Applying Bifactor Statistical Indices in the Evaluation of Psychological Measures

A bifactor structural model of the Hungarian Pain Catastrophizing Scale and latent classes of a clinical sample

Pain catastrophizing is an exaggerated cognitive-affective response to actual or anticipated pain, usually measured by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Our study aimed to test the bifactor measurement model of the Hungarian PCS and to identify a catastrophizing risk group with a clinically meaningful cut-off score.

The data of 404 chronic spine-related (neck, back and low-back) pain patients (mean age: 58.61 (SD = 14.34)) were used in our cross-sectional study. Besides pain-related and demographic data, pain catastrophizing and depressive symptoms were measured with questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that the bifactor model outperformed the other tested measurement models, and the general catastrophizing factor was responsible for 81.5% of the explained variance. Using latent class analysis, we found that even moderately elevated pain catastrophizing score was related to more depressive symptoms and higher perceived pain intensity, and 22 score could be used as a cut-off score. Our results support the concept of global pain catastrophizing and the validity of the Hungarian PCS. Further studies are needed to evaluate the bifactor structure of this scale and the predictive value of the proposed cut-off score.

Development and validation of a 12-item version of the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (B-L RI:mini) using item response theory

The Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (B-L RI; Barrett-Lennard, (2015). The Relationship Inventory A Complete Resource and Guide. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:101:1-201602103917) is the most widely used measure of the facilitative conditions described by Carl Rogers as important for constructive personality development in his person-centered theory. At with 64 items it is however time consuming for participants to complete, and even in its shorter form, the B-L RI is 40-items long. In order to improve its utility, a mini form of the B-L RI was developed. In study 1, we used item response theory to select 12 out of the full 64 items to form the B-L RI:mini based on their discrimination, difficulty, information, and measurement invariance across the English (n = 298), Chinese (n = 658), and Spanish (n = 330) language versions of the inventory. In study 2 (N = 362), we validated the reliability and validity of the new 12-item measure. It was found that the B-L RI:mini showed excellent total internal consistency, temporal stability, and construct validity. According to the results of the study, the B-L RI:mini maintains optimal psychometric properties with a small number of items. This scale is recommended for use in further studies.

On top or underneath: where does the general factor of psychopathology fit within a dimensional model of psychopathology?

BACKGROUND

Dimensional models of psychopathology are increasingly common and there is evidence for the existence of a general dimension of psychopathology ('p'). The existing literature presents two ways to model p: as a bifactor or as a higher-order dimension. Bifactor models typically fit sample data better than higher-order models, and are often selected as better fitting alternatives but there are reasons to be cautious of such an approach to model selection. In this study the bifactor and higher-order models of p were compared in relation to associations with established risk variables for mental illness.

METHODS

A trauma exposed community sample from the United Kingdom (N = 1051) completed self-report measures of 49 symptoms of psychopathology.

RESULTS

A higher-order model with four first-order dimensions (Fear, Distress, Externalising and Thought Disorder) and a higher-order p dimension provided satisfactory model fit, and a bifactor representation provided superior model fit. Bifactor p and higher-order p were highly correlated (r = 0.97) indicating that both parametrisations produce near equivalent general dimensions of psychopathology. Latent variable models including predictor variables showed that the risk variables explained more variance in higher-order p than bifactor p. The higher-order model produced more interpretable associations for the first-order/specific dimensions compared to the bifactor model.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher-order representation of p, as described in the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology, appears to be a more appropriate way to conceptualise the general dimension of psychopathology than the bifactor approach. The research and clinical implications of these discrepant ways of modelling p are discussed.

The Restorative Justice Attitudes Scale: Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation

Restorative justice as an applied and theoretical construct has received growing public attention; yet, little research on restorative justice has been conducted within psychology, including counseling psychology—a subfield devoted to social justice, advocacy, and the promotion of human rights and dignity for all people. This may in part be due to the lack of established empirical measurement concerning restorative justice. We developed the Restorative Justice Attitudes Scale (RJAS) using data collected from 650 US adults. Exploratory analyses yielded a 5-factor structure composed of 20 items within five dimensions: (a) Empathic Understanding, (b) Harm and Needs, (c) Restoration Processes, (d) Accountability, and (e) Community Engagement. However, confirmatory analyses suggested the use of a total scale score. Evidence of construct validity was established as the RJAS score was related to measures of empathy and perspective-taking. We discuss implications for the use of the RJAS in practice, advocacy, education, training, and research.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Procrastination at Work Scale

The purpose of this study was to validate the Chinese version of the Procrastination at Work Scale (PAWS), a recently developed scale aimed at assessing procrastination in the work context. We translated the PAWS into Chinese and conducted exploratory factor analysis on participants in sample A (N = 236), resulting in a two-factor solution consistent with the original PAWS. In sample B (N = 227), confirmatory factor analysis showed that a two-factor, bifactor model fit the data best. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance models were tested, which demonstrated that the Chinese version of the PAWS did not differ across groups by gender, age, education, or job position. Validity testing demonstrated that the scale relates to work engagement, counterproductive work behavior, task performance, workplace well-being, and organizational commitment. This study indicated that the Chinese version of the PAWS could be used in future research to measure procrastination at work in China.

The Engagement/Disengagement in Sustainable Development Inventory (EDiSDI)

Abstract. There is an urgent need to meet the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Such advancements require people to adopt pro sustainable development behaviors. Research on engagement with sustainable development has the potential to provide a vital understanding of how individual differences and contextual factors interact to shape such behaviors. Our aim was to offer a theoretical framework for engagement, imported from Educational Psychology, and from it develop the Engagement/Disengagement in Sustainable Development Inventory (EDiSDI). In Study 1 ( n = 266; Mage = 38.6 years; 83% female), an exploratory factor analysis identified three engagement and three disengagement factors. In Study 2 ( n = 510; Mage = 31.6 years; 58% female), confirmatory factor analyses supported a bifactor model with two negatively correlated general factors (engagement and disengagement). Using a bifactor model, engagement was positively (and disengagement negatively) correlated with nature relatedness, environmental identity, and environmental action. Item response theory analyses revealed good item discrimination. These results validate both the proposed framework and EDiSDI for use in research on engagement with sustainable development. Future research is needed to determine if engagement and disengagement in sustainable development are distinct constructs, or opposing ends of a continuum.

