Assessment of physical self-concept in adolescents with intellectual disability: content and factor validity of the very Short Form of the Physical Self-Inventory.

Maïano et al. (2009) tested a picture-based short form of the Physical Self-Inventory for teens with mild or moderate intellectual disability. They wanted to know if the new form still measured the same six parts of physical self-concept: strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, sport skill, and body image.

The team gave the 20-item graphic scale to 362 adolescents. They checked if scores stayed steady across boys and girls, younger and older kids, special-ed or mainstream classes, and different ID levels.

The short form held together. Factor analysis showed the same six-factor shape as the long test. Reliability scores were good, and the scale treated all sub-groups fairly.

In plain words: the picture version gives you trustworthy data in less time.

Chen et al. (2001) did the same shrink-and-check trick with the Adaptive Behavior Scale. They cut 73 items down to 24 and kept near-perfect validity. Christophe’s team followed that playbook for physical self-concept a decade later.

Nikolov et al. (2009) also shortened an ID tool—the 15-item QABF-SF—proving brief forms can keep their muscle across very different domains (behavior function vs. body image).

Balboni et al. (2022) repeated the theme with the Italian DABS: fewer items, same diagnostic punch as Vineland-II. Together these studies show that well-built short forms save time without losing meaning.

If you assess teens with ID, you can now measure how they see their own bodies in under five minutes. Use the graphical PSI-VSF-ID at intake or before/after fitness programs. Quick data means quicker decisions about motor goals, adapted PE placement, or self-esteem interventions—no reading load on the student, less paperwork for you.