Development and validation of a scale for assessing enjoyment of rogaining activities

Abstract

Enjoyment is a multidimensional concept that positively influences long-term participation in sports. However, the factors that contribute to enjoyment in rogaining—an urban and wilderness navigation sport—have not been systematically investigated. This study aimed to (a) develop a scale for assessing enjoyment in rogaining activities, (b) verify its fit and validity, and (c) clarify the multidimensional structure of enjoyment in rogaining. A questionnaire survey was performed with 517 participants across four rogaining events held between 2019 and 2020, yielding 401 valid responses (193 males, 215 females; mean age 42.5 ± 13.9 years). A 21-item enjoyment scale was developed by adapting an existing orienteering scale and incorporating items based on prior qualitative findings on rogaining. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using maximum likelihood estimation with Promax rotation was performed, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Pearson correlation analyses. EFA produced a four-factor model—"Interaction with the execution environment," "Characteristics of the activity," "Competitiveness," and "Collaboration and communication"—with good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .848 to .902). CFA indicated acceptable model fit (RMSEA = .079, CFI = .932, SRMR = .036), confirming content, construct, and criterion-related validity. Participants rated rogaining as highly enjoyable (total factor score: 83.3 ± 9.3 out of 100; overall enjoyment: 6.3 ± 0.9 out of 7), with physical exploration in unfamiliar locations receiving stronger endorsement than competitive elements. Significant positive correlations were found among overall enjoyment, event satisfaction, and intention to participate again (r = .643 to .692, all ps < .001). One-way ANOVA revealed significant between-event differences in the "Interaction with the execution environment" factor (F(3, 362) = 5.404, p = .001), reflecting the influence of event-specific settings on enjoyment. The factor contribution rate of "Interaction with the execution environment" (42.59%) substantially exceeded those of the other factors, indicating that the event environment is the primary determinant of rogaining enjoyment. Therefore, the strategic organization of checkpoints to encourage regional connection, nature experiences, and local discovery is essential to enhancing participant enjoyment, satisfaction, and long-term engagement in rogaining.