Factor structure, internal reliability, and construct validity of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS): A study on persons with serious mental illness living in the community

OBJECTIVES

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from a stressful situation, is a valuable asset for aiding adults with serious mental illness (SMI) in navigating the recovery process. People with SMI experience stress, including traumatic experiences at disproportionate rates. The purposes of this study were to examine the factor structure, internal reliability, and construct validity of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) among adults with SMI living in the community.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey design was used. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and correlational analyses were employed.

METHODS

Three hundred fifteen adults with SMI were recruited for two studies (Sample 1, n = 122; Sample 2, n = 193) from three states. All participants completed the BRS along with nearly identical positive psychology- and psychopathology-related measures.

RESULTS

EFA revealed the BRS was unidimensional and explained 61.20% of the variance. Results from seven CFA models suggested a bifactor structure for the BRS, which fit the data best. Internal reliability of the BRS was computed to be within acceptable ranges (α = .87, ω = .90). The BRS was positively correlated with measures of positive coping and life satisfaction, providing convergent validity. Divergent validity was supported by negative correlations between the BRS and measures of psychiatric symptoms, succumbing, and self-stigma.

CONCLUSIONS

The BRS is a valid measure that can be used by clinical and research professionals to assess levels of resilience in adults with SMI at baseline and across time.

PRACTITIONER POINTS

The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was developed to measure a person's ability to bounce back from stressful situations. The BRS was examined in adults with serious mental illness living in the community. The BRS presented a bifactor structure measuring resilience (an outcome) and correlated with positive psychology- and psychopathology-related measures. The BRS can be used by practitioners to assess levels of resilience in their clients at baseline and over time to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

The factor structure of the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder: Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling and measurement invariance over time

OBJECTIVES

There is a lack of independent longitudinal evidence on the factor structure and validity of the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder (ZAN-BPD). This study aimed to investigate the dimensionality of ZAN-BPD and its conceptual consistency over time.

METHODS

Adult BPD participants (n = 276) were recruited for a multicentre, two-arm randomised clinical trial with ZAN-BPD measured at baseline and follow up at 12, 24 and 52 weeks. The construct and stability of the ZAN-BPD across 52 weeks was examined through a measurement equivalence/invariance procedure via Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling.

RESULTS

Factor analysis results showed that the ZAN-BPD had a bi-2 factor structure that was stable over 52 weeks with a general factor and two specific factors. Factor loadings for eight of the nine items were greater for the general factor than the two specific factors. Factor 1 contrasts externalising distress with internalising distress. Factor 2 contrasts depression and self-destruction with interpersonal anxiety and conflict.

CONCLUSION

ZAN-BPD is a conceptually and empirically valid measure of total BPD symptom severity in BPD patients over time suitable for use in clinical trials. Two factors related to the expression of distress and self-harm may be utilised as possible predictors of outcome.

Factor Structure of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire in Young Children with and Without Autism

The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) is often used to assess sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but little is known about its factor structure in younger children with ASD. We evaluated alternative factor structures and measurement invariance for CSHQ items in 2- to 4-year-olds with ASD or typical development (TD). Bifactor models indicated subscales' variance was subsumed by a general factor predominantly reflecting sleep initiation and nighttime awakening items. A factor consisting of 7 of these items was measurement invariant across ASD and TD. Thus, comparisons between young children with ASD and TD is appropriate for a measure composed of 7 CSHQ items relating to sleep initiation and awakenings but not for other CSHQ item composites.

The Self-Concept and Identity Measure in Adolescents

Abstract. Identity difficulties have been associated with various psychiatric conditions and are considered a central issue in personality pathology. Following the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, measures of self- and interpersonal functioning have been developed. Although these measures were intended to be separate ratings of self-other deficits, only a global rating was obtained. Moreover, these measures fall short in bridging the gap between developmental and clinical identity work. To capture both adaptive and disturbed identity dimensions, Kaufman et al. (2015) developed the Self-Concept and Identity Measure (SCIM) that assesses consolidated identity, disturbed identity, and lack of identity. Using two-wave longitudinal data (2,150 adolescents; 54.2% girls; age range = 12–19), this study investigated the factor structure and reliability of the Dutch SCIM, its measurement invariance across time, its longitudinal measurement invariance across gender and age groups, and associations of the SCIM with identity synthesis and confusion, Big-Five personality traits, and borderline personality disorder features. Consolidated identity scores were positively related to identity synthesis and adaptive Big-Five traits, whereas negatively related to identity confusion, neuroticism, and borderline features. Opposite associations were obtained for disturbed identity and lack of identity scores. The Dutch SCIM appeared to produce valid and reliable scores and seemed suited to assess longitudinal identity functioning in Belgian adolescents.

Internal (Factorial) Validity of the ANAM using a Cohort of Woman High-School Soccer Players

INTRODUCTION

Computerized neuropsychological testing is a cornerstone of sport-related concussion assessment. Female soccer players are at an increased risk for concussion as well as exposures to repetitive head impacts from heading a soccer ball. Our primary aim was to examine factorial validity of the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) neuropsychological test battery in computing the multiple neurocognitive constructs it purports to measure in a large cohort of interscholastic female soccer players.

METHODS

Study participants included 218 interscholastic female soccer players (age = 17.0±0.7 year; mass = 55.5±6.8 kg; height = 164.7±6.6 cm) drawn from a large (850+) prospective database examining purposeful heading from four area high schools over a 10-year period. The ANAM-2001 measured neurocognitive performance. Three methods were used to identify integral constructs underlying the ANAM: (a) exploratory factor analysis (EFA), (b) first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and (c) hierarchical CFA.

RESULTS

Neuropsychological phenomena measured by the ANAM-2001 were best reproduced by a hierarchical CFA organization, composed of two lower level factors (Simple Reaction Time, Mental Efficiency) and a single, general composite. Although the ANAM was multidimensional, only the composite was found to possess sufficient construct dimensionality and reliability for clinical score interpretation. Findings failed to uphold suppositions that the ANAM measures seven distinct constructs, or that any of its seven tests provide unique information independent of other constructs, or the composite, to support individual interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes infer the ANAM possesses factorial-validity evidence, but only scores from the composite appear to sufficiently internally valid, and reliable, to support applied use by practitioners.

Improving the measurement of alexithymia in autistic adults: a psychometric investigation of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and generation of a general alexithymia factor score using item response theory

BACKGROUND

Alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties interpreting emotional states, is commonly elevated in autistic adults, and a growing body of literature suggests that this trait underlies several cognitive and emotional differences previously attributed to autism. Although questionnaires such as the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) are frequently used to measure alexithymia in the autistic population, few studies have investigated the psychometric properties of these questionnaires in autistic adults, including whether differential item functioning (I-DIF) exists between autistic and general population adults.

