Spanish adaptation and validation of the Automatic Self-Talk Questionnaire for Sports

Abstract

This paper presents the Spanish adaptation of the Automatic Self-Talk Questionnaire for Sports. In the process of adaptation, we preferred cultural and linguistic equivalence to literal translation. Therefore, we gathered qualitative evidence based on the judgements of a multidisciplinary group of experts (n = 6) and focus groups (n = 10). Concerning cultural and linguistic equivalence, we found differences between the original and the adapted version in the editing of 16 items. Generally, these differences were deemed necessary to guarantee the cultural and metric equivalence between the original and the adapted version. As to the subsequent quantitative phase, data were obtained from 263 athletes from different sports and different levels (Mage = 20.30, SD = 3.08). The results showed acceptable levels of internal consistency (α values ranged from .70 to .83) and supported the original model of eight factors. In addition, a structural model including pre-competitive anxiety offered further evidence in regard to the link between self-talk and competitive anxiety. Lastly, some implications concerning the methodology are discussed.