scale had an acceptable factor structure. The matrix table of rotated elements showed five components were capable of factoring and 17 items predicted 71.06 of variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the first- and second-order model at the scale of the study was approved appropriately. Also, the internal consistency of the scale in total and its subscales was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.70 to 0.92). Moreover, a positive and significant correlation between items and factors, also between factors and total scale showed that these questions assessed the same subject. Conclusion: This study represents acceptable reliability and validity of the REP scale in Iranian elderly. Therefore, it can be used for measuring the REP and motivation in Iranian elderly

Physical activity and self-esteem: testing direct and indirect relationships associated with psychological and physical mechanisms

Seyed Hojjat Zamani Sani,1 Zahra Fathirezaie,1 Serge Brand,2 Uwe Pühse,3 Edith Holsboer-Trachsler,2 Markus Gerber,3 Siavash Talepasand4 1Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; 2Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders (ZASS), 3Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Sport Science Section, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; 4Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Abstract: In the present study, we investigated the relationship between physical activity (PA) and self-esteem (SE), while introducing body mass index (BMI), perceived physical fitness (PPF), and body image (BI) in adults (N =264, M =38.10 years). The findings indicated that PA was directly and indirectly associated with SE. BMI predicted SE neither directly nor indirectly, but was directly associated with PPF and both directly and indirectly with BI. Furthermore, PPF was directly related to BI and SE, and a direct association was found between BI and SE. The pattern of results suggests that among a sample of adults, PA is directly and indirectly associated with SE, PPF, and BI, but not with BMI. PA, PPF, and BI appear to play an important role in SE. Accordingly, regular PA should be promoted, in particular, among adults reporting lower SE. Keywords: physical activity, self-esteem, physical fitness, body image, adult