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Over the past 20 years, the status of adolescent health has deteriorated at an alarming rate. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) proposed six standards that identified characteristics of a physically educated individual. Some of these standards address constructs that can be framed in the self-determination theory. The purpose of this study was to validate an instrument intended to measure the actions and dispositions toward physical activity as a result of participation in a physical education program. Participants for this investigation were university freshmen. This sample was chosen because the participants were coming from a recent high school physical education experience. Using exploratory factor analyses, Griffin, Wang, and Hart (2008) found four-factor and three-factor solutions for actions and dispositions, respectively. The current study used confirmatory factor analysis that provides evidence for construct validity of the instrument for measuring the actions and dispositions toward physical activity. As a result of this investigation, a questionnaire measuring actions and dispositions toward physical activity has been validated. The instrument can easily be used by physical education specialists, physical activity practitioners, and academicians., Growing rates of poor fitness and diminished health status among America's adolescents have become perennial findings in reports by researchers and government health agencies (Whitley, Bruce, & McInnis, 2008). As [...]

Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) growth is dependent upon research that addresses the value of CRPs. Given that CRP research is relatively new, there are barriers related to justifying the establishment and growth of CRPs. One barrier to CRP expansion is the lack of cost-benefit analyses within the field. Understanding students and their wellbeing with CRPs is a focal point overshadowing the importance of financial implications even though finances are integral to CRP health and longevity. Thus, it is imperative to identify these financial implications in order establish and convey the value of a CRP. This article reports on a cost-benefit analysis completed using the national averages of cost and benefits related to CRPs. Findings reinforce the value of CRPs and show the monetary impact a CRP can add to an institution of higher learning. This cost-benefit analysis was developed for institutions of higher education using available national data. Conclusions, limitations, and future implications are discussed. In addition, a cost-benefit tool was developed to be utilized by those who wish to develop a CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(a) Objective: This study examined the reliability and validity of the Texas Risk Assessment System (TRAS) alcohol and drug use screeners. (b) Method: We examined internal consistency, inter-item correlations, and used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item response theory (IRT) to assess item-specific information regarding a single latent dimension of substance use severity. (c) Results: Results supported the TRAS alcohol and drug screeners to measure a single dimension of alcohol and drug use severity. More specifically, the instruments appear to be effective screeners of moderate to severe alcohol use problems, and thus effective screeners for referral for further assessment and possible treatment. (d) Conclusions: Treatment can only be provided for problems that are well defined and diagnosed. Continuing evaluation of substance abuse screeners and assessment is important, especially for justice-involved persons. Effective screeners can lead to more people getting needed assessment and treatment. Recommendations were to drop one item on each screener due to redundancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 20 years, the status of adolescent health has deteriorated at an alarming rate. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) proposed six standards that identified characteristics of a physically educated individual. Some of these standards address constructs that can be framed in the self-determination theory. The purpose of this study was to validate an instrument intended to measure the actions and dispositions toward physical activity as a result of participation in a physical education program. Participants for this investigation were university freshmen. This sample was chosen because the participants were coming from a recent high school physical education experience. Using exploratory factor analyses, Griffin, Wang, and Hart (2008) found four-factor and three-factor solutions for actions and dispositions, respectively. The current study used confirmatory factor analysis that provides evidence for construct validity of the instrument for measuring the actions and dispositions toward physical activity. As a result of this investigation, a questionnaire measuring actions and dispositions toward physical activity has been validated. The instrument can easily be used by physical education specialists, physical activity practitioners, and academicians.