Dissertation
Exploratory factor analysis in a confirmatory factor analysis framework assessing a self-report measure of physical activity and healthy eating self-efficacy in pre-adolescents
Washington State University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
08/2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006066
Abstract
Current estimates indicate that more than one-third of all U.S. children can be classified as either overweight or obese, and nearly 20% meet the criteria for obesity. Previous research has attempted to identify variables relevant to weight-loss by conceptualizing behavior change using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) with an important element being self-efficacy. Self-efficacy has been found to predict health outcomes and weight-loss related behaviors in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of a modified measure of the physical activity and healthy eating self-efficacy (Motl et al., 2000). An exploratory factor analysis in confirmatory factor analysis framework was first used to determine if a two-factor measurement model, physical activity factor and healthy eating factor, provided a better fit for the data than the one factor model. The second analysis then used a partially latent exploratory structural regression analysis to determine if the healthy eating and physical activity factors predicted the pre-adolescents' body mass index (BMI). Results indicated the two-factor model provided statistically significant better fit than the one factor model. The model was then tested separately to determine the fit for each gender and results revealed that the model provided good fit for males and an adequate fit for females. Additionally, the first order correlations revealed a significant relationship between the two factors and BMI (i.e., higher scores on the factors associated with lower BMI values). A partially latent exploratory structural regression revealed that the two factors were marginally predicative of BMI (ps < 0.11). Finally, limitations and future directions for research and use of the measure were discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Exploratory factor analysis in a confirmatory factor analysis framework assessing a self-report measure of physical activity and healthy eating self-efficacy in pre-adolescents
- Creators
- Brandi N. Whitaker
- Contributors
- G. Leonard Burns (Chair)Craig David Parks (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Office of the ProvostThomas Power (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Department of Human Development
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Psychology
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 82
- Identifiers
- 99901055119501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation