This study aimed to provide the translation and cultural adaptation (semantic/conceptual equivalence and content validity) of the Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) as well as to investigate its psychometric properties (reliability and factorial validity) in Brazilian athletes. The sample consisted of 413 athletes (295 men and 118 women) aged between 16 and 69 years (M = 25.87, SD = 7.82). The psychometric properties were assessed by means of reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The internal consistency of the factors ranged between .41 and .82. The results of the CFA of the multidimensional models showed unsatisfactory levels of adequacy for both training (GFI = .832, CFI = .761 and RMSEA = .058) and competition situations (GFI = .855, CFI = .843 and RMSEA = .054). At the individual level subscale, four of the sixteen subscales showed unacceptable fit (GFI and CFI < .90; RMSEA > .06) (training activation and activation, emotional control and negative thinking in competition situations). In conclusion, the results provide evidence of support for the psychometric properties of the TOPS in Brazilian athletes, although some caution is warranted particularly regarding the interpretation of some scales' scores.
Psychometric properties; psychological skills; Test of Performance Strategies