Latent Structure of Anthropometric Characteristics in Male Adolescents Aged 12–14: A Two-Wave Factor Analytical Study

Abstract

Understanding the latent structure of morphological characteristics in adolescents is essential for monitoring their growth, biological maturity and physical development. This study included a sample of 388 male students aged 12 to 14 years from three primary schools in Pristina, in order to identify the dominant latent dimensions that structure anthropometric variability at two time points – initial and final measurement. The applied set of anthropometric measures was processed by factor analysis using the principal components method with Varimax rotation, and the selection of components was performed according to the Kaiser–Gutmann criterion. Two stable and clearly interpretable dimensions were distinguished in both time sections: a body mass and subcutaneous fat tissue factor and a longitudinal dimensionality factor. The high percentage of explained variance and the consistency of the model in both measurements indicate a replicable morphological structure, characteristic of this developmental period. The obtained results have significant practical value, as they provide a valid basis for systematic growth monitoring, identification of risky anthropometric profiles and planning of interventions in the context of education and sports training.