Measurement invariance of big-five factors over the life span: ESEM tests of gender, age, plasticity, maturity, and la dolce vita effects

Cross-cultural measurement invariance of the BFI-15p in university students from Argentina, Spain, and Peru

The Big Five Inventory-15p (BFI-15p) is a relatively new 15-item version developed for Hispanic populations; however, evidence of its cross-cultural equivalence is lacking. This study examined the clarity of item phrasing (Study 1) and measurement invariance (Study 2) in university students from Argentina, Spain, and Peru. Two studies were conducted: one to assess perceived item clarity (n = 70) and another to evaluate the internal structure (n = 737), including dimensionality, reliability, and measurement invariance. In Study 1, consistent item clarity was observed across the three groups, though one item required minor revision. In Study 2, the five-factor structure showed a good fit in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) provided slightly better results. However, differences between CFA and ESEM were not substantial, as cross-loadings were close to zero. Omega reliability varied across country groups but was predominantly acceptable for three-item subscales (approximately 0.60). Differential item functioning (DIF) by sex within each country was predominantly negligible. Measurement invariance was supported at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. The findings highlight the implications of measuring the Big Five model in university students across diverse cultural contexts.

Emotional distress during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic-large sample serbian study

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, with healthcare professionals being particularly vulnerable. This study explores the emotional distress experienced in Serbia, focusing on factors that contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 3328 participants from the general and healthcare populations were surveyed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-Short Form (DASS-21). The analysis revealed that certain groups, such as women, non-psychiatrist doctors, individuals with a history of mental disorders, and those dissatisfied with their financial, familial, and living circumstances, were more likely to experience heightened levels of emotional stress. Moreover, healthcare professionals, especially those working in challenging conditions, may be at increased risk for mental health issues. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and ongoing support for those most affected, particularly within the healthcare sector, to mitigate the long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic.

Effects of gender, education, contact with older adults and health-related jobs on memory control beliefs across the lifespan

This work sheds light on which of the commonly studied variables explain presence of negative beliefs about memory in a sample of 1,673 participants (range: 12-96 years), using the Memory Controllability Inventory (MCI) and the Aging Concern Scales (ACS). A factor analysis of the MCI and ACS revealed a five-factor structure. Of these five, three presented adequate reliability indices: memory improvement, present ability and Alzheimer's likelihood. The results showed that there are generational differences in the relationship of these factors to variables such as gender, educational level and the quality and frequency of contact with the elderly, with the frequency of contact with older people being one of the variables most associated with the three MCI and ACS factors, especially in the younger age groups. This work shows the importance of positive contact with older people in generating positive memory control beliefs. Finally, we discuss the importance of positive beliefs in clinical care for older adults.

Social Disengagement in Post-Pandemic China: A Translation, Validation and Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Pandemic Disengagement Syndrome Scale

BACKGROUND

In contrast to abundant research on the various acute mental effects of COVID-19, the long-term influences of the pandemic are still underexplored in China owing to the paucity of assessment tools. The Pandemic Disengagement Syndrome Scale (PDSS) assesses people's social disengagement as a lasting psychological consequence in Western countries during the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. However, its generalizability across cultures is untested.

OBJECTIVES

The present studies aimed to validate Chinese PDSS and compare disengagement syndrome levels among China, the United States and Italy.

METHOD

In Study 1, a Chinese version of the PDSS was developed, psychometric properties including factor structure, internal consistency, measurement invariance across gender and country, discriminant validity, and test-retest reliability were tested. Study 2 examined demographic differences in the pandemic disengagement syndrome in China and compared Chinese PDSS scores and those in the United States and Italy (Ns = 415US, 455Italy, 826China).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that disengagement syndrome may exist among Chinese people even substantially after the acute phases of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Chinese PDSS demonstrating acceptable psychometric features can be a valid instrument to assess the syndrome. Several possible reasons for the persistence of disengagement in China are discussed.

Exploring Gendered Perspectives on Personality Traits and Entrepreneurial Performance in Lebanon during the COVID-19 Crisis

We investigate the impact of gendered personality traits on the entrepreneurial performance of male and female entrepreneurs in Lebanon during the COVID-19 crisis. Using the Big Five personality model and survey data from 500 entrepreneurs, the research examines how traits such as agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, extraversion, and openness to experience influence business outcomes in high-pressure environments. The findings reveal that agreeableness and neuroticism benefit female entrepreneurs more than males during crises, while conscientiousness significantly deteriorates the financial performance of female entrepreneurs. Extraversion and openness exhibit no differential effects on financial performance by gender. By examining the interplay between gendered personality traits and entrepreneurial performance within the unique context of Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study contributes novel insights to the literature. It challenges traditional views on gendered advantages in entrepreneurship, particularly by highlighting the underexplored positive implications of neuroticism and the nuanced role of agreeableness. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and support organisations. Specifically, fostering relational skills such as agreeableness and leveraging neuroticism's sensitivity for proactive crisis management can enhance entrepreneurial resilience. Additionally, training programmes aimed at addressing the rigidity associated with conscientiousness can help entrepreneurs adapt more effectively to volatile environments. By tailoring interventions to gender-specific personality dynamics, these insights can strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and improve resilience in times of uncertainty.

Evaluation of self-stigma in patients with epilepsy: Validation of the self-stigma scale to Spanish (ESSS-S)

OBJECTIVE

The Epilepsy Self-Stigma Scale (ESSS) has been developed in Japan for patients with epilepsy (PWE). We aimed to validate the scale in Spanish and examine its validity and reliability.

