Abstract

A questionnaire measure of attributional style in sport, the Sport Attributional Style Scale (SASS), is described and validated. The SASS encourages subjective interpretations of success and failure, allows for a wide range of causal attributions, and permits subjects to analyze their attributions along causal dimensions rather than relying on the researcher to do so. Seven-point bipolar scales are used to measure the causal dimensions of internality, stability, controllability, globality, and intentionality. Positive and negative items are matched for content. The inter-item reliability coefficients for the SASS average .74 and .72 for positive and negative events, respectively. Support for the factorial structure of the SASS is provided by confirmatory factor analyses which indicate reasonable confidence in using all five causal dimensions. Test-retest reliability over an eleven week period averages .58 across these five dimensions. Construct validity is supported by significant correlations (p < .001) in the expected directions between the SASS dimensions and resultant competitive achievement motivation as well as between the SASS dimensions and physical self-esteem. Verf.-Referat