Psychometric properties of the physical self-concept questionnaire in Peruvian adolescents

Abstract

Physical self-concept is an important health marker, since it predicts -mainly in adolescence- psychological health problems such as image anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem, dissatisfaction with life, among others. In this sense, having a physical self-concept measurement instrument with evidence of validity and reliability for a particular context is essential for the work of physical education, medical or related professionals. The aim of the study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the physical self-concept questionnaire (CAF) in Peruvian adolescents. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 1314 schoolchildren (15.59±1.05) from Lima and Callao (54.5 % males and 45.5 % females) participated. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the structure of the original questionnaire showed inadequate fit indices, so the model had to be re-specified and a new structure proposed. After the respecification, a model of 22 items with the same number of factors (five) was found, a model that presented adequate adjustment indexes (2/gl=4.38, RMSEA= .05, SRMR= .05, GFI= .94, CFI= .92, TLI= .91). Regarding reliability, an adequate internal consistency was reported for the complete questionnaire (.86). In conclusion, the 22-item CAF model shows validity and reliability for adolescents in the Peruvian context.