Validation and psychometric analysis of the Italian version of the Behavior Identification Form (BIF) in healthy adults

The Behavior Identification Form (BIF) was proposed by Vallacher to assess the individual level of abstraction to identify actions according to his concept of Action Identification Theory. This study aimed to validate the Italian version of BIF and assess its validity and reliability in healthy adults. The original 25-items BIF was translated into Italian and administered to 359 participants. Statistical analysis of the psychometric properties was conducted following the COSMIN guidelines for validity (Confirmatory Factor Analysis, CFA), reliability indices (internal consistency [Cronbach’s alpha]; test–retest reliability [Intraclass Coefficient Correlation]) and measurement error [Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), Minimal Detectable Change, (MDC)]). The BIF was successfully adapted into Italian. The one-dimensionality fit model was satisfied with indices of Root Mean Square Error of Approximation RMSEA = 0.03; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual SRMR = 0.05; Comparative Fit Index CFI = 0.92; Tucker-Lewis Index TLI = 0.91. The internal consistency revealed a Cronbach coefficient of 0.857 and a test–retest reliability showed an Intraclass Coefficient Correlation of 0.925. A SEM of 6.28 points and an MDC of 6.95 points were obtained. This study provided validity and reliability of the Italian version of the BIF in assessing action-identification levels in healthy adults. Future research is needed to explore its application in clinical settings.