[Factorial construct validity of a measurement scale of fatigue in junior high school students]

To investigate factorial construct validity of a measurement scale of fatigue symptoms in junior high school students, a questionnaire which consisted of Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Index (CFSI) and Psychological Condition Test (PCT) was administered on 289 students in Okinawa. Reliability coefficients were 0.607-0.811 for CFSI scales. A principal factor analysis with varimax rotation was applied to CFSI. In boys, 4 factors were extracted; general psychological symptoms, fatigue, emotional instability, and decreased morale and vitality. In girls, 4 factors were extracted; depression and anxiety, decreased morale and vitality, fatigue, and irritability. The same procedure was applied to PCT. In boys, 4 factors were extracted; negative feeling, vigor, inferiority complex, and fatigue. In girls, 4 factors were extracted; negative feeling, anger, vigor, and fatigue. Among factors derived from CFSI and PCT, the fatigue factor of CFSI was correlated with that of PCT. The factors concerning psychological symptoms of CFSI were correlated with those of PCT. However, the vigor factor of PCT was not correlated with any other factors. These results suggest that CFSI in junior high school students had factorial construct validity.