Psychometric properties of the French-language version of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS)

Abstract Introduction Validating a French version of the PEAS to complete the available versions in other language is important for social sciences doping research. Objective The purpose of this study was to present the psychometric properties of the French-language version of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS). Method Data were gathered from 249 university students in sports sciences in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Translation of the PEAS followed established guidelines and included a standardised back-translation process. The psychometric properties of the scale were examined by descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency, factor analysis, intraclass correlations and a paired t -test for reliability. Results The internal consistency was within the range of values for the English scale. The fit of the unidimensional model was considered acceptable by most of the standard indices of confirmatory factor analysis, and test-retest analyses indicated temporal stability. Conclusion The results obtained on the scale are discussed, in particular regarding the meaning of the items loading most and least in the unidimensional model. The findings ground a useful scale in the French language.