METHODS

The transcultural adaptation of the ESSS was conducted using translation and back-translation, along with pilot testing and an expert panel review. An online questionnaire was used to assess construct validity, criterion validity, and internal consistency.

RESULTS

A total of 260 out of 628 participants completed the questionnaires. We found a two-factor structure that explained 61.3% of the total variance: factor 1 "self-perceived discrimination" with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80, and factor 2 "social isolation" with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.75. The reliability of overall ESSS-S 8-item scores was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.74). Convergent validity was tested and demonstrated a significant correlation. P. Self-perceived discrimination scores were associated with higher anxiety and depression scores (r = 0.53/0.54; p < 0.001), lower self-esteem (-0.53; p < 0.001), and lower quality of life (r = -0.66; p < 0.001). Social isolation scores were associated with higher anxiety and depression scores (r = 0.41/0.33; p < 0.001), lower self-esteem (-0.34; p < 0.001), and lower quality of life (r = -0.35; p < 0.001). Temporal reliability was also tested, showing a test-retest ICC of 0.87. The mean self-stigma score in the Spanish population was 17.68 ± 5.45 out of 32 points. Invariance across gender and age groups indicated that there are no systematic response biases by gender or age, so stratified scores could be related to other constructs.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Spanish version of ESSS (ESSS-S) is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of self-stigma in PWE among Spanish speakers.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This study aimed to validate the Epilepsy Self-Stigma Scale (ESSS) for Spanish speakers (ESSS-S). We conducted transcultural adaptation of the scale. ESSS-S showed high reliability and strong validity, correlating with higher anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem, and quality of life. ESSS-S is a reliable and valid tool for assessing self-stigma in Spanish-speaking people with epilepsy.

Measurement invariance and differential item functioning of the functionality appreciation scale (FAS) in Colombia and Spain

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) is increasingly used in diverse national and linguistic contexts. However, limited work has assessed the extent to which the instrument demonstrates measurement invariance and differential item functioning (DIF) across nations and respondent characteristics. Here, we examined measurement invariance and DIF of the FAS using archival data from adults in Colombia (Mebarak et al., 2023) and Spain (Zamora et al., 2024). Participants included 1420 (women n = 804, men n = 616) respondents from Colombia and 838 (women n = 415, men n = 423) respondents from Spain who completed translations of the FAS. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure of the FAS in both national groups. Additionally, the FAS achieved full measurement invariance (up to latent mean invariance) across both groups. We also found that the FAS lacked DIF as a function of age, body mass index (BMI), and gender identity across both national groups. Older participants (relative to younger participants), men (relative to women), and participants with lower BMIs (relative to those with higher BMIs) had higher FAS scores. These results support the notion that the FAS is measuring a common underlying construct across these national groups and respondent characteristics.

Changes Due to Patient Deaths: Medical Students' Expectations vs. Health Professionals' Experiences

CONTEXT

Preparing healthcare professionals for inevitable encounters with patient deaths is crucial to preventing maladaptive professional bereavement outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the discrepancies between medical students' pre-patient death expectations and healthcare professionals' post-patient death experiences regarding accumulated global changes due to patient deaths (AGC), identify heterogeneous expectation patterns among students, and reveal risk factors for worthy-of-concern expectation patterns.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey data from 231 professional caregivers and 405 medical and nursing students were used. Independent t tests and analyses of covariance were run for staff-student AGC comparisons. Latent profile analysis (LPA) among students was followed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The students scored higher than did the staff in two AGC factors: more acceptance of limitations and more death-related anxiety. LPA identified four latent expectation patterns, with the "overoptimistic" (27.8%) group being worthy of concern, as students overestimated positive changes and underestimated negative changes. The overoptimistic pattern was predicted by students' motivations to study medicine, which were driven by "interests," "career opportunities," and "improving medical services in the hometown," rather than "by chance," and higher scores on the death attitude of "neutral acceptance."

CONCLUSION

In general, students tend to overestimate the long-term impacts of patient deaths. However, approximately 1/4 of students hold overly optimistic expectations, which are predicted by motivations to study medicine and death attitudes.

Psychometric Validation of the Gambling Craving Scale in a Treatment-Seeking Sample

The Gambling Craving Scale (GACS) is a multifaceted measure of gambling craving. Initial validation work by Young and Wohl (2009) in university student samples showed that the GACS had a three-factor structure capturing dimensions of Desire, Anticipation, and Relief. Despite its potential clinical utility as a measure of craving, the GACS has yet to be validated in people seeking treatment for gambling problems. Accordingly, we examined the psychometric properties in a sample of people (N = 209; Mage = 37.66; 62.2% female) participating in a randomized controlled trial testing a novel online treatment for problem gambling. We predicted the GACS would have a three-factor structure. In addition, we also examined measurement invariance across sex and problem gambling risk status. Finally, we assessed concurrent validity of the factors with other measures of problem gambling severity and involvement. Exploratory structural equation modeling findings supported a three-factor structure that was invariant across the groups tested. Each of the Desire, Anticipation, and Relief subscales were significant positive predictors of problem gambling severity and symptoms, and some form of gambling behaviour. Findings show the GACS is a promising scale to assess multidimensional craving experiences among people in treatment for gambling problems.

