Multi-level validation of the German physical activity barriers self-efficacy scale in a sample of female sixth-graders
Abstract Background The physical activity behaviour of the majority of children and adolescents is insufficient. Self-efficacy is regarded as one of the most important determinants able to enhance physical activity. The purpose of this study is to validate the German version of the physical activity barriers self-efficacy scale by means of a multi-level approach. Factorial validity, internal consistency and criterion validity were examined for the individual and the class level.Methods The final sample comprised 454 female sixth-graders of 33 classes. The original 8-item physical activity barriers self-efficacy scale was translated by a committee approach and pilot tested within the pretest procedure. To examine the factorial validity of the translated scale, a multi-level confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with the lavaan package in R. Internal consistency was estimated with the alpha function of the psych package. Criterion validity was examined by correlating self-efficacy with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) assessed with accelerometers.Results In contrast to previous validation studies, two-dimensional models fit the data better than uni-dimensional models. The best overall fit exhibited a 2x2-model, with two factors both on the individual and the class level (χ2 = 65.13, CFI = .985, TLI = .977, RMSEA = .046, SRMR = .033). The latent factors correlated highly on both levels (r = .87; r = .72). Every item loaded significantly on its respective factor on both levels. Internal consistency for the full scale and the first subscale was good on the individual level and excellent on the class level. For the second subscale, Cronbach’s alpha was low on level 1 and excellent on level 2. Weak relations between self-efficacy values and MVPA were found for level 1, strong associations were found for level 2.Conclusions The validation speaks in favour of a two-dimensional scale measuring not only actual self-efficacy but also support from family and friends. Furthermore, the results argue for the relevance of the multi-level approach which is able to differentiate between self-efficacy on the individual level and collective efficacy on the class level.