Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The present study had a fourfold purpose: (a) to validate the interpersonal behaviors questionnaire (IBQ) and IBQ-Self, (b) to compare measurement models with and without the inclusion of the novelty construct, (c) to analyze the convergence/dissonance between coach and athlete perceptions, and (d) to examine the predictive validity of the model regarding athletes' motivation and intention to be physically active. METHODS: Participants were 2085 individuals (1587 athletes and 498 coaches). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS: CFA supported the structural validity of the IBQ, showing better fit indices for the hypothesized model including novelty (e.g., CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.97, and RMSEA = 0.042). Regarding coach-athlete perceptions, rather than asymmetry, the results demonstrated a significant alignment between both perspectives. Finally, the SEM confirmed the predictive utility of the model, where satisfaction of basic psychological needs positively predicted motivation (β = 0.43 and p < 0.001), which in turn positively predicted the intention to be physically active (β = 0.39 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The IBQ with the addition of novelty is a reliable instrument that structurally improves the original scale, demonstrating that athletes' perceptions of the coach and coaches' self-perceptions are synchronized and play a key role in predicting physical activity intentions.