The Factorial Validity of the Norwegian Version of the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS-N)

Abstract

Background: Athlete self-report measures (ASRM) are methods of athlete monitoring, which have gained considerable popularity in recent years. The Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS), consisting of 22 items, is a promising self-report measure to assess training distress among athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the factorial validity of the Norwegian version of MTDS (MTDS-N) among student-athletes (n = 632) attending the optional program subject “Top-Level Sports” in upper secondary schools in Norway. Methods: A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the six-factor model proposed by Main and Grove (2009). McDonald’s omega (ω) along with confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate scale reliability. After examining the fit of the CFA model in the total sample, covariates were included to investigate group differences in latent variables of MTDS-N, resulting in the multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model. Further, direct paths between the covariates and the factor indicators were included in an extended MIMIC model to investigate whether responses to items differed between groups, resulting in differential item functioning (DIF). Results: When modification indices (MIs) were taken into consideration, the alternative CFA model revealed that MTDS-N is an acceptable psychometric tool with a good fit index. The factors in MTDS-N all constituted high scale reliability with McDonald’s ω ranging from 0.725–0.862. The results indicated statistically significant group differences in factor scores for gender, type of sport, hours of training per week, school program, and school level. Further, results showed that DIF occurred in 13 of the MTDS-N items. The student-athletes’ reports of training distress were moderate. Conclusion: The MTDS-N may be suitable for use in a Norwegian population to assess student-athletes’ training distress in a reliable manner. The indications of group effects suggest that caution should be used if one is interested in making group comparisons when the MTDS-N is used among student-athletes in Norway until further research is conducted.

Progression in training volume and perceived psychological and physiological training distress in Norwegian student athletes: A cross-sectional study

“…Physical symptoms and sleep disturbances are measured in terms of their intensity and scored on a five-point Likert scale ranging from "not at all" (1)-"an extreme amount" (5). Before data collection, the questionnaire was translated into Norwegian and assessed for factorial validity [32]. All upper secondary schools that offer the optional program subject top-standard sport in Norway (n = 119) were invited to participate in the present study.…”

“…In addition, the survey included questions regarding age, gender, county, school name, study program, school year, and primary type of sport. The instrument and data collection procedure are fully described in [32].…”

“…The questionnaire has been translated into Norwegian and assessed for its factorial validity. However, the relationship between physical and psychological training distress and different characteristics in student athletes in Norway has not been elucidated [32]. Therefore, the dual aims of this study were:…”

A Holistic Analysis of Team Dynamics Using Relational Coordination as the Measure regarding Student Athlete Total Load: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…For instance, one can measure both external and internal load to obtain an overview of the student athletes’ training status and training load [ 85 ]. Furthermore, to reveal physiological and psychological training-related stress, one can use weekly subjective self-report measures such as the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale [ 86 , 87 ]. In addition, to capture the student athlete’s general life stress, one can use the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire monthly [ 88 , 89 ].…”

The effect of progressive and individualised sport-specific training on the prevalence of injury in football and handball student athletes: a randomised controlled trial

“…Session RPE (sRPE) was derived by multiplying RPE by session duration (minutes). In addition, the participants reported weekly physiological and psychological training distress in the electronic training diary by using the Norwegian version of the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS-N) ( 24 ). Three times during the data collection (i.e., before the intervention period, after the intervention period and after three months after enrolment), the participants reported general life stress in the electronic training diary by using the Norwegian version of The Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ-N) ( 25 ).…”