Inés Tomás

Testing Measurement Invariance Across Spanish and English Versions of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire: An Application of Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling

Test of measurement invariance across translated versions of questionnaires is a critical prerequisite to comparing scores on the different versions. In this study, we used exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) as an alternative approach to evaluate the measurement invariance of the Spanish version of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ). The two versions were administered to large samples of Australian and Spanish adolescents. First, we compared the CFA and ESEM approaches and showed that ESEM fitted the data much better and resulted in substantially more differentiated factors. We then tested measurement invariance with a 13-model ESEM taxonomy. Results justified using the Spanish version of the PSDQ to carry out cross-cultural comparisons in sport and exercise psychology research. Overall, the study can stimulate research on physical self-concept across countries and foster better cross-cultural comparisons.

Validation of the group nuclear safety climate questionnaire

INTRODUCTION Group safety climate is a leading indicator of safety performance in high reliability organizations. Zohar and Luria (2005) developed a Group Safety Climate scale (ZGSC) and found it to have a single factor. METHOD The ZGSC scale was used as a basis in this study with the researchers rewording almost half of the items on this scale, changing the referents from the leader to the group, and trying to validate a two-factor scale. The sample was composed of 566 employees in 50 groups from a Spanish nuclear power plant. Item analysis, reliability, correlations, aggregation indexes and CFA were performed. RESULTS Results revealed that the construct was shared by each unit, and our reworded Group Safety Climate (GSC) scale showed a one-factor structure and correlated to organizational safety climate, formalized procedures, safety behavior, and time pressure. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY This validation of the one-factor structure of the Zohar and Luria (2005) scale could strengthen and spread this scale and measure group safety climate more effectively.

Transformational leadership in the local police in Spain: a leader-follower distance approach

Based on the transformational leadership theory (Bass, 1985), the aim of the present study was to analyze the differences in leadership styles according to the various leading ranks and the organizational follower-leader distance reported by a representative sample of 975 local police members (828 male and 147 female) from Valencian Community (Spain). Results showed differences by rank (p < .01), and by rank distance (p < .05). The general intendents showed the most optimal profile of leadership in all the variables examined (transformational-leadership behaviors, transactional-leadership behaviors, laissez-faire behaviors, satisfaction with the leader, extra effort by follower, and perceived leadership effectiveness). By contrast, the least optimal profiles were presented by intendents. Finally, the maximum distance (five ranks) generally yielded the most optimal profiles, whereas the 3-rank distance generally produced the least optimal profiles for all variables examined. Outcomes and practical implications for the workforce dimensioning are also discussed.

The Spanish-Version of the Subjective Vitality Scale: Psychometric Properties and Evidence of Validity

The Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) assess the subjective experience of being full of energy and alive, a clinically relevant outcome measure of positive psychological well-being. The purpose of this paper was to translate the 7-item SVS into Spanish and examine its psychometric properties. In Study 1 (n = 790 adolescents) and Study 2 (n = 130 athletes) reliability and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were carried out. In Study 1 and Study 3 (n = 197 dancers) evidence of validity of inferences based on SVS scores estimating relationships with other variables (life satisfaction, global self-esteem and emotional and physical exhaustion) was obtained. In Study 2 invariance across time was tested. Finally in Study 3, the factorial structure was cross-validated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results of EFA showed a one-factor solution. CFA also supported a unidimensional factor structure for the Spanish 6-item SVS (RMSEA = .050 (90% CI = .00, .080); NNFI = .993; CFI = .996). Reliability analysis indicated a strong internal consistency in all study samples (α ranged from .82 to .89). Further, results from multi-sample analysis supported the replicability of SVS factor structure across time. Finally, the SVS scores showed the expected correlations patterns (all them significant, p < .01) with the measured outcomes. In conclusion, the Spanish version of the SVS demonstrated adequate psychometric properties, indicating that the scale can be confidently used to measure the experience of possessing energy and aliveness; furthermore, differences across time can be meaningfully carried out.

The exploratory factor analysis of items: guided analysis based on empirical data and software.

The aim of the present study is to illustrate how the appropriate or inappropriate application of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) can lead to quite different conclusions. To reach this goal, we evaluated the degree to which four different programs used to perform an EFA, specifically SPSS, FACTOR, PRELIS and MPlus, allow or limit the application of the currently recommended standards. In addition, we analyze and compare the results offered by the four programs when factor analyzing empirical data from scales that fit the assumptions of the classic linear EFA modeling adequately, ambiguously, or optimally, depending on the case, through the possibilities the different programs offer. The results of the comparison show the consequences of choosing one program or another; and the consequences of selecting some options or others within the same program, depending on the nature of the data. Finally, the study offers practical recommendations for applied researchers with a methodological orientation.