Psychopathic Traits in Adult versus Adolescent Males: Measurement Invariance across the PCL-R and PCL:YV

Both the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), respectively, are established instruments for assessment of psychopathy and development of psychopathic propensity. To reliably compare scores from both instruments, measurement invariance must be established. The current study involved a combined sample of 1091 male participants (adults = 813; adolescents = 278) from correctional facilities in New Mexico. An exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework was used to test for measurement invariance. The four-factor ESEM model demonstrated good fit for the combined and individual samples. Results from the multiple group ESEM provide evidence for generally strong invariance, with equivalent factor loadings and thresholds. Adolescents exhibited decreased latent interpersonal traits but increased latent features on other PCL factors (affective, lifestyle, and antisocial) compared to adults. Findings suggest that the four-factor model and the measurement of psychopathic traits remain consistent across age groups. Implications of the findings within research and clinical contexts are discussed.

A reliable instrument for making use of an overly neglected source of information on personality: The French adaptation of the Big Five Inventory-2 (Bfi-2) informant-report form

OBJECTIVES

The assessment of personality traits is most often based on self-report. However, a growing body of research has shown that informant-report is a valuable and too often overlooked source of unique information. The aim of this study was to validate the French version of the informant-report form of the Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) which assesses 15 facet traits in addition to the five major trait domains.

METHODS

We asked 699 psychology and sports science and technology students to describe a person they knew well using the BFI-2 and obtained 661 valid records with demographic information. The data were analyzed using a bi-factor exploratory structural equation model with five bifactors corresponding to the Big Five domains, and three group factors (facets) each.

RESULTS

This model had an excellent overall fit. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the five domains were very satisfactory and the McDonald's omega coefficients were even better. The scales that measured the five major factors were therefore highly reliable, although Extraversion was somewhat less so. The scales measuring facets all had high reliability as measures of the whole formed by the major factor and the group factor. In addition, ten of them were reliable measures of their specific factor, and the remaining five appeared to be pure measures of the five domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The informant-report form of the BFI-2 is a reliable instrument which is easy and quick to administer. These qualities should enable clinicians and researchers to exploit the much-neglected source of original information provided by informant-reports.

The Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences: Measurement invariance across international datasets and languages

OBJECTIVE

The Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences (C-NIP) is a brief, multidimensional measure of clients' therapy preferences. This study aimed to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the C-NIP.

METHOD

Fifteen datasets (N = 10,088 observations) representing the C-NIP in nine language versions were obtained from authors of psychometric studies. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

None of the proposed models adequately fit the data. Therefore, a new model was developed that sufficiently fit most of the C-NIP version 1.1 datasets. The new model was invariant up to the strict and means levels across genders, ages, and psychotherapy experience but only up to the metric level across translations.

CONCLUSIONS

The C-NIP can be used to compare men and women, people of diverse ages, and people with some vs. no experience with psychotherapy. Lower reliabilities of the C-NIP scales are a limitation.

The Experience of Embodiment Scale: An examination of its psychometric properties in women from the Republic of Cyprus

The Experience of Embodiment Scale (EES) is a recently developed instrument that assesses experiences of living in the body. Here, we prepared a novel Greek translation of the EES and examined its psychometric properties. We initially prepared a Greek translation of the EES using a 5-step procedure recommended for test adaptation studies. Next, in a cross-sectional study, we asked a sample of 933 women from Cyprus to complete the Greek EES, alongside additional, previously validated measures assessing body appreciation, psychological well-being (self-esteem, life satisfaction), eating restriction, perfectionism, and internalisation of appearance ideals. Our analyses showed that EES factorial models based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) roundly had poor fit. Conversely, models based on exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM)-which accounts for the fact that EES items cross-load across factors-had adequate fit to the data. Additionally, we found that both higher-order and bifactor-ESEM models that controlled for the uniqueness of negatively worded items had adequate fit. The bifactor-ESEM model had the best fit of all the models tested, and was invariant across ethnicity (Greeks and Greek-Cypriots) and was unaffected by differential item functioning based on age and body mass index. Additionally, construct validity of the final, optimal model was adequate, especially for its G-factor, as indicated by significant associations with additional constructs in expected directions. These results suggest that a bifactor-ESEM model of the Greek EES has adequate psychometric properties. Our work highlights important psychometric issues relating to the manner in which the EES should (or could) be conceptualised and modelled, which should be considered more fully in future work.

Revalidating a Measure of Parents' Attitudes Toward Gender and Sexuality Diversity-Inclusive Curricula in an Australian National Sample

This paper details revalidation of a higher-order (HO) version of the Parental Attitudes Toward Inclusiveness Instrument (PATII), measuring parents' attitudes toward curricular inclusivity of gender and sexuality diversity. The 48-item scale includes two HO factors: Supports and Barriers, and one first-order factor: Parental Capability. Responses from parents of government-school students (N = 2093) provided evidence for scale reliability, validity, and measurement invariance.

Measurement invariance of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 across sex

Introduction

There has been an international movement towards dimensional models of personality disorders (PDs) in the last decades, which culminated in the publication of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) in the Emerging Measures and Models section of the DSM-5. This model was accompanied by a APA-sanctioned Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) for the assessment of the AMPD pathological personality traits. One major issue with the assessment of personality disorders pertains to sex differences, and measurement invariance across sex in assessment instruments for PDs is necessary in order to ensure non-biased evaluations and to make valid comparisons between men and women. This study aimed to provide more information on measurement invariance across sex for the PID-5, using both the original scoring approach provided by the authors of the instrument and the scoring approach suggested by the APA in the published version of the PID-5.

Methods

This study was conducted with a sample of 2273 participants from the general Québec (Canada) adult population aged 18 to 90 years (M = 46.59; SD = 16.32; 51.8% women).

