title: Dimensionality and psychometric analysis of an alcohol protective behavioral strategies scale.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current study examined the dimensionality of a protective behavioral strategies (PBS) measure among undergraduate, predominantly freshmen (92.5%) college students reporting recent alcohol use (n = 320).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed a web-based survey assessing 22 PBS items. Factor analyses determined the underlying factor structure of the items. Congruence of the factor structure among gender and racial sub-groups was examined by rotating the sub-groups' matrices via the Procrustes rotation method. Reliability analyses determined internal consistency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 2-factor solution was retained utilizing 17 of the original items. Both PBS sub-scales (Limits and Avoidance) had acceptable internal consistency across all samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This PBS Scale was determined to be bi-dimensional and reliable. The dimensions suggest two underlying foci: ways to limit alcohol intake and ways to avoid alcohol intake while socializing. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Missouri State University, Springfield. Dept. of Health Physical Edcuation and Recreation, MO 65897, USA. melindanovik@missouristate.edu
authors.forename: Melinda G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Novik
authors.forename: Bradley O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Boekeloo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult