Factorial validity of the test of performance strategies-competition scale (tops 2-cs) in Greek athletic population

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the factorial validity of the Test of Performance Strategies 2-Competition Scale (TOPS 2-CS) in Greek athletic population, using confirmatory factor analysis. TOPS 2-CS is consisting of the same eight subscales as the initial Test of Performance Strategies - Competition Scale (TOPS-CS) --activation, self-talk, automaticity, emotional control, goal-setting, imagery, negative thinking, relaxation-- with the addition of a new subscale, distractibility. International and national level athletes (n = 536) aged 17-42 years, completed the 36-item competition subscale of the inventory during training sessions. Fit indices supported the structural validity of the nine factor model (comparative fit index = 0.88, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.85, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05). Moreover, eight of the nine subscales showed adequate internal consistency. The subscale of automaticity demonstrated poor factor loadings and inadequate internal consistency. It is concluded that TOPS 2-CS can be used in Greek athletic population however, the psychometric properties of the automaticity subscale are questionable at present and further research is required. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR