A new measure of causality orientations: Development and validation in the sport context

Abstract

According to the Self-Determination Theory, causality orientations are stable motivational individual differences that shape how athletes interpret and act upon key features of their sport environment, such as coach feedback, practice structure, or competitive demands. These orientations influence athletes’ participation, motivation, and their sport experience. However, there is currently no specific instrument for sport that assesses causality orientations. The objective of this article was to develop and validate the Sport Causality Orientations Scale (SCOS). In Study 1, academic experts created an initial pool of items based on previous literature and athlete feedback, forming a preliminary version. This version was administered to adolescents. To ensure an optimal fit of the scale, a stepwise reduction of situations was conducted using confirmatory factor analysis. In Study 2, the final version of the scale was administered to a larger sample in conjunction with the Sport Enjoyment Scale, demonstrating factorial and convergent validity, internal consistency, and satisfactory measurement invariance across sex and adolescent developmental stages. In conclusion, this study provides initial evidence suggesting that the SCOS is a valid and useful instrument for measuring causality orientations (autonomy, controlled and impersonal) in the sport context and for exploring their implications for a positive sport experience.