Results

The original scoring approach model showed good fit to data after freeing paths between certain traits and reached strict invariance. The APA scoring approach also showed good fit to data and reached strict invariance, but needed an adjustment (path freed between Emotional lability and Impulsivity in men) to reach scalar invariance.

Discussion

In line with previous research, the PID-5 is invariant across sex and the five-factor structure adjusts well to data. The APA scoring approach appears to attenuate the cross-loading problem observed with the original scoring approach. In light of these results, we recommend using the APA scoring approach to derive domain scores.

Measuring Change in Attachment Insecurity Using Short Forms of the ECR-R: Longitudinal Measurement Invariance and Sensitivity to Treatment

Attachment insecurity is important for psychotherapy both as an aspect influencing the therapeutic process as well as potential outcome variable of a treatment. Two German short forms of the Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R) have been proposed to assess individual differences in attachment anxiety and avoidance. In this research, we examined whether these questionnaires are suitable for measuring change in attachment anxiety and avoidance by testing longitudinal measurement invariance in two independent clinical samples (N1 = 493, N2 = 273) using a pre-post design. Results indicated that strict longitudinal measurement invariance can be assumed for both measures. Thus, changes in scale scores before and after treatment can be interpreted as changes in the latent dimensions of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Both questionnaires were also sensitive to treatment in that attachment insecurity was overall reduced after therapy. Although both measures appear to be generally suitable for investigating treatment effects, they exhibited consistent problems with structural validity across samples that should be reexamined in future research.

Greek adaptation of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) in adults from the Republic of Cyprus: A bidimensional model may not be universal

The Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) is a 17-item instrument designed to assess distinct facets of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) and Healthy Orthorexia (HO). While a bidimensional model of TOS scores has been supported in diverse national and linguistic groups, the psychometric properties of the TOS have not been previously assessed in Greek-speaking populations. To rectify this, we assessed the psychometric properties of a novel Greek translation of the TOS in a sample of adults from Cyprus. A total of 1248 respondents (710 women, 538 men) completed the Greek TOS, as well as previously validated measures of perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive symptomatology, eating restriction, negative affect, and appearance evaluation. Our results showed that a bidimensional model of the TOS had less-than-adequate fit when modelled using both confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Conversely, both exploratory factor analysis and ESEM supported extraction of a 3-factor model consisting of a HO facet and separate components of emotional orthorexia and cognitive-social orthorexia. This 3-factor model showed a lack of measurement bias (measurement invariance across gender identity and lack of differential item functioning as function of age and body mass index), but there were differences in latent factor means as function of respondent age and body mass index. The 3-factor model showed adequate evidence of construct validity, with the latent emotional orthorexia and cognitive-social orthorexia facets showing significant and moderate associations with the additional constructs measured in the survey. Broadly speaking, these findings support the psychometric properties of a 3-factor model of the Greek TOS, but also suggest that the bidimensional model of the TOS may not have universal applicability. We encourage further assessments of factorial validity in other national and linguistic contexts.

Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of a Chinese Version of the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ) with University Sport Athletes

Our aim in this study was to translate and psychometrically evaluate a Chinese version of the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ). Participants were Chinese collegiate athletes (N = 361) who were competitive in their respective sports. We examined the construct validity of the Chinese BRSQ using alternative structural equation models and evaluated convergent validity, factor score reliability, and measurement invariance of the optimal model. Due to insufficient score reliability for some subscales, our initial Chinese BRSQ was deemed problematic. A modified version of the questionnaire with a four-factor structure (amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, and autonomous motivation) demonstrated excellent construct validity, convergent validity, and score reliability. There was measurement invariance across athlete level and sex. This tool provides a valuable resource for practitioners and sport psychology researchers for assessing sport motivation among competitive university athletes in China.

Sparse and Simple Structure Estimation via Prenet Penalization

We propose a prenet (product-based elastic net), a novel penalization method for factor analysis models. The penalty is based on the product of a pair of elements in each row of the loading matrix. The prenet not only shrinks some of the factor loadings toward exactly zero but also enhances the simplicity of the loading matrix, which plays an important role in the interpretation of the common factors. In particular, with a large amount of prenet penalization, the estimated loading matrix possesses a perfect simple structure, which is known as a desirable structure in terms of the simplicity of the loading matrix. Furthermore, the perfect simple structure estimation via the proposed penalization turns out to be a generalization of the k-means clustering of variables. On the other hand, a mild amount of the penalization approximates a loading matrix estimated by the quartimin rotation, one of the most commonly used oblique rotation techniques. Simulation studies compare the performance of our proposed penalization with that of existing methods under a variety of settings. The usefulness of the perfect simple structure estimation via our proposed procedure is presented through various real data applications.

A guide to exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and bifactor-ESEM in body image research

Traditionally, assessments of factor validity of body image instruments have relied on exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis. However, the emergence of exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), a resurgence of interest in bifactor models, and the ability to combine both models (bifactor-ESEM) is beginning to shape the future of body image research. For these analytic approaches to truly advance body image research, scholars will need to have a deep understanding of their use and application. To facilitate such understanding, we describe ESEM and bifactor-ESEM models for body image researchers and provide them with the tools they need to apply these methods in their own work. Specifically, we provide an overview of ESEM and bifactor-ESEM models, and describe their broad applicability to body image research. Next, we describe how ESEM and bifactor models can be used and, using an existing dataset of responses to the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale, demonstrate how ESEM and bifactor-ESEM models can be deployed. To facilitate wider application of these ideas, we provide our Mplus syntax (inputs) in Supplementary Materials. Through this manuscript, we hope to assist researchers to better understand the strengths ESEM and bifactor models, and to use these approaches in their own work.