METHODS

This study is a revised version of a previous article that was retracted due to copyright concerns (Williams and Gotham in Mol Autism 12:1-40). We conducted an in-depth psychometric analysis of the TAS-20 in a large sample of 743 cognitively able autistic adults recruited from the Simons Foundation SPARK participant pool and 721 general population controls enrolled in a large international psychological study. The factor structure of the TAS-20 was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory was used to generate a subset of the items that were strong indicators of a "general alexithymia" factor. Correlations between alexithymia and other clinical outcomes were used to assess the nomological validity of the new alexithymia score in the SPARK sample.

RESULTS

The TAS-20 did not exhibit adequate model fit in either the autistic or general population samples. Empirically driven item reduction was undertaken, resulting in an 8-item general alexithymia factor score (GAFS-8, with "TAS" no longer referenced due to copyright) with sound psychometric properties and practically ignorable I-DIF between diagnostic groups. Correlational analyses indicated that GAFS-8 scores, as derived from the TAS-20, meaningfully predict autistic trait levels, repetitive behaviors, and depression symptoms, even after controlling for trait neuroticism. The GAFS-8 also presented no meaningful decrement in nomological validity over the full TAS-20 in autistic participants.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of the current study include a sample of autistic adults that was majority female, later diagnosed, and well educated; clinical and control groups drawn from different studies with variable measures; only 16 of the TAS-20 items being administered to the non-autistic sample; and an inability to test several other important psychometric characteristics of the GAFS-8, including sensitivity to change and I-DIF across multiple administrations.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate the potential of the GAFS-8 to robustly measure alexithymia in both autistic and non-autistic adults. A free online score calculator has been created to facilitate the use of norm-referenced GAFS-8 latent trait scores in research applications (available at https://asdmeasures.shinyapps.io/alexithymia ).

The continuity of effect of schizophrenia polygenic risk score and patterns of cannabis use on transdiagnostic symptom dimensions at first-episode psychosis: findings from the EU-GEI study

Diagnostic categories do not completely reflect the heterogeneous expression of psychosis. Using data from the EU-GEI study, we evaluated the impact of schizophrenia polygenic risk score (SZ-PRS) and patterns of cannabis use on the transdiagnostic expression of psychosis. We analysed first-episode psychosis patients (FEP) and controls, generating transdiagnostic dimensions of psychotic symptoms and experiences using item response bi-factor modelling. Linear regression was used to test the associations between these dimensions and SZ-PRS, as well as the combined effect of SZ-PRS and cannabis use on the dimensions of positive psychotic symptoms and experiences. We found associations between SZ-PRS and (1) both negative (B = 0.18; 95%CI 0.03-0.33) and positive (B = 0.19; 95%CI 0.03-0.35) symptom dimensions in 617 FEP patients, regardless of their categorical diagnosis; and (2) all the psychotic experience dimensions in 979 controls. We did not observe associations between SZ-PRS and the general and affective dimensions in FEP. Daily and current cannabis use were associated with the positive dimensions in FEP (B = 0.31; 95%CI 0.11-0.52) and in controls (B = 0.26; 95%CI 0.06-0.46), over and above SZ-PRS. We provide evidence that genetic liability to schizophrenia and cannabis use map onto transdiagnostic symptom dimensions, supporting the validity and utility of the dimensional representation of psychosis. In our sample, genetic liability to schizophrenia correlated with more severe psychosis presentation, and cannabis use conferred risk to positive symptomatology beyond the genetic risk. Our findings support the hypothesis that psychotic experiences in the general population have similar genetic substrates as clinical disorders.

Bifactor Structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire Across the Schizotypy Spectrum

Despite widespread use in schizophrenia-spectrum research, uncertainty remains around an empirically supported and theoretically meaningful factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Current identified structures are limited by reliance on exclusively nonclinical samples. The current study compared factor structures of the SPQ in a sample of 335 nonpsychiatric individuals, 292 schizotypy-spectrum individuals (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizotypal personality disorder), and the combined group (N = 627). Unidimensional, correlated, and hierarchical models were assessed in addition to a bifactor model, wherein subscales load simultaneously onto a general factor and a specific factor. The best-fitting model across samples was a two-specific factor bifactor model, consistent with the nine symptom dimensions of schizotypy as primarily a direct manifestation of a unitary construct. Such findings, for the first time demonstrated in a clinical sample, have broad implications for transdiagnostic approaches, including reifying schizotypy as a construct underlying diverse manifestations of phenomenology across a wide range of severity.

Assessing general and autism-relevant quality of life in autistic adults: A psychometric investigation using item response theory

Although many interventions and services for autistic people have the ultimate goal of improving quality of life (QoL), there is relatively little research on how best to assess this construct in the autistic population, and existing scales designed for non-autistic individuals may not assess all meaningful facets of QoL in the autistic population. To address this need, the autism spectrum QoL form (ASQoL) was recently developed as a measure of the autism-relevant quality of life. However, the psychometrics of the ASQoL have not been examined beyond the authors' initial validation study, and important properties such as measurement invariance/differential item functioning (DIF) have not yet been tested. Using data from 700 autistic adults recruited from the Simons Foundation's SPARK cohort, the current study sought to perform a comprehensive independent psychometric evaluation of the ASQoL using item response theory, comparing its performance to a newly-proposed brief measure of general QoL (the WHOQOL-4). Our models revealed substantial DIF by sex and gender in the ASQoL, which caused ASQoL scores to grossly underestimate the self-reported QoL of autistic women. Based on a comparison of latent variable means, we demonstrated that observed sex/gender differences in manifest ASQoL scores were the result of statistical artifacts, a claim that was further supported by the lack of significant group differences on the sex/gender-invariant WHOQOL-4. Our findings indicate that the ASQoL composite score is psychometrically problematic in its current form, and substantial revisions may be necessary before valid and meaningful inferences can be made regarding autism-relevant aspects of QoL. LAY SUMMARY: Quality of life (QoL) is an extremely important outcome for autistic people, but many of the tools that are used to measure it does not take into account how QoL may be different for autistic people. Using data from 700 autistic adults, we examined the measurement properties of the autism spectrum quality of life form (ASQoL), a new measure of QoL designed specifically for autistic people. Our results indicate that the ASQoL shows a pronounced sex/gender bias, which causes it to underestimate QoL in autistic women. This bias needs to be eliminated before the ASQoL can be successfully used to measure QoL in the autistic population.

