Translation and validation of two questionnaires assessing fear of flying for Portuguese language

Abstract

The present paper describes the translation process and psychometric properties of the Portuguese versions of two self-report scales for fear of flying assessment: FAS and FAM. Internal consistency and convergent and divergent validities were assessed in a sample of 960 Portuguese speaking population. Results confirmed FAS-PT as a 3 factor model and FAM-PT as a 2 factor model, like the original versions. Cronbach's α coefficient showed excellent values for FAS-PT (.99) and FAM-PT (.97). Convergent validity showed a strong correlation in both scales, with r values between .75 and .87. In opposite, divergent validity presented a poor correlation in both scales, with r values between .28 and .38. The study informs about the validity and reliability of these scales, enabling their use within Portuguese language speakers, for investigation and clinical settings. Nevertheless, this study should be replicated in other samples and other forms of validity should be explored.