Validity and reliability study of the Turkish Personal Report of Intercultural Communication Apprehension Scale: a revised scale

Background

Intercultural communication is one of the most important competencies of nurses that enhances the health-care process and increases the quality of care in multicultural environments.

Aims

This study was conducted to revise the Turkish Personal Report of Intercultural Communication Apprehension Scale.

Methods

This methodological study was conducted between November and December 2021 with 321 female and 96 male university students (mean age 20.78 ± 2.04 (min. = 17, max. = 37)). Revision of the Turkish Personal Report of Intercultural Communication Apprehension Scale included factor analysis, test-retest analysis for reliability, correlation-based item analysis, Cronbach's alpha internal consistency analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

Analysis results showed that the scale was composed of 12 items and explained 56.79% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.88. Internal consistency analysis included item-total score correlations; the values were found to range between -0.59 and 0.79 and the 14th item with negative item-total score correlations was excluded from the scale.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the revised Turkish Personal Report of Intercultural Communication Apprehension Scale is a valid and reliable tool.

An exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) of the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) in bariatric patients

Several studies in clinical and non-clinical populations indicate differences between rationally and empirically derived subscales for the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), including samples of patients seeking bariatric surgery. This study aimed to use exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) to estimate the factor structure of the EDE-Q and assess for the additive value of alternative measurement of eating disorder symptoms. Adolescents and adults completed the EDE-Q and a psychiatric evaluation prior to bariatric surgery. Data from 330 participants were analysed using the original four-factor and modified three-factor structure of the EDE-Q using both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM). Age, ethnicity, and body mass index were examined as covariates in the best fitting model, and model subscales used to generate a predictive model of clinician screened DSM-5 eating disorder diagnoses for criterion validity. A CFA of the four-factor EDE-Q provided poor model fit for a pre-surgical bariatric population, but the three-factor EDE-Q and an ESEM of the four-factor EDE-Q provided excellent model fit. The Eating Concern subscale of the four-factor ESEM model significantly predicted eating disorder diagnosis and was positively correlated with age. Our results suggest the ESEM derived factors of the EDE-Q offered some improvements to the original empirically derived factor structure, as subscale scores based on the original items and cross-loading items yielded an adequate prediction of clinician diagnoses.

Psychometric properties of a Romanian translation of the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS): An examination using bifactor exploratory structural equation modelling

The Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS; Henderson-King & Henderson-King, 2005) is a widely used measure for the assessment of attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. Here, we examined the psychometrics of a novel Romanian translation of the ACSS. A total of 1275 Romanian adults (889 women, 386 men) completed the ACSS alongside additional, related measures. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with a first split-half subsample supported extraction of the original 3-factor model consisting of Intrapersonal, Social, and Consider dimensions. In a second split-half subsample, we found that a 3-factor bifactor exploratory structural equation model (B-ESEM) had superior fit compared to all alternative models that were tested. This B-ESEM representation had well-defined G-factor with adequate composite reliability, and its S-factors were also generally well-defined. Across subsamples, the optimal model showed strong or partial strong invariance across gender, with women having significantly higher latent means on the Consider factor relative to men. Evidence of convergent validity was also generally good in women, especially for the G-factor of the ACSS, but was attenuated in men. Overall, these findings indicate that the Romanian version of the ACSS has adequate psychometric properties. We also encourage scholars to consider B-ESEM representations of the ACSS in other national settings.

Factorial validity, predictive validity and measurement invariance of the Danish version of the coach-created Empowering Disempowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire (EDMCQ-C)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to translate and validate a Danish version of the coach-created Empowering and Disempowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire (EDMCQ-C), retest the factor structure and provide further investigation into the psychometric properties in terms of measurement invariance across gender, age and competitive level, reliability and predictive validity.

METHODS

The participants were 1719 male and 551 female Danish football players 12-20 years of age (M = 14.81) playing at recreational, medium and elite levels. Participants filled in EDMCQ-C as well as questionnaires measuring psychological needs (BPNESS) and behaviour regulation (BRSQ). Factor structure of the EDMCQ-C was tested using Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling. To test whether the factor structure differed across gender, age group and competitive level, an invariance analysis comparing configurational, metric and scalar models was conducted.

RESULTS

EDMCQ-C showed good psychometric properties and measurement invariance across age, gender and competitive level. Both dimensions of EDMCQ-C were associated to needs satisfaction and behaviour regulation in expected directions and had high internal consistency.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for the reliability of the two dimensions of EDMCQ-C, their predictive validity and for measurement invariance across age, gender and competitive level and provides a Danish version of the EDMCQ with sound psychometric properties.

The validity of transdiagnostic factors in predicting homotypic and heterotypic continuity of psychopathology symptoms over time

Studies of the continuity of psychopathology symptoms mainly involved the traditional conceptualization that mental disorders are discrete entities. However, high comorbidity rates suggest a few transdiagnostic factors that underlie individual disorders. Therefore, the present study examined the validity of transdiagnostic factors in predicting homotypic and heterotypic continuity of comorbidity classes across two waves in a nationally representative sample. We conducted a latent transition analysis to investigate how transdiagnostic factors differentially affect the transition probabilities of comorbidity classes across time. Results found a notable predictive validity of transdiagnostic factors: (a) internalizing strongly predicted the stability of the internalizing class and transition from the externalizing class to internalizing class, and (b) externalizing predicted the transition from the internalizing class to externalizing class. The study also found a more dynamic prediction pattern leading to equifinality and multifinality of psychopathology symptoms. The findings suggest that transdiagnostic factors can provide information on how individuals' symptom manifestations change over time, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating transdiagnostic factors into assessment, treatment, and prevention.

