Abstract
The purpose of this study was to validate a brief tool for the assessment of global self-esteem (GSE) and physical self in adults. This inventory, named PSI6-b, is a refined version of the previously validated PSI6-a (Ninot, Fortes & Delignières, 2001) based on the Physical-Self Inventory (PSI, Ninot, Delignières & Fortes, 2000), a French adaptation of the Physical Self-Perception Profile (Fox & Corbin, 1989) including a GSE scale. PSI-6b iscomposed of 6 single-item subscales assessing the following dimensions: GSE, physical selfworth, sport competence, physical condition, attractive body, and physical strength. The rating is performed using a visual analog scale. Three hundred and thirty three participants completed the experimental inventory. The items of the PSI6-b were closely related to their counterparts of the previous versions (PSI and PSI6-a), and the results allowed to confirmed its hierarchical structure. Significant correlations between this new inventory and constructs like masculinity, neuroticism, and depression showed its external validity. A second study, based on the collection of time series over a one-month period (N = 40) allowed to confirm in most cases the hierarchical structure of the inventory, at the individual level. An original test of reliability was conducted, through the collection of time series over a short period in a closed environment without exogenous constraints. In most cases the series were modeled as white noise processes, evidencing their short-term reliability. Finally, a study including 10adults confirmed the dynamics obtained previously with the PSI6-a over a period of 6 months. The specific aim of this shortened version is to allow a dynamic assessment of self-concept related to physical self, with repeated and frequent measures over a relatively long period.