Psychometric Properties of the Physical Self-perception Profile: Short Clinical Version in Geriatric Populations

Abstract

The short clinical version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile – (CPSPP) was constructed to measure self-perceptions in the physical domain in older people and patients in clinical and rehabilitation settings. It is made up of subscales to assess perceptions of physical function, physical health, strength, sports competence, body attractiveness and also overall physical self-worth (PSW). Using confirmatory factor analysis, the present study tested the factorial validity of CPSPP, with 1002 Portuguese participants aged 65 or more (74.39 ± 7.11). This included 501 males (74.26 ± 7.08) and 501 females (74.52 ± 7.15) from private and social security institutions or who were living alone but attending senior daily care centres in clinical and rehabilitation settings. Cronbach Alpha values for subscales ranged from .64–.80, showing adequate to very good internal consistency. Linear regression results showed that the Function subscale alone was able to explain 62.2% of the total variance of PSW in males and 43.3% in females. Together, Function, Body and Strength subscales were able to explain 73.7% of the total PSW variance in males and 60.1% in females. In confirmatory factor analysis, a model of five correlated latent variables showed a better goodness of fit for female than for male participants. However the goodness of fit obtained for the total sample was satisfactory with NFI = .89, IFI = .90, CFI = .90 and RMSEA = .08. Results support the future use of the instrument for assessment of physical self-perceptions with this population and may be particularly useful in rehabilitation and exercise therapy settings.