Factorial and construct validity of the athletic identity questionnaire for adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
This research describes the development of a measure of the general attribute of "athletic" in adolescents, encompassing exercise, sport, and physical activity. Based on a theoretical model supported in adults, the 40-item Athletic Identity Questionnaire (AIQ) for adolescents assesses four dimensions: appearance, competence, importance of activity, and encouragement from three sources: parents, friends, and teachers/other adults.


METHODS
Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the hypothesized four-factor model in a development sample of 408 adolescents in eighth grade (mean age 13.4 yr). A separate sample (N = 1586) was used to cross-validate the final model. Construct validity was examined by testing the model's relationship to self-reported (Modifiable Activity Questionnaire-Adolescent, Previous Day Physical Activity Recall, Youth Risk Behavior Survey) and objectively measured physical activity (MTI accelerometer in sample 3, N = 100).


RESULTS
Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor structure, and there was also support for a higher-order model. LISREL correlations between the AIQ factors and self-reported physical activity ranged from 0.32 to 0.61, TV watching from -0.20 to -0.50, and sport-team participation from 0.20 to 0.54. Pearson correlations between the AIQ factors and MTI vigorous physical activity ranged from 0.09 to 0.26 and MTI moderate from -0.06 to 0.22.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings support the factorial and construct validity of the AIQ for adolescents.
Anderson
Cheryl B
CB
Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, 1100 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. cheryla@bcm.tmc.edu
Mâsse
Louise C
LC
Hergenroeder
Albert C
AC
D000293:Adolescent; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas