Adaptation and Validation of the Athletic Identity Questionnaire-Adolescent for Use With Children
in Journal of Physical Activity and HealthClick name to view affiliation
Background:
This article describes the adaptation of the Athletic Identity Questionnaire (AIQ) for Adolescents for use with children and evaluates its construct validity. Based on a theoretical model supported in adults and adolescents, the AIQ-Child measures the general attribute of athletic, which encompasses exercise, sport, and physical activity and assesses 4 dimensions: appearance, competence, importance of activity, and encouragement from 3 sources (parents, friends, teachers/other adults).
Methods:
The hypothesized 4-factor model was tested using structural equation modeling in 2 samples of 9- and 10-year-old children that were ethnically diverse (N = 432) and Hispanic (N = 504).
Results:
Confirmatory factor analysis using LISREL 8.71 supported the 4-factor structure in a 40- or 38-item version in sample 1 (RMSEA = .039, .041) and sample 2 (RMSEA = .038, .038). As in the adult and adolescent models, there was also support for a higher-order model. The AIQ-Child factors were positively related to physical activity (r = .51 to .68) and fitness (r = .15 to .41) and negatively related to TV/computer use (r = –.28 to –.03) and adiposity (r = –.32 to .04).
Conclusions:
Findings support the factorial and construct validity of the AIQ-Child and its use as a self-report instrument in younger children.
Anderson is with the Dept of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Houston, TX 77030. Coleman is with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, CA 91188.
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