The CRAVE scale to measure motivational states for physical activity and sedentary behavior: Psychometric properties and psychophysical correlates

Abstract

The current research investigated the factor structure and validity of the Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure Scale (CRAVE) among Iranian university students. The psychometric properties of the CRAVE were assessed through three separate studies, focusing on two-time frames, “Right now” and “Past week”. The first study evaluated the internal consistency and factor structure of the CRAVE in two configurations (10-item and 13-item versions) with a sample of 313 students. The second study aimed to validate the factor structure through confirmatory factor analysis, assess construct reliability, and establish convergent validity using a fresh sample of 246 students. The third study sought to determine the criterion validity by involving 244 students who also completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). Findings revealed a bifactorial structure of the CRAVE. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor model, demonstrating an excellent fit with the collected data. Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.62 to 0.89. The ‘Desire to Move’ (MOVE) exhibited a negative correlation with physical dysfunction and BMI, whereas the ‘Desire to Rest’ (REST) showed no significant correlation with these variables. Vitality displayed a positive correlation with MOVE and a negative one with REST. Only MOVE assessed “Right now” had a positive and significant relationship with age. There were no significant differences in MOVE and REST in both “Right now” and “Past week” versions between women and men. Overall, the CRAVE scale demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability, making it a suitable instrument for use among Persian-speaking young adults.