Abstract
Relatedness, or the extent to which individuals feel connected to others, is one of three basic psychological needs postulated by self-determination theory (SDT). In physical activity contexts, the extent to which relatedness satisfaction is important for maintaining physical activity is unclear, and measurement challenges have hindered progress in the field. Specifically, many individuals prefer solitary physical activity, yet existing instruments assessing relatedness in physical activity are predominantly designed for group-based exercise settings. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of a new measure of relatedness for physical activity contexts, the Physical Activity Relatedness Satisfaction Scale (PARSS). Participants (N = 696) were recruited through an undergraduate psychology subject pool and random selection of patients in a health system. In a cross-sectional survey, participants completed PARSS test items, measures of basic need satisfaction, behavioral regulation, and self-reported physical activity. Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlations to establish construct and criterion validity. The final measure included 6 items contributing to one latent factor. The measure was invariant to participants' physical activity preferences and demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (α = .94) and evidence for construct and criterion validity (positive associations with other relatedness measures, autonomy and competence satisfaction, autonomous motivation and physical activity). The PARSS offers a reliable tool for observational studies exploring the relationship between relatedness satisfaction and physical activity, and for intervention research targeting relatedness as a mechanism for promoting physical activity behavior change.