Validity and reliability of the Social Cognitive Theory Questionnaire in Tehranian Adolescent Girl student's Physical Activity behavior

Regular physical activity as one of the main components of healthy life style is low in adolescent girls. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is one of the most effective conceptual frameworks to assess physical activity behavior. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the SCT questionnaire in adolescent female student’s Physical Activity behavior in Tehran.
Material and The SCT questionnaire was assessed via content, face, construct validity, and reliability (stability and internal consistency). A cross-sectional study with confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) was done to assess construct validity among 400 adolescent female students in one of the educational districts in Tehran (2013). The samples were chosen with multi-stage sampling. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS16 and LISREL8.8 software (the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation to using matrix covariance).
The results of CVI (0.94-1), CVR (0.97-1), and impact score (4.6-4.9) were acceptable for all scales. Six constructs of SCT (self-efficacy, self-efficacy to overcome impediments, self-regulation, outcome expectancy, friend and family support) were supported with the result of confirmatory approach. Fit indices showed that the measuring model of SCT had a suitable fit to data (X2=2065/96, df=930, p SCT questionnaire was valid and reliable to assess the physical activity behavior in these adolescent female students. This scale can be used in exercise behavior study and designing educational program interventions in such group.