Burnout: Redefining its key symptoms

Burnout is currently operationalised as comprising of exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. However, questions have been raised as to whether this three-factor model accurately characterises the syndrome. We therefore sought to re-examine burnout's key symptoms and to develop a new model of the syndrome. 622 participants who self-identified as experiencing burnout completed a questionnaire covering a large item set of candidate burnout symptoms. Bifactor modelling identified a 34-item general factor that was dominated by items capturing exhaustion and cognitive dysfunction, but which also included items indicative of decreased work performance, insularity and a depressed mood. Five specific factors capturing additional data variance were identified and were interpreted as representing cognitive impairment, empathy loss, exhaustion, compromised work performance, and social withdrawal. Reliability indices indicated that the general factor alone accounted for most of the variance in observed scale scores for each specific factor, except for the loss of empathy specific factor. We concluded that burnout may therefore potentially be modelled as a unidimensional construct comprising exhaustion, cognitive impairment, compromised work performance, empathy loss and social withdrawal. Further, while those with burnout are likely to experience depressive symptoms, their presence is not of necessity indicative of clinical depression.

Dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ48)

Currently there is debate as to whether mental toughness is a unidimensional or multidimensional construct. To investigate the dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-items (MTQ48), a widely used measure of mental toughness, we examined data from a sample of 78,947 participants. A series of exploratory structural equation models (ESEM) assessed unidimensional, multidimensional, and bifactor solutions. Overall, results supported a bifactor conceptualization of mental toughness. Bifactor analysis was consistent with the use of a general factor score. In conclusion, the authors argue that mental toughness should be considered as an umbrella term representing a general trait comprised of related constructs that provide a psychological advantage in performance and promote positive mental health. Finally, this article identifies limitations in the existing measurement of mental toughness and proposes necessary directions in future research.

Initial Validation of the Mindful Presence Scale: The Issue of the Construal Level of Scale Items

Our research has two main aims. It undertakes the validation of a six-item trait mindfulness scale called Mindful Presence Scale (MPS), which measures central aspects of mindfulness. For the first time in mindfulness literature, the construal level of scale items is also examined. Four questionnaire-based online studies were conducted. Study 1 drew three samples (n n = 391, n p = 215, and n b = 235) from the students at the University of Debrecen. It examined the factor structure, reliability, and internal consistency of the three differently worded scale versions. The positively worded scale version (MPSp) yielded a stable two-factor structure and demonstrated the best psychometric properties. Study 2 performed a confirmatory factor analysis on a sample drawn from public employees across the country (n cfa = 420). The two-factor solution in Study 1 was confirmed. χ2 tests were not significant, and fit indices were excellent. There was no significant difference between the high-level construal subscale (Fhlc) and the low-level construal subscale (Fllc) in terms of factorial stability. Participant of Study 3 were students who did not take part in Study 1. The sample (n inv = 250) was tested for measurement invariance across gender. The scaled results supported strong/threshold invariance. Study 4 tested concurrent validity with 10 concurrent instruments. A sample of secondary school teachers (n con = 128) was tested by examining Spearman's rank order correlations. There was a significant difference in how the Fhlc and Fllc subscales predicted scores of some of the concurrent instruments. Further research is warranted into how the construal level of mindfulness scale items affects the recollection of the mindful experience. Overall, MPSp proved to be a valid short mindfulness measure.

On Redefining the Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire: A Preliminary Test of Multidimensionality

The aim of the present study was to examine the Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire (BISQ) as a multidimensional instrument, designed to measure individuals' body image satisfaction. A sample of 790 Portuguese healthy adults (female = 399; male = 391) aged 18 and 49 years old (M = 28.61, SD = 7.97) completed the BISQ. Exploratory factor analysis of the BISQ provided initial psychometric validity for a five-factor model assessing five dimensions of body image, namely, face, upper torso, lower torso, lower body, and overall body appearance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported this five-correlated model, in which a bifactor model provided the best fit to the data, defining a body image satisfaction factor and five specific factors. The BISQ clearly distinguished between various dimensions of body image satisfaction and showed satisfactory psychometric quality through factor analyses. This measure may have a broad application for research and practice, as a tool for capturing individual body image satisfaction.

Application of S-1 Bifactor Model to Evaluate the Structural Validity of TMMS-24

(1) Background: Recent studies have shown that the internal structure of TMMS-24 can be conceptualized as a bifactor. However, these studies, based exclusively on the evaluation of the fit of the model, fail to show the existence of a general factor of strong emotional intelligence and have neglected the evaluation of the specific factors of attention, clarity and repair. The main goal of this work is to evaluate the degree of determination and reliability of the specific factors of TMMS-24 using a bifactor S-1 model. (2) Methods: We administered TMMS-24 to a sample of 384 students from middle and high schools (58.1% girls; mean age = 15.5; SD = 1.8). (3) Results: The specific TMMS-24 factors are better determined and present a higher internal consistency than the general factor. Furthermore, the bifactor S-1 model shows the existence of a hierarchical relationship between the attention factor and the clarity and repair factors. The S-1 bifactor model is the only one that was shown to be invariant as a function of the sex of the participants. (4) Conclusions: The S-1 bifactor model has proven to be a promising tool for capturing the structural complexity of TMMS-24. Its application indicates that it is not advisable to use the sum score of the items, since it would be contaminated by the attention factor. In addition, this score would not be invariant either, that is, comparisons by sex would be invalid.

Neuroticism vulnerability factors of anxiety symptoms in adolescents and early adults: an analysis using the bi-factor model and multi-wave longitudinal model

Background

Neuroticism and stress are important vulnerability factors in the development and outcome of anxiety symptoms. However, as neuroticism is a heterogeneity trait, it is still unclear how different neuroticism factors contribute to anxiety symptoms independently or in conjunction with stress. Thus, different factors of neuroticism were extracted in the present longitudinal study using the bi-factor model. The prediction effect of these different factors on anxiety symptoms and their combined effects with stress in both adolescent and adult samples were examined.

Method

Participants (592 adolescents and 638 young adults) in Hunan China were included. In the initial assessment in our longitudinal study, participants were asked to complete measurements that assessed neuroticism, stress, and anxiety symptoms. Next, a monthly assessment of stress and anxiety symptoms was completed for the subsequent 6 months. The bi-factor model was used to extract different factors of neuroticism. The hierarchical linear model was used to analyze longitudinal multi-wave data.

