Measuring Fear of Failure in Indonesian Athletes: Scale Development and Preliminary Validity Evidence

Abstract

Qualitatively, 15 national-level athletes were found to fear failure in facing a match. The fear experienced by 
national-level athletes also varies from one another. The importance of measurement of the concept of fear of failure in 
a competition, this initial study aims to develop a valid and reliable instrument for measuring fear of failure specifically 
for athletes. The instrument construction method used is a rational/theoretical approach to test construction which 
describes the internal validity test of an instrument. The instrument developed is the Fear of Failure Scale-16, based on 
the theory of a figure named David E. Conroy. The participants were 108 national-level athletes from various sports who 
practised at one of the Sports Centers in Bandung. The data obtained were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis 
techniques and the Rasch model. The multidimensional confirmatory factor analysis shows all items are valid for 
measuring fear of failure. The Rasch model analysis also indicates that all qualified items meet the constraints. The 
application of the Fear of Failure-16 Scale cannot be generalized, but it is used to describe the condition of athletes before 
competing.