Brief emotional eating scale: A multinational study of factor structure, validity, and invariance

Emotional eating or the tendency to eat in response to emotional states can be assessed using self-report measures. The Emotional Eating Scale-II is a commonly used and reliable instrument that measures the desire to eat in response to a range of unpleasant and pleasant emotions. The current study aimed to corroborate the validity of the EES-II and expand its utility by investigating its dimensionality and testing its measurement invariance in samples from English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries. Convergent and predictive validity in respect of food craving, eating, and health indicators were also examined. This cross-national study included a total of 2485 adult participants recruited from Finland, North America, Philippines, United Kingdom, China, Italy, Spain, and South Korea, who completed the EES-II in six different languages. Factor analyses supported a four-factor structure including valence (pleasant, unpleasant) and activation (high, low) for a 12-item English version and slightly modified non-English adaptations. The model exhibited good fit in all samples, and convergent validity was demonstrated. Full invariance of factor loadings and partial invariance of factor loading, intercepts, and error variances was established across samples. Structural equation models revealed that high activation (pleasant and unpleasant) states predicted food cravings and reported eating. Overall findings across multiple samples and countries supported the factorial structure, reliability, invariance, and validity of the resulting Brief Emotional Eating Scale (BEES).

Does congruence between a descendant entrepreneur's personality traits and family business values matter for succession?

Purpose

In this paper, we investigate two research queries pertaining to the success of small family business succession. First, we examine how the Big-5 personality traits of descendant entrepreneurs influence the success of their family business succession. Second, we investigate whether descendant entrepreneurs whose personality traits are congruent with the values of their family business, would lead to the success of their family business succession, through the mediating role of descendant entrepreneur-family business value congruence (DE-FBVC).

Methodology

We rely on the person-organization fit theory for our conceptual framework and we collected primary data from 124 respondents designated as chairman and managing directors in small family businesses.

Results

Our results show that a descendant entrepreneur's openness, extroversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness traits are likely to lead to successful family business succession, but a descendant entrepreneur with neuroticism trait is unlikely to do so. In addition, our results reveal that the DE-FBVC mediates the relationship between openness and extroversion traits with succession success positively, but between neuroticism trait and succession success negatively. By contrast, we find that DE-FBVC does not mediate the relationship between conscientiousness and agreeableness traits with succession success.

Originality

The findings of our study suggest that while four of the Big-5 personality traits matter for the success of small family business succession, specific personality traits of descendant entrepreneurs which are found to be congruent with the values of their family business, will also lead to succession success.

Measurement properties of the Brain Balance® multidomain developmental survey: validated factor structure, internal reliability, and measurement invariance

This study aimed to refine and validate a multidomain developmental survey (MDS) used by the Brain Balance® (BB) program. Data were analyzed on 47,571 participants (68.5% male; 4–18 years) whose parents completed the survey before/after 3 months of in-center BB participation. Exploratory Factor Analysis was applied to a training sample (n = 28,254), reducing the original item pool from 98 to 31 items and suggesting a six-factor solution. The six factors were labeled as negative emotionality, reading/writing difficulties, hyperactive-disruptive, academic disengagement, motor/coordination problems, and social communication problems. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling was applied to two validation samples (n = 9394 and 9923), and the factor structure demonstrated strong goodness-of-fit. Test–retest reliability coefficients (per Pearson correlations) were high for each of the subscales. Finally, the survey’s factor structure appeared equivalent across four groups stratified by reported gender and adolescent status. Overall, the BB-MDS demonstrated strong measurement properties, including validated factor structure, internal reliability, test–retest reliability, and measurement invariance.

Measurement invariance of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnaire-coach in youth sport

The purpose of this study was to test the measurement invariance (across five languages, two time points, and two experimental conditions) of the empowering and disempowering motivational climate questionnaire-coach (EDMCQ-C; Appleton et al., 2016) when completed by 9256 young sport participants (M age = 11.53 years, SD = 1.39 years; 13.5% female). Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the validity of a 2-factor (empowering and disempowering) model running a multiple group analysis without any equality constraint (configural invariance) followed by measurement invariance of factor loadings and thresholds (scalar invariance). Findings provided support for partial invariance across languages and scalar invariance across time and experimental groups. The factors were interpretable across the analyses, and items loaded as intended by theory except for item 15. This study provides further evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the EDMCQ-C and suggests this scale (minus item 15) can be used to provide meaningful latent mean comparisons (Marsh et al., 2013) of empowering and disempowering coach-created climates across athletes speaking the five targeted languages, across time, and across experimental groups.

Personality traits associated with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome and its relapse

Background

Course of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) is studded with multiple relapses. Personality factors are implicated as one of the influencing factors in the course of this disorder. Keeping in view of scarcity of Indian data available, the study was planned with the aim to find Personality traits more commonly associated with ADS patients, and identify specific traits, associated with relapses of ADS.

Method

With sample size of 100 consecutive cases and 100 controls, socio-demographic data was collected. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and Severity of Alcohol Use Disorder Test (SAD-Q) were administered to each of these patient. Personality dimensions were assessed with NEO-five factor inventory (NEO-FFI) (Costa and McCrae), for both groups and further compared for differences in the dimensions in each of its subscale.

Results

The NEO scores, showed statistically significant difference with Cases having higher scores in Neuroticism and control group in Openness and Conscientiousness. Neuroticism linked to higher scores of AUDIT and SADQ and also associated with relapses. Other traits also showed statistically significant association which are discussed.