Result

Several model fit indices were used to evaluate the bi-factor model fit for neuroticism (adolescent: Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.957, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.973, RMSEA = 0.040, Chi-Square = 80.471; early adults: TLI = 0.957, CFI = 0.973, RMSEA = 0.042, Chi-Square = 88.465). The results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses indicated that the general factor of neuroticism possessed a predictive effect on anxiety symptoms (adolescents: F = 36.77, p < 0.0001, early adults: F = 30.44, p < 0.0001); The negative effect factor only had the prediction effect on anxiety symptoms in early adults (adolescents: F = 0.65, p > 0.05; early adults: F = 4.84, p < 0.05); No prediction of self-reproach factor was found on anxiety symptoms (adolescents: F = 3.79, p > 0.05; early adults: F = 0.02, p > 0.05); the interactive effects of the general factor and stress on anxiety symptoms were only found in early adulthood (adolescents: F = 0.13, p > 0.05; early adults: F = 11.55, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the bi-factor model achieved a satisfactory fit for neuroticism measurement and supported that the anxiety symptoms were induced by the main effects of the general factor in both age samples and the negative factor only in adults. The general factor of neuroticism, but not the negative factor could make an additive effect for anxiety symptoms in face of stress, which meant that the homogeneity of neuroticism played a more significant role in further anxiety symptoms than heterogeneity when coping with stress.

Psychometric properties of the adapted instrument European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire short-short form

OBJECTIVE

to investigate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the health literacy questionnaire European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire short-short form (HLS-EU-Q6) in Brazilian adults.

METHOD

the instrument was translated and pre-tested in a sample of 50 individuals. Subsequently, it was applied to a sample of 783 adult individuals. The data went through an appropriate process of testing the properties, with the combination of techniques of Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Item Response Theory. For the assessment of reliability, the Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega indicators were used. Cross-validation with full data analysis was applied.

RESULTS

the majority of the participants was female (68.1%), with a mean age of 38.6 (sd=14.5) years old and 33.5% studied up to elementary school. The results indicated a unidimensional model with an explained variance of 71.23%, adequate factor load levels, commonality and item discrimination, as well as stability and replicability of the instrument to other populations.

CONCLUSION

the Brazilian version of HLS-EU-Q6 indicated that the instrument is suitable for indiscriminate application in the population to which it is intended to assess health literacy levels.

Psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy of the short form of the geriatric anxiety scale (GAS-10)

BACKGROUND

Anxious symptoms have a negative impact on different aspects of the elderly's quality of life, ranging from the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours to an increased functional impairment and a greater physical disability. Different brief assessment instruments have been developed as efficacy measures of geriatric anxiety in order to overcome psychometric weaknesses of its long form. Among these, the 10-item Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS-10) showed strong psychometric properties in community-dwelling samples. However, its diagnostic accuracy is still unexplored, as well as its discriminative power in clinical samples.

METHODS

In the present study, we explored the psychometric performance of the GAS-10 in the elderly through Item Response Theory in a sample of 1200 Italian community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly adults (53.8% males, mean age = 65.21 ± 9.19 years). Concurrent validity, as well as diagnostic accuracy, was examined in a non-clinical sample (N = 229; 46.72% males) and clinical sample composed of 35 elderly outpatients (74.28% females) with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

RESULTS

The GAS-10 displayed good internal construct validity, with unidimensional structure and no local dependency, good accuracy, and no signs of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) or measurement bias due to gender, but negligible due to the age. Differences in concurrent validity and diagnostic accuracy among the long form version of the GAS and the GAS-10 were not found significant. The GAS-10 may be more useful than the longer versions in many clinical and research applications, when time constraints or fatigue are issues.

CONCLUSION

Using the ROC curve, the GAS-10 showed good discriminant validity in categorizing outpatients with GAD disorder, and high anxiety symptoms as measured by the GAS-SF cut-off. The stable cut-off point provided could enhance the clinical usefulness of the GAS-10, which seems to be a promising valid and reliable tool for maximize diagnostic accuracy of geriatric anxiety symptoms.

State Anhedonia in Young Healthy Adults: Psychometric Properties of the German Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) and Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Healthy reward processing is a complex interplay of several components. Recent self-report measures of anhedonia, the decrease or loss of hedonic capacity, take this complexity into account. The Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) measures interest, motivation, effort and consummatory pleasure across four domains: hobbies, food/drink, social activities and sensory experiences. In the present cross-sectional survey study, we validated the German version of the DARS in a sample of 557 young healthy adults. Factor structure as well as convergent and divergent validity were assessed. As a secondary aim, we examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on state anhedonia and depression severity. Our results suggest good convergent and divergent validity and high internal consistency of the German DARS. The original differentiation of four factors mapping onto the four domains was confirmed and measurement invariance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was established. We conclude that the DARS is a valid instrument to comprehensively assess state anhedonia in healthy German samples. Future studies should further assess the utility of the German DARS in clinical contexts. In line with many previous studies, participants during the pandemic reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to participants in the months before. We found no indication that the COVID-19 pandemic affected state hedonic capacity.

Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Counseling Competencies Scale-Revised

Objectives: This study conducted a linguistic and psychometric evaluation of the Chinese Counseling Competencies Scale-Revised (CCS-R). Methods: The Chinese CCS-R was created from the original English version using a standard forward-backward translation process. The psychometric properties of the Chinese CCS-R were examined in a cohort of 208 counselors-in-training by two independent raters. Fifty-three counselors-in-training were asked to undergo another counseling performance evaluation for the test-retest. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted for the Chinese CCS-R, followed by internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, convergent validity, and concurrent validity. Results: The results of the CFA supported the factorial validity of the Chinese CCS-R, with adequate construct replicability. The scale had a McDonald's omega of 0.876, and intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.63 and 0.90 for test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Significantly positive correlations were observed between the Chinese CCS-R score and scores of performance checklist (Pearson's γ = 0.781), indicating a large convergent validity, and knowledge on drug abuse (Pearson's γ = 0.833), indicating a moderate concurrent validity. Conclusion: The results support that the Chinese CCS-R is a valid and reliable measure of the counseling competencies. Practice implication: The CCS-R provides trainers with a reliable tool to evaluate counseling students' competencies and to facilitate discussions with trainees about their areas for growth.

Psychometric validation and refinement of the Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ) in adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum

BACKGROUND

Individuals on the autism spectrum are reported to display alterations in interoception, the sense of the internal state of the body. The Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ) is a 20-item self-report measure of interoception specifically intended to measure this construct in autistic people. The psychometrics of the ISQ, however, have not previously been evaluated in a large sample of autistic individuals.

