Résumé
Gernigon, Vallacher, Nowak, and Conroy (2015) recently proposed a dynamical model of approach and avoidance, according to which approach and avoidance patterns result from the interactions among a few key social-cognitive variables: competence expectancies (C), benefit for the self (Bs), and threat for the self (Ts). In this formal model, the control parameter, K, of approach (K tends toward +1) and avoidance (K tends toward - 1) results from the equation: K = (C × Bs) – [Ts × (1 – C)]. This research aimed to develop a French questionnaire measuring the variables C, Bs, and Ts, which enable the calculation of K: the Approach-Avoidance System Questionnaire (AASQ), and to test its structural and theoretical validities. A pool of 18 items was selected and adapted from various instruments. Items of competence expectancies stemmed from Gillet, Rosnet, and Vallerand's (2008) Satisfaction of Basic Needs Scale. Items of perceived benefit for the self stemmed from Ninot, Delignières, and Fortes' (2000) Physical Self-Perception Profile and from Vallières and Vallerand's (1990) Self-esteem Scale. Items of perceived threat for the self stemmed from Conroy's (2001) Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory. A sample of 666 students in sport sciences answered these items. Exploratory factorial analyses revealed a three-factor structure accounting for 69% of the variance and led to retain 12 items (fourper factor). Internal consistencies were good (.73 ≤ Coeff. α ≤ .90). A second study was then conducted on 400 sport sciences students in their first academic semester. Only K significantly predicted exams performance for that semester (b = .14; p < .001), whereas none of the goals (mastery-approach, performance-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance avoidance) of Elliot and McGregor's (2011) four-goal framework did so. These findings support both structural and theoretical validities of the AASQ, which should be confirmed with future empirical research using this instrument.