A PSYCHOMETRIC TOOL FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE DYNAMICS OF THE PHYSICAL SELF

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate a new psychometric tool for the assessment of self- esteem in the physical domain, based on the Physical- Self Inventory (Ninot, Delignieres, and Fortes, 2000), a French adaptation of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (Fox and Corbin, 1989). This instrument is composed of six one-item subscales assessing the following six dimensions: general self-esteem, physical self-worth, sports competence, physical condition, attractive body, and physical strength. The rating is performed using a visual analog scale. Seventy-seven subjects responded to a preliminary version and to a battery of four questionnaires. Statistical analyses allowed us to select the six items of the final version, called PSI-6, and confirmed its hierarchical structure. Finally, significant correlations between this new inventory and constructs like masculinity and neuroticism showed its external validity. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in the second study to confirm the internal structure of the PSI-6. The specific aim of this shortened version of the Physical-Self Inventory is to allow a dynamic assessment of self-concept, with repeated and frequent measures over a relatively long period. Key-words: Self-esteem, physical self, psychometric tool, dynamic approach.