The tendency to avoid physical activity and sport scale (TAPAS): Rasch analysis with differential item functioning...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Health Behavior
• Measurement Science

Background:

• Physical activity offers significant health benefits, yet appearance and weight stigma can deter engagement.
• Understanding factors influencing physical activity participation is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly developed Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS).
• To assess the scale's reliability and validity in a university student population.

Main Methods:

• Rasch analysis was employed to examine the TAPAS's rating scale functioning, unidimensionality, item hierarchy, and differential item functioning (DIF).
• Concurrent validity was assessed using the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results:

• The TAPAS demonstrated strong unidimensionality, with one item requiring further investigation.
• No ceiling or floor effects were detected, and no DIF was found, indicating consistent performance across subgroups.
• The TAPAS showed significant correlations with WSSQ and WBIS, supporting its concurrent validity, but not with BMI.

Conclusions:

• The Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) exhibits robust psychometric properties for measuring avoidance of physical activity and sport.
• Future research should refine the scale by addressing the misfit item and explore its applicability across diverse populations and life stages.