METHODS

Using confirmatory factor analysis, we evaluated the latent structure of the ISQ in a large online sample of adults on the autism spectrum and found that the unidimensional model fit the data poorly. Using misspecification analysis to identify areas of local misfit and item response theory to investigate the appropriateness of the seven-point response scale, we removed redundant items and collapsed the response options to put forth a novel eight-item, five-response choice ISQ.

RESULTS

The revised, five-response choice ISQ (ISQ-8) showed much improved fit while maintaining high internal reliability. Differential item functioning (DIF) analyses indicated that the items of the ISQ-8 were answered in comparable ways by autistic adolescents and adults and across multiple other sociodemographic groups.

LIMITATIONS

Our results were limited by the fact that we did not collect data for typically developing controls, preventing the analysis of DIF by diagnostic status. Additionally, while this study proposes a new 5-response scale for the ISQ-8, our data were not collected using this method; thus, the psychometric properties for the revised version of this instrument require further investigation.

CONCLUSION

The ISQ-8 shows promise as a reliable and valid measure of interoception in adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum, but additional work is needed to examine its psychometrics in this population. A free online score calculator has been created to facilitate the use of ISQ-8 latent trait scores for further studies of autistic adolescents and adults (available at https://asdmeasures.shinyapps.io/ISQ_score/ ).

Translation and validation of body image instruments: An addendum to Swami and Barron (2019) in the form of frequently asked questions

Test adaptation - the translation and validation of source instruments for use in new social identity groups - plays a vital role in body image research. Previously, Swami and Barron (2019) developed a set of good practice recommendations and reporting guidelines for the test adaptation of body image instruments. However, a number of issues in that article were not covered in depth and new issues have emerged as a result of developments in theory and practice. Here, we offer an addendum to Swami and Barron in the form of frequently asked questions. Issues discussed in this article include various methods for achieving good translations, the appropriateness of revising instrument components prior to empirical analyses, determining the number of factors to extract in exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and the usefulness of EFA versus confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in determining factorial validity. We also cover methods of analyses that have been infrequently utilised by body image scholars, including exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM), bifactor model analyses, and various methods for establish measurement invariance. When read as an addendum to Swami and Barron, we hope this article helps to clarify issues of importance for body image researchers interested in conducting test adaptation work.

Daily use of high-potency cannabis is associated with more positive symptoms in first-episode psychosis patients: the EU-GEI case-control study

BACKGROUND

Daily use of high-potency cannabis has been reported to carry a high risk for developing a psychotic disorder. However, the evidence is mixed on whether any pattern of cannabis use is associated with a particular symptomatology in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients.

METHOD

We analysed data from 901 FEP patients and 1235 controls recruited across six countries, as part of the European Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions (EU-GEI) study. We used item response modelling to estimate two bifactor models, which included general and specific dimensions of psychotic symptoms in patients and psychotic experiences in controls. The associations between these dimensions and cannabis use were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models analyses.

RESULTS

In patients, there was a linear relationship between the positive symptom dimension and the extent of lifetime exposure to cannabis, with daily users of high-potency cannabis having the highest score (B = 0.35; 95% CI 0.14-0.56). Moreover, negative symptoms were more common among patients who never used cannabis compared with those with any pattern of use (B = -0.22; 95% CI -0.37 to -0.07). In controls, psychotic experiences were associated with current use of cannabis but not with the extent of lifetime use. Neither patients nor controls presented differences in depressive dimension related to cannabis use.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide the first large-scale evidence that FEP patients with a history of daily use of high-potency cannabis present with more positive and less negative symptoms, compared with those who never used cannabis or used low-potency types.

Youth Experience Tracker Instrument: A self-report measure of developmental antecedents to severe mental illness

AIM

We sought to examine the structure, internal consistency, convergent and criterion validity of the Youth Experience Tracker Instrument (YETI), a new brief self-report measure designed to facilitate early identification of risk for severe forms of mental illness, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

METHODS

We collected 716 YETIs from 315 individuals aged 8 to 27 with and without familial risk of severe mental illness. The YETI measures six developmental antecedents that precede and predict serious forms of mental illness: affective lability, anxiety, basic symptoms, depressive symptoms, psychotic-like experiences, and sleep. A battery of concurrent questionnaires and interviews measured the same constructs.

RESULTS

The best-fitting bifactor model supported the validity of both total score and antecedent-specific subscales. Internal consistency was high for the total score (ω = 0.94) and subscales (ω = 0.80-0.92; ρ = 0.72). The total score captured the majority of information from the 26 YETI items (hierarchical omega ω_h = 0.74). Correlations of YETI subscales with established measures of the same constructs (r = 0.45-0.80) suggested adequate convergent validity. We propose cut-offs with high negative predictive values to facilitate efficient risk screening.

CONCLUSION

The YETI, a brief self-report measure of antecedents, provides an alternative to using multiple longer instruments. Future research may examine the predictive validity of the YETI for the onset of major mood and psychotic disorders.

It Works Without Words

Abstract. Emotion recognition ability of emotions expressed by other people (ERA-O) can be important for job performance, leadership, bargaining, and career success. Traditional personnel assessment tools of this ability, however, are contaminated by linguistic skills. In a time of global work migration, more and more people speak a language at work that is not their mother tongue. Consequently, we developed and validated the Face-Based Emotion Matching Test (FEMT), a nonlinguistic objective test of ERA-O in gainfully employed adults. We demonstrate the FEMT’s validity with psychological constructs (cognitive and emotional intelligence, Big Five personality traits) and its criterion validity and interethnic fit.

Re-Applying the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale to Various Portuguese Exercise Groups: An Analysis of Bifactor Models and Contextual Invariance

This research explored the nature of basic psychological needs in physical activity settings by applying relatively advanced methodological procedures for psychometric assessment. We first re-examined the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) by reviewing its applicability for physical activity domains among Portuguese respondents. We demonstrated the use of Bifactor Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) and discussed the practical implications of these models. Next, we tested contextual measurement invariance in order to examine needs universality. Our participants were gym exercisers (n = 1935), physical education students (n = 1449), and athletes (n = 1631), all of whom completed the adapted and validated version of the scale in their respective practice physical activity domains. All models under analysis displayed acceptable to excellent fit; the bifactor ESEM model displayed the best fit. We conducted ancillary bifactor measures to assess scale dimensionality and found that the BPNES is best interpreted as a multidimensional instrument. Through testing for multigroup analysis, the bifactor ESEM did not show contextual invariance. In conclusion, the BPNES should be predominantly used as a multidimensional instrument when assessing basic needs in separate physical activity domains. Basic psychological needs are perceived differently between seemingly similar physical activity contexts. Researchers should measure basic needs as a global factor and use context validated sub-scales.

