Development and Preliminary Validation of the Time Management for Exercise Scale

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary validity evidence for a time management scale for exercise. An initial pool of 91 items was developed from existing literature. Ten exercise/health psychologists evaluated each of the items in terms of relevance and representativeness. Forty-nine items met all criteria. Exploratory factor analysis of the initial pool of items with a sample of 501 undergraduate students revealed an interpretable 32-item, 4-factor solution: exercise importance, exercise documentation, perceived ability to manage time for exercise, and setting exercise goals.Internal consistency values ranged from 0.73 to 0.91. Time management for exercise appears to be related to exercise behavior as indicated by moderate correlations between each of the subscales and exercise behavior.

What Do We Know About Time Management? A Review of the Literature and a Psychometric Critique of Instruments Assessing Time Management

“…These behaviors include setting goals and priorities, engaging in the mechanics of time management, and having a preference for organization (Adams & Jex, 1999;Macan, 1994Macan, , 1996Macan et al, 1990). However, seven time management skills or behaviors can be considered essential to effective time management due to their repetitive prominence in the literature: (a) time analysis, (b) planning, (c) goal setting, (d) prioritizing, (e) scheduling, (f) organizing, and (g) establishing new and improved time habits (Barkas, 1984;Feeny Jonson, 2002;Hellsten & Rogers, 2009;Jorde, 1982;Lakein, 1973;Mackenzie, 1972Mackenzie, , 1975Mackenzie, , 1990Woolfolk & Woolfolk, 1986). Although, time management documentation activities such as making lists, writing down goals, and utilizing calendars have been identified by many authors as necessary for effective time management, they tend to cross all seven skill areas.…”

“…Five studies examined the time management behaviors and practices of specific populations using qualitative methodologies including the use of time diaries (Hessing, 1994;Ho, 2003;Kotter, 1980;Winter et al, 1993;Yoels & Clair, 1994). Twenty-seven studies examined time management behaviors or practices in relation to other variables such as academic achievement, stress, or creativity (Adams & Jex, 1997Alay & Koçak, 2002;Anand, 2007;Britton & Tesser, 1991;Burt & Kemp, 1994;Cemaloglu & Filiz, 2010;Claessens et al, 2004;Francis-Smythe & Robertson, 1999;Garcia-Ros et al, 2004;Hellsten & Rogers, 2009;Jex & Elacqua, 1999;Lahmers & Zulauf, 2000;Lang et al, 1990;Lay & Schouwenburg, 1993;Macan et al, 1990;Misra & McKean, 2000;Mpofu et al, 1996;Mudrack, 1997;Shahani et al, 1993;Simons & Galotti, 1992;Swart et al, 2010;Trockel et al, 2000;van de Meer, et al, 2010;Williams et al, 1995;Zampetakis et al, 2010). One study (Trueman & Hartley, 1996) compared the effectiveness of time management skills between mature and traditional entry university students.…”

“…Recent time management training programs are also taking advantage of technology for their delivery (e.g., Zinatelli et al, 2002). The focus of time management research has also expanded to include individuals from North America (e.g., Hellsten & Rogers, 2009), Europe (Garcia-Ros et al, 2004van de Meer et al, 2010;Zampetakis et al, 2010), Africa , and Australia (Kearns & Gardnier, 2007) and is cross-cultural in nature (e.g., Cemaloglu & Filiz, 2010;Garcia-Ros et al, 2004).…”

“…Ten additional research studies involved the development of a time related assessment instrument (Bond & Feather, 1988;Britton & Tesser, 1991;Calabresi & Cohen, 1968;Gafarian et al, 1999;Hellsten & Rogers, 2009;Landy et al, 1991;Macan et al, 1990;Schriber & Gutek, 1987;Weber & Vogel, 1977;Wessman, 1973).…”

“…The review also identified ten instruments from the administrative, management, health, and education domains that involved the assessment of time in some manner. Five of these instruments were designed to specifically assess time management (Britton & Tesser, 1991;Gafarian et al, 1999;Hellsten & Rogers, 2009;Macan et al, 1990;Weber & Vogel, 1977).…”