A self-image questionnaire for young adolescents (SIQYA): Reliability and validity studies

Abstract

This article describes a questionnaire measure of self-image designed for young adolescents. It represents a downward extension of the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire and utilizes nine scales from that instrument: Emotional Tone, Impulse Control, Body Image, Peer Relationships, Family Relationships, Mastery and Coping, Vocational/Educational Goals, Psychopathology, and Superior Adjustment. This 98-item questionnaire elicits responses on a 6-point Likert-type scale. The alpha coefficients for each scale are high, indicating a high degree of internal consistency among the items. The validity of this instrument is examined through factor analyses and through the association of these scales with other measures of self-image. The results suggest that this questionnaire provides a useful way to assess self-image among young adolescents.

Achievement Goals and Student Well-Being

“…The SIQYA was found to be highly correlated with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) which is a well validated measure of self-esteem. It was also found to distinguish between groups who reported four kinds of mental health problems from subjects who did not report these problems, and was found to distinguish between adolescents with a poor family relationship and adolescents whose parents were married and did not report discord (Petersen et al, 1984). Three out of 9 scales in the SIQYA were used in the present study.…”

“…General emotional tone, perceptions of relationship with peers, and general behavioral control were assessed with scales adopted from the Self-Image Questionnaire for Young Adolescents (SIQYA), developed by Petersen et al (1984). The SIQYA was found to be highly correlated with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) which is a well validated measure of self-esteem.…”

Pubertal timing and grade effects on adjustment

“…The fi nal score can range from 1 to 6, where 6 represents the most positive self-image. The interitem consistency (alpha coeffi cient) of this scale, based on a norming sample, is given in Table II (from Petersen et al, 1984b).…”

Timing of first sexual intercourse: The role of social control, social learning, and problem behavior

“…The quality of peer relationships was measured using a subscale of the Self-Image Questionnaire for Young Adolescents (SIQYA; Petersen et al, 1984). The Peer Relations Scale consists of 10 items (e.g., "I think that other people just do not like me").…”

“…Attachment to parents was assessed by the Family Relations subscale of the SIQYA (Petersen et al, 1984). The Family Relations scale consists of 17 items (e.g., "My parents are usually patient with me.").…”