Conclusion

As new factors are being explored for effective management, routine personality profiling is easily accomplished and can give delightful insight into focused and designed management plan.

Cluster-based characterization of consistencies in individuals' thought profiles at rest in a cohort of 1779 French university students

Is ongoing conscious thought spontaneous and situation-related, or is it recurrent and dependent on psychological dispositions? The answer is critical for resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) paradigms that seek to correlate neuroanatomical states with conscious mental states. The goal of the present study was to characterize individual resting state thought profiles (RSTPs) and identify the recurrent ones, i.e., that could both be predicted by personality traits and predict subsequent negative affective states. The 1779 participants had a mean age of 22.1 years, 71.8% were females, and 71.8% were undergraduates. We collected the form and content of their thoughts during a 15-min RSFC session with a computerized retrospective self-questionnaire (ReSQ 2.0). Subsamples of participants also completed online autoquestionnaires assessing their psychological maturity and trait negative affectivity (with a four-day gap on average, N = 1270) and subsequent depressive and anxious states (1.4 years later on average, N = 922). Based on the multiple correspondence and clustering analyses of the ReSQ 2.0 responses, we identified six RSTPs distinctive by their content scope, temporal orientation, empathetic concern, and emotional valence. Multivariate analyses revealed that the probability of experiencing five of the six RSTPs was predicted by trait negative affectivity interacting with psychological maturity. Among them, a negatively valenced RSTP also increased the likelihood of subsequent negative affective states, suggesting its stable and recurrent nature. Identifying recurrent RSTPs is helpful for the future understanding of RSTPs’ contribution to RSFC. Additionally, it will be relevant to test whether acting on psychological maturity can alter the relationship between ongoing conscious thought and negative affectivity.

Empirical development and verification of career well-being scale for teachers in Taiwan: Implications for workplace counseling

As it is one decade since the establishment of Kidd's model, an analysis of the career well-being (CWB) experienced by Eastern workers is both timely and necessary. To this end, we conducted a series of logical investigations of CWB in Taiwanese school teachers. Study 1 was conducted to conceptualize the main features of CWB (n = 135), and Study 2 was conducted using exploratory factor analysis to determine the validity of a four-factor measurement structure (n = 191). In Study 3, tests were completed to confirm the factor structure of the CWB (n = 533). Accordingly, we established a theory-based CWB measurement approach, and statistical analysis verified the convergent, divergent, and criterion validity of our CWB measurement model. Exploratory structural equation modeling rather than confirmatory factor analysis is recommended in discussions of CWB theory and practice in educational contexts. However, because our sample solely comprised Taiwanese teachers, our results are not generalizable to other occupations or cultures, even Eastern or Chinese-derived cultures. Implications for both theory and workplace counseling practice are presented.

Psychometric properties of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) among a French-Canadian adult sample

BACKGROUND

Psychometric properties of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) have been examined in several languages (Arabic, English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish), but not in French.

PURPOSE

The objective was to examine the psychometric properties of the TOS among a French-Canadian adult sample.

METHODS

Participants were 296 French-speaking Canadian adults (M = 34.2 years, SD = 11.9, 85.1% women). They completed the TOS alongside with several other measures (e.g., alcoholic consumption, cigarette smoking, disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors, frequency of physical activities, intuitive eating, vegetarian diet, and negative affect).

RESULTS

The results supported the a priori two-factor representation (orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia) of the French version of the TOS and provided further support for the superiority of an exploratory structural equation modeling approach, relative to a confirmatory factor analytic approach. Furthermore, the results supported no differential item functioning as a function of respondents' characteristics (age, body mass index, diagnosis of eating disorders, frequency of physical activities, gender, and vegetarian diet). Latent mean differences were found in healthy orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa factors as a function of respondents' characteristics. Finally, significant correlations were found between TOS factors and convergent measures (alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors, intuitive eating, and negative affect).

CONCLUSION

The present study confirmed that the French version of the TOS has satisfactory psychometric properties (i.e., factor validity and reliability, no differential item functioning, and convergent validity).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V, cross-sectional study.

Psychometric properties of a Greek translation of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) in adults from Cyprus

The construct of intuitive eating is commonly assessed using the 23-item, 4-factor Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2; Tylka & Kroon Van Diest, 2013). In this study, we assessed the psychometric properties of a novel Greek translation of the IES-2 in adults from Cyprus. In Study 1 (N = 626), an exploratory factor analysis indicated that the IES-2 should be conceptualized as consisting of six factors that showed complete invariance across women and men. Study 2 (N = 793), using exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) and beifactor analysis (B-ESEM), indicated that the 6-factor B-ESEM model had adequate fit and evidenced complete invariance across sex once the correlated uniqueness of negatively worded IES-2 items was accounted for. This final model evidenced adequate composite reliability, and a global G-factor evidenced adequate convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validity. In contrast, the IES-2 S-factors showed more equivocal patterns of validity, with some S-factors showing less-than-adequate associations with body image variables, self-esteem, symptoms of disordered eating, and fruit and vegetable intake. In general, these results provide satisfactory evidence of the psychometric properties of the Greek IES-2 in adults from Cyprus, but also suggest that models of IES-2 scores may vary across national or cultural contexts.

A psychometric validation of the motives for physical activity measure for youth with intellectual disabilities (MPAM-ID)

PURPOSE

To validate a version of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM) adapted for youth with intellectual disabilities (ID).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 359 youth with mild to moderate ID from Australia and Canada respectively completed English and French versions of the MPAM-ID.

