Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to provide validation of the Children's Active Play Imagery Questionnaire (CAPIQ), which assesses the use of imagery in active play among children (7-14 years). Children (N=302, Mage= 9.96) completed the initial 12-item CAPIQ. Exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) with direct oblimin transformation revealed a 3-factor model representing capability, fun, and social imagery. Factor retention was based on an examination of (a) eigenvalues greater than 1.00, (b) the graphical representation of eigenvalues through scree test, and (c) the face validity of the items including the factors. The results of the PCA suggested one item cross-loaded on more than one factor. Following the removal of this item, the results of the final PCA of 11 items demonstrated a 3-factor solution accounting for 61.4% of the total item variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with an independent sample (N=253, Mage= 10.4) resulted in an acceptable fit of the data to the model, with the CFI =.95, NFI =.92, TLI = .93, RMSEA = .07, and SRMR = .06 meeting required cut off values. Psychometric characteristics of the CAPIQ are described and intervention programs aimed at increasing children's physical activity levels are discussed.