Psychometric Analysis of the Czech Version of the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire

Empathy is a concept associated with various positive outcomes. However, to measure such a multifaceted concept, valid and reliable tools are needed. Negatively worded items (NWIs) are suspected to decrease some psychometric parameters of assessment instruments, which complicates the research of empathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the factor structure and validity of the TEQ on the Czech population, including the influence of the NWIs. Data were collected from three surveys. In total, 2239 Czech participants were included in our study. Along with socio-demographic information, we measured empathy, neuroticism, spirituality, self-esteem, compassion and social desirability. NWI in general yielded low communalities, factor loadings and decreased internal consistency. Therefore, in the next steps, we tested the model consisting of their positively reformulated versions. A higher empathy was found in females, married and religious individuals. We further found positive associations between empathy, compassion and spirituality. After the sample was split in half, exploratory factor analysis of the model with reformulated items was followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which supported a unidimensional solution with good internal consistency: Cronbach’s α = 0.85 and McDonald’s ω = 0.85. The CFA indicated an acceptable fit χ² (14) = 83.630; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.995; RMSEA = 0.070; SRMR = 0.037. The Czech version of the TEQ is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of empathy. The use of NWIs in Czech or in a similar language environment seems to be questionable and their rewording may represent a more reliable approach.

Are the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 Suitable for Use in India? A Psychometric Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cross-cultural evidence on the factorial structure and invariance of the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7 is lacking for South Asia. Recommendations on the use of unit-weighted scores of these scales (the sum of items' scores) are not well-founded. This study aims to address these contextual and methodological gaps using data from a rural Indian population.

METHODS

The study surveyed 1,209 participants of the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program aged 30-60 years (n at risk of diabetes = 1,007 and n with diabetes = 202). 1,007 participants were surveyed over 2 years using the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7. Bifactor-(S - 1) modeling and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis were used.

RESULTS

Factor analysis supported the existence of a somatic and cognitive/affective subcomponent for both scales, but less explicitly for the GAD-7. Hierarchical omega values were 0.72 for the PHQ-9 and 0.76 for the GAD-7. Both scales showed full scalar invariance and full or partial residual invariance across age, gender, education, status of diabetes and over time. Effect sizes between categories measured by unit-weighted scores versus latent means followed a similar trend but were systematically higher for the latent means. For both disorders, female gender and lower education were associated with higher symptom severity scores, which corresponds with regional and global trends.

CONCLUSIONS

For both scales, psychometric properties were comparable to studies in western settings. Distinct clinical profiles (somatic-cognitive) were supported for depression, and to a lesser extent for anxiety. Unit-weighted scores of the full scales should be used with caution, while scoring subscales is not recommended. The stability of these scales supports their use and allows for meaningful comparison across tested subgroups.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12611000262909http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=336603&isReview=true.

Psychometric properties of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS® pediatric item banks Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in a general population

PURPOSE

This study aims to validate the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS pediatric item banks v2.0 Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms, the short forms 8a, and computerized adaptive tests (CATs) in a general Dutch population and to provide reference data.

METHODS

Participants (N = 2,893, aged 8-18), recruited by two internet survey providers, completed both item banks. These item banks were assessed on unidimensionality, local independence, monotonicity, Graded Response Model (GRM) item fit, and differential item functioning (DIF) for gender, age group, region, ethnicity, and language. The short forms and CATs were assessed on reliability and construct validity compared to the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale short version (RCADS-22) subscales. Reference scores were calculated.

RESULTS

Both item banks showed sufficient unidimensionality, local independence, monotonicity, and GRM item fit, except for three Depressive Symptoms items that showed insufficient GRM item fit. No DIF was found when using ordinal regression analyses, except for two Depressive Symptoms items that showed DIF for language; all items showed DIF for language when using IRT PRO, except for one Anxiety item. Both short forms and CATs revealed sufficient reliability for moderate and severe levels of anxiety and depression, as well as high positive correlations with corresponding RCADS-22 subscales and slightly lower correlations with non-corresponding RCADS-22 subscales.

CONCLUSION

The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS pediatric item banks v2.0 Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms, the short forms 8a and CATs are useful to assess and monitor anxiety and depression in a general population. Reference data are presented.

Multidimensional Structure or Wording Effect? Reexamination of the Factor Structure of the Chinese General Self-Efficacy Scale

Despite overwhelming evidence supporting the unidimensional structure of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) across various language adaptations, a multifactor structure has frequently been identified for the Chinese version (GSES-C), leading some researchers to conclude that the GSES-C is multidimensional. However, the multifactor structure might derive from common method bias, such as wording effects. To test this postulation, a sample of 1,515 college students completed the GSES-C, then 507 of the sample additionally completed 3 other criteria scales. The research approach included logistic-semantic analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis of single-factor and bifactor models. The study yielded 3 main findings: (a) There were 2 common wording factors underlying the GSES-C: "uncertain situation wording" and "hypothetical wording." (b) Although the 1-factor model of the GSES-C did not fit the data, unidimensionality was supported when the 2 wording factors were controlled for in a bifactor model, indicating that the wording effects emerged. (c) The correlation coefficients between the general factor and external positive constructs were substantially underestimated if the wording effects were not controlled. The reasons for and the meanings of the wording effects underlying the GSES-C are also discussed.

Sexual Empowerment Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men

Sexual empowerment represents an important HIV intervention strategy, yet limited attention has examined the multidimensional nature of sexual empowerment in prior studies. Using a sample (n = 465) of young Black men who have sex with men (MSM), we used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test a multifactorial operationalization of sexual empowerment. CFA indicated that a bifactor model was best suited to characterize the sexual empowerment factor (SEF), suggesting that items for four sub-constructs (self-efficacy to refuse sexual behavior, emotional support, condom use self-efficacy, and social norms on condom use) contributed to their respective constructs, while also contributing to a latent sexual empowerment construct. We then examined the association between SEF and mental health outcomes (anxiety and depression symptoms) and safer sex intentions. SEF was negatively associated with mental health outcomes and positively associated with safer sex intentions. Ultimately, individuals with greater sexual empowerment might be better equipped to develop strategies to buffer their vulnerability to HIV. We discuss the implications of SEF as a bifactor during the design and evaluation of HIV risk-reduction interventions seeking to address sexual empowerment among MSM.

Common and specific aspects of anxiety and depression and the metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The associations of anxiety and depression with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are not consistent across studies. Anxiety and depression are highly correlated and traditional methods don't take the structure of this correlation into account. Our aim is to disentangle the relationship of these emotional conditions with MetS, using bifactor models, modelling both general and specific aspects between anxiety and depression.

