Validation of the Spanish Compulsive Exercise Test Version in Male University Students: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis and invariance study

• Published in: Cuadernos de psicología del deporte 2022-08, Vol.22 (2), p.85-98
• Main Authors: Rica, Robin, Solar Sastre, María, Sepúlveda, Ana Rosa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Education & Educational Research; Psychology; Sport Sciences
• ISSN: 1989-5879; 1989-5879
• DOI: 10.6018/cpd.456501

Men are more vulnerable to engaging in pathological behaviors related to physical exercise. Compulsive Exercise Test (CET) is one of the most used measures of pathological exercise. However, there are some inconsistencies regarding their psychometric properties, especially in male samples. The aim was to psychometrically evaluate the Spanish version of the CET in a representative sample of Spanish males. 750 male university students responded to the CET together with the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory Revised, Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. To assess the internal structure, two models of the CET was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance by competitive level, internal consistency, convergent and concurrent validity was also studied. Results did not replicate the original five-factor. In contrast, the three-factor solution was supported, as well as the measurement invariance. Convergent and concurrent validity was confirmed by correlations with muscle dysmorphia symptomatology, obsessiveness and vigorous physical activity. Adequate levels of internal consistency were shown for the scale. The Spanish CET is a reliable and valid instrument although further research is required addressing specific problematic cognitions and behaviors related to compulsive exercise, which affects mainly males. Los varones son mas vulnerables a realizar conductas patológicas relacionadas con el ejercicio físico. El Cuestionario de Ejercicio Compulsivo (CET) es una de las medidas mas utilizadas sobre ejercicio patológico. Sin embargo, existen algunas inconsistencias con respecto a sus propiedades psicométricas, especialmente en muestras masculinas. El objetivo fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del CET en una muestra representativa de varones. 750 estudiantes universitarios varones respondieron al CET junto con el Inventario Revisado de Obsesividad-Compulsividad, Inventario de Trastorno Dismórfico Muscular y Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física. Para evaluar la estructura interna, se probaron dos modelos mediante Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio. Se estudió la invarianza de la escala en función del nivel competitivo, la consistencia interna, la validez convergente y concurrente. Los resultados no replicaron la estructura original de cinco factores. Por el contrario, se apoyó una solución de tres factores, así como la invarianza de la escala. La validez converge