The Safety Culture Enactment Questionnaire (SCEQ): Theoretical model and empirical validation

This paper presents the Safety Culture Enactment Questionnaire (SCEQ), designed to assess the degree to which safety is an enacted value in the day-to-day running of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The SCEQ is based on a theoretical safety culture model that is manifested in three fundamental components of the functioning and operation of any organization: strategic decisions, human resources practices, and daily activities and behaviors. The extent to which the importance of safety is enacted in each of these three components provides information about the pervasiveness of the safety culture in the NPP. To validate the SCEQ and the model on which it is based, two separate studies were carried out with data collection in 2008 and 2014, respectively. In Study 1, the SCEQ was administered to the employees of two Spanish NPPs (N=533) belonging to the same company. Participants in Study 2 included 598 employees from the same NPPs, who completed the SCEQ and other questionnaires measuring different safety outcomes (safety climate, safety satisfaction, job satisfaction and risky behaviors). Study 1 comprised item formulation and examination of the factorial structure and reliability of the SCEQ. Study 2 tested internal consistency and provided evidence of factorial validity, validity based on relationships with other variables, and discriminant validity between the SCEQ and safety climate. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) carried out in Study 1 revealed a three-factor solution corresponding to the three components of the theoretical model. Reliability analyses showed strong internal consistency for the three scales of the SCEQ, and each of the 21 items on the questionnaire contributed to the homogeneity of its theoretically developed scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) carried out in Study 2 supported the internal structure of the SCEQ; internal consistency of the scales was also supported. Furthermore, the three scales of the SCEQ showed the expected correlation patterns with the measured safety outcomes. Finally, results provided evidence of discriminant validity between the SCEQ and safety climate. We conclude that the SCEQ is a valid, reliable instrument supported by a theoretical framework, and it is useful to measure the enactment of safety culture in NPPs.

Factores situacionales y disposicionales como predictores de la ansiedad y autoconfianza precompetitiva en deportistas universitarios

Apoyados en la teoria de la autodeterminacion y la teoria de lasmetas de logro, el objetivo del presente estudio fue poner a prueba dos modelosque examinan secuencialmente las relaciones entre factores situacionales(clima motivacional creado por el entrenador), factores disposicionales(orientaciones de meta y regulaciones motivacionales), y consecuenciasde ansiedad y autoconfianza precompetitivas (considerando sus dimensionesde intensidad y direccion). Tambien se analizo el papel mediador de lasorientaciones de meta y de las regulaciones motivacionales, en la relacionentre el clima motivacional y la ansiedad y autoconfianza precompetitivas.Se utilizo un diseno transversal de recogida de datos; y para probar los modeloshipotetizados se utilizaron modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. 211deportistas universitarios de ambos generos (M = 19.97 anos de edad; DT =2.01) respondieron al PMCSQ-2, al TEOSQ, a la SMS y al CSAI-2R conescala de direccion. Los resultados apoyaron parcialmente los modelos propuestos.Tambien constataron el papel mediador de la orientacion a la tareay de la no motivacion con respecto a la relacion entre el clima de implicacionen la tarea y la ansiedad somatica; mientras que la orientacion a la tareay la motivacion autonoma mediaron parcialmente la relacion entre el climade implicacion en la tarea y direccion de autoconfianza. Los resultados sonanalizados y discutidos en linea con los marcos teoricos de referencia.Based on the self-determination theory and the theory of achievement goal, the main of this study was to test two models that sequentially examining the relationship between situational factors (motivational climate created by the coach), dispositional factors (goal orientations and motivational regulations), and consequences of pre-competitive anxiety and self-confidence (considering its dimensions of intensity and direction). Also was analyzed the mediating role of goal orientations and motivational regulations, in the relationship between motivational climate and precompetitive anxiety and selfconfidence. A cross-sectional design was used for the data collection; and to test the hypothesized model structural equation models were used. 211 college athletes of both genders (M = 19.97 years, SD = 2.01) responded to PMCSQ-2, the TEOSQ, the SMS and the CSAI-2R with direction scale. The results partially supported the proposed models. They also noted the mediating role of task orientation and no motivation regarding the relationship between climate of involvement in the task and somatic anxiety; while task orientation and autonomous motivation partially mediated the relationship between climate of involvement in the task and the direction of self-confidence. The results are analyzed and discussed in line with theoretical frameworks.

A test of basic psychological needs theory in young soccer players: time-lagged design at the individual and team levels

Within the framework of basic psychological needs theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) with a time‐lagged design was used to test a mediation model examining the relationship between perceptions of coaches’ interpersonal styles (autonomy supportive and controlling), athletes’ basic psychological needs (satisfaction and thwarting), and indicators of well‐being (subjective vitality) and ill‐being (burnout), estimating separately between and within effects. The participants were 597 Spanish male soccer players aged between 11 and 14 years (M = 12.57, SD = 0.54) from 40 teams who completed a questionnaire package at two time points in a competitive season. Results revealed that at the individual level, athletes’ perceptions of autonomy support positively predicted athletes’ need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), whereas athletes’ perceptions of controlling style positively predicted athletes’ need thwarting (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). In turn, all three athletes’ need satisfaction dimensions predicted athletes’ subjective vitality and burnout (positively and negatively, respectively), whereas competence thwarting negatively predicted subjective vitality and competence and relatedness positively predicted burnout. At the team level, team perceptions of autonomy supportive style positively predicted team autonomy and relatedness satisfaction. Mediation effects only appeared at the individual level.

Interaction between functional and relational service quality: hierarchy vs. compensation

The main goal of this research study is to examine the form of interaction between functional and relational service quality in their links to customer satisfaction. Two competing hypotheses were t...

Situational and Dispositional Factors that Predict Motivation: a Multilevel Study

This study aimed to test a multilevel mediation model which examined the relationship between the perceived motivational climate created by coaches at team level and motivational regulations towards sport at individual level, as mediated by individual goal orientations. 211 university athletes from 20 teams training in different types of sport completed a battery of instruments that measured the variables included in the model. The statistics significance level was .05. Results of the multilevel mediation model revealed that the task-involving climate at team level positively predicted individual task orientation (γ01 = .77, p .05). The results are in line with previous research that have focused in the study of motivational climate at individual level, but the present study make a novel contribution by providing the perspective of a multilevel mediation model and thereby clarifying the phenomenon at team level.