METHODS

Bifactor models were tested using the baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (n = 13,584). Anxiety and depression were accessed with the Clinical Interview Schedule - Revised. MetS was measured through assessment of its continuous components.

RESULTS

A bifactor S-1 model better represent the 14 CIS-R indicators, composed by an internalizing factor corresponding to depressive symptoms, anxiety, worry and the shared variance of all remaining CIS-R indicators, and also by residual variance explained by a somatic (e.g., fatigue and pain) and fear (e.g., panic and phobias) specific factors. Internalizing spectrum (β = 0.116; p < 0.001) and the fear specific factor (β = 0.060; p = 0.008) were associated with MetS after adjusting for confounders, whereas somatic specific factor was unlikely to be associated with MetS (β = 0.002; p = 0.934).

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety and depression indicators were associated with MetS via a shared internalizing factor and also by a residual fear factor, but not by somatic residual factor. This finding has potential implications about shared biological and behavioral mechanisms that may link emotional conditions with MetS in adults.

Vineland-3 Structural Validity and Interpretability of Domain Scores: Implications for Practitioners Assessing Adolescents With Developmental Conditions

The Vineland-3 purports to measure three dimensions of adaptive behavior, but empirical evidence pertaining to its structural validity is lacking. In this study, factor analyses were conducted on the standardization sample data for the comprehensive forms within the 11- to 20-year-old age range. Results did not support the three domain structure of the test and indicated domain scores did not add additional information about an individual's adaptive performance that was not already accounted for by the Adaptive Behavior Composite (ABC) score alone. Practitioners assessing adolescents with developmental conditions should consider using the ABC score within a multimethod assessment protocol for the various purposes of adaptive behavior assessment including the identification of intellectual disability.

Factorial Validity and Measurement Invariance of the Principal Leadership Questionnaire in Greek Educational Context

The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of the Principal Leadership Questionnaire (PLQ) to Greek educational context and to present the most important aspects describing educational leadership in a centralized educational context. It was sought to examine; a) the factorial structure of PLQ b) its invariance across teachers' levels of education and c) its concurrent validity. Data were collected from 730 Greek primary and secondary school teachers of 77 schools. Teachers were asked to fill in the PLQ and Teacher's Satisfaction Inventory (TSI). A bi-factor model was selected as the most tenable among five completive PLQ structures to describe teachers' responses. Moreover, PLQ was found to be invariant across primary and secondary school teachers. Multiple-group analysis results indicate that primary, compared to secondary school teachers, reported more often that their principals behave as a transformational leader. On the contrary, secondary school teachers' perceptions revealed that their principal implemented practices related to factor "intellectual; stimulation" more often than primary school teachers. Structural equation modeling showed that the general factor of the PLQ significantly and substantially predicted the "principal" facet of teachers' job satisfaction, providing evidence of concurrent validity of the Greek version of the PLQ. Implications and suggestions for future research and policy are discussed.

The dimensionality of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition in a clinical sample

The parent-report Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2) is a widely used pediatric neuropsychological measure. Unfortunately, despite meaningful changes from its predecessor, few studies have examined its internal factor structure (now with Behavioral Regulation [BRI], Emotion Regulation [ERI], and Cognitive Regulation [CRI]), and no available literature has investigated higher order models for the BRIEF-2. This study sought to address this shortcoming in the literature by investigating and reporting on the dimensionality of the parent-report BRIEF-2 in a clinical sample. Two hundred and two (202) pediatric neuropsychology examinees (M age = 9.90; 68% males) with complete data for the parent-report BRIEF-2 were included. Descriptive results revealed generally elevated scores across BRIEF-2 scales (Global Executive Composite M T = 70.16). Exploratory factor analyses suggested two factors (CRI and BRI/ERI) should be extracted, and that higher order models should be considered. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested that a direct hierarchical/bifactor two-factor structure (which was more parsimonious than the theoretical three-factor model) provided the best fit, with a bulk of the variance explained by the general GEC factor. The BRIEF-2 may be best interpreted at the overall level, with relatively less weight given to the index variables, particularly within clinical samples with high levels of reported executive functioning difficulties. Implications of these findings, limitations of the present study, and appropriate directions for future inquiry were discussed.

Item Reduction, Psychometric and Biometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Body Perception Questionnaire-Short Form (BPQ-SF): The BPQ-22

Body awareness disorders and reactivity are mentioned across a range of clinical problems. Constitutional differences in the control of the bodily state are thought to generate a vulnerability to psychological symptoms. Autonomic nervous system dysfunctions have been associated with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Though interoception may be a transdiagnostic mechanism promoting the improvement of clinical symptomatology, few psychometrically sound, symptom-independent, self-report measures, informed by brain-body circuits, are available for research and clinical use. We validated the Italian version of the body perception questionnaire (BPQ)-short form and found that response categories could be collapsed from five to three and that the questionnaire retained a three-factor structure with items reduced from 46 to 22 (BPQ-22). The first factor was loaded by body awareness items; the second factor comprised some items from the body awareness scale and some from the subdiaphragmatic reactivity scale (but all related to bloating and digestive issues), and the third factor by supradiaphragmatic reactivity items. The BPQ-22 had sound psychometric properties, good convergent and discriminant validity and test-retest reliability and could be used in clinical and research settings in which the body perception assessment is of interest. Psychometric findings in light of the polyvagal theory are discussed.

Exploratory Factor Analyses of the French WISC-V (WISC-VFR) for Five Age Groups: Analyses Based on the Standardization Sample

This study investigated the factor structure of the French Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition with five standardization sample age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-16 years) using hierarchical exploratory factor analysis followed by Schmid–Leiman procedure. The primary research questions included (a) how many French Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition factors should be extracted and retained in each age subgroup, (b) how are subtests associated with the latent factors, (c) was there evidence for the publisher’s claim of five first-order factors and separate Visual Spatial and Fluid Reasoning factors, (d) what proportion of variance was due to general intelligence versus the first-order group ability factors following a Schmid–Leiman procedure, and (e) do results support the age differentiation hypothesis? Results suggested that four factors might be sufficient for all five age groups and results did not support the distinction between Visual Spatial and Fluid Reasoning factors. While the general factor accounted for the largest portions of variance, the four first-order factors accounted for small unique portions of variance. Results did not support the age differentiation hypothesis because the number of factors remained the same across age groups, and there was no change in the percentage of variance accounted for by the general factor across age groups.