Factorial validity of the italian version of the contextual sensation seeking questionnaire for skiing and snowboarding (CSSQ-S)

Sensation seeking has been often associated with at risk snow behaviors. Recent research has highlighted the need to develop a specific measure to assess sensation seeking in specific activities like skiing and snowboarding. The aim of the current study was to examine the factorial validity of the Italian version of the Contextual Sensation Seeking Questionnaire for Skiing and Snowboarding (CSSQ-S). 434 skiers and snowboarders (aged 18-84 years) participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed in order to assess the factorial validity of the scale. Results revealed that the factor structure of the CSSQ-S provided a good fit to the data. This study found the CSSQ-S to be reliable, partially invariant across occasional and habitual skiers and snowboarders, and have concurrent and convergent validity. This scale provides a useful tool to assess sensation seeking among skiers and snowboarders in Italian-speaking population.