Re-examining the dimensions of obligatory exercise

The authors examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire using exploratory factor analyses (Study 1), and confirmatory factor analyses (Study 2). The relationships between obligatory exercise and other psychological variables including: motivation, subjective well-being, physical self-concept, social physique anxiety, and behavioral intention were also examined. The analyses revealed three factors underlying the OEQ: exercise behavior, exercise emotionality, and preoccupation with exercise. Theoretically consistent relationships were observed between obligatory exercise and other psychological variables. Overall, negative emotionality associated with missing a workout appears to be an important indicator of obligatory exercise. From a psychometric perspective, the OEQ is a good measure, however conceptual problems remain. The creation of a theory surrounding obligatory exercise involving multiple constituent factors would be a logical next step for this area of research.