Psychometric evaluation of the Norwegian versions of the modified Group Environment Questionnaire and the Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire

Abstract

This study aimed to translate the modified Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) and the Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire (YSEQ) into Norwegian, examine the factor structure and reliability of the scales through independent clusters model confirmatory factor analysis (ICM-CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), and examine differential item functioning (DIF) as a function of sex. Three-hundred-and-thirty-three athletes (M(SD)age = 18.7(2.60) years; 33% females) completed the GEQ. Three-hundred-and-three athletes (M(SD)age = 15.0(1.48) years; 26% females) completed the YSEQ. Results indicated acceptable fit indices for a four-factor, a second-order two-factor (task and social), and a second order one-factor ESEM model for the GEQ. Cross-loadings and high latent factor correlations are issues in need of attention. The study supported the structural validity and reliability of the Norwegian YSEQ, with no major differences between the ICM-CFA and ESEM. No evidence of DIF as a function of sex was identified in either of the scales.