Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire—3

The Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire—3 (BREQ-3) is a 24-item measure developed by Wilson and colleagues (2012) to assess the type and quality of motivation underlying exercise behavior. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the BREQ-3 measures six regulation types positioned on a continuum from amotivation (no intention to exercise) through external regulation (exercising for external rewards or pressure), introjected regulation (exercising due to guilt or internal pressure), identified regulation (exercising because you value the benefits), integrated regulation (exercising because it aligns with your identity and values), and intrinsic motivation (exercising for enjoyment and interest). The BREQ-3 is widely used in exercise science, sports psychology, and health behavior research to understand why people exercise and to predict long-term exercise adherence.