RESULTS

Exploratory structural equation models supported the validity and reliability of the five-factor structure of the MPAM-ID, as well as the weak, latent variance-covariance, and latent mean invariance across linguistic versions. Additional results supported the partial strong and strict invariance of most MPAM-ID items across linguistic versions. The results also supported the complete measurement invariance of the MPAM-ID over time and revealed a lack of differential item functioning (DIF) as a function of youth's age, body-mass index (BMI), ID level, and frequency of sport involvement (FSI). However, partial DIF was found as a function of youth's sex. Additionally, latent mean differences in MPAM-ID's factors were found as a function of youth's ID level, sex, and FSI. Finally, results supported the convergent validity of the MPAM-ID factors with a measure of perceived physical abilities.

CONCLUSION

The MPAM-ID can be used among English- and French-speaking youth with ID irrespective of their age, BMI, ID level, sex, and FSI.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWe propose English and French adaptations of the Motives for Physical Activity Measure for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities (MPAM-ID).The MPAM-ID was able to identify the same motives as the original measure.The MPAM-ID will facilitate the assessment of motives for physical Activity in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.The MPAM-ID will facilitate the assessment of motives for physical Activity among English- and French-speaking youth with ID.The MPAM-ID could be used to compare youth motives for physical Activity as a function of their age, body-mass index, ID level, and frequency of sport involvement.

The Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (BASES): A comprehensive examination of its factorial validity, with recommendations for researchers

The 16-item Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (BASES) is widely used to assess the discrete emotions of guilt, shame, authentic pride, and hubristic pride. However, recent work has questioned the factorial validity of the BASES (i.e., the extent to which it truly assesses a discrete set of self-conscious emotions). In the present study, we re-assessed the factorial validity of the BASES using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM). An online sample of adults from the United Kingdom (N = 637) were asked to complete the BASES. Our analyses indicated that the original 4-factor CFA model had adequate fit but resulted in very high latent correlations between similarly valenced facets (Guilt/Shame and Authentic/Hubristic Pride, respectively). An alternative 2-factor CFA model (combining Guilt-Shame and Authentic-Hubristic Pride) had a less-than-ideal fit. Conversely, 4-factor and 2-factor ESEM solutions both resulted in a superior fit to the data than their CFA counterparts, and in reduced estimates of factor correlations. Both of these ESEM solutions were also fully invariant across gender. These results have important theoretical and practical implications for our understanding of body and appearance-related self-conscious emotions and how this construct is currently measured.

Measuring Loneliness in Different Age Groups: The Measurement Invariance of the UCLA Loneliness Scale

Age differences in the prevalence of loneliness have been a key focus among researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. However, the degree to which those reflect genuine differences in the experience of loneliness or the way individuals understand and respond to loneliness measures is yet to be examined. The current study explored the age measurement invariance of the 20-item Revised University of California Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LSR) and its shorter forms in a U.K. sample of adults aged 18 to 99 years (M = 50.6, SD = 19.7). The fit of different structures/versions was explored through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; N = 4,375) and local structural equation modeling (N = 19,521). Results indicated a poor and/or inconsistent structure for the 20-item UCLA-LSR and many of its shorter forms. Of the structures considered, 12 showed acceptable model fit and received age measurement invariance testing through multigroup CFA and alignment; 10 of these achieved full, partial, or approximate measurement invariance. Our findings suggest that the age measurement invariance of loneliness measures should not be assumed, and crucially, this must be explored before accurate and meaningful age comparisons can be made. Implications for measurement research, and clinical and community practice, are discussed.

The transition to grandparenthood: No consistent evidence for change in the Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction

Intergenerational relations have received close attention in the context of population aging and increased childcare provision by grandparents. However, few studies have investigated the psychological consequences of becoming a grandparent. In a preregistered test of grandparenthood as a developmental task in middle and older adulthood, we used representative panel data from the Netherlands ( N = 563) and the United States ( N = 2210) to analyze first-time grandparents’ personality and life satisfaction development. We tested gender, employment, and grandchild care as moderators. To address confounding, we employed propensity score matching using two procedures: matching grandparents with parents and nonparents to achieve balance in different sets of carefully selected covariates. Multilevel models demonstrated mean-level stability of the Big Five personality traits and life satisfaction over the transition to grandparenthood, and no consistent moderation effects—contrary to the social investment principle. The few small effects of grandparenthood on personality development did not replicate across samples. We found no evidence of larger inter-individual differences in change in grandparents compared to the controls or of lower rank-order stability. Our findings add to recent critical re-examinations of the social investment principle and are discussed in light of characteristics that might moderate grandparents’ personality development.

Associations between the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 trait facets and aggression among outpatients with personality disorder: A multimethod study

BACKGROUND

Most research on the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) was conducted with self-reports. One of the specific areas for which a multimethod design has yet to be implemented is for the PID-5's associations with aggression. The main objectives of this study were to (a) compare the PID-5 associations with self-reported and file-rated aggression, (b) compare these associations between women and men, and (c) identify the relative importance of PID-5 facet predictors.

METHODS

A sample of outpatients with personality disorder (N = 285) was recruited in a specialized public clinic to complete questionnaires, and a subsample was assessed for file-rated aggression (n = 227). Multiple regression analyses were performed with PID-5 facets as statistical predictors but using distinct operationalizations of aggression (self-reported vs. file-rated). Moderation analyses were performed to identify the moderating effect of biological sex. Dominance analyses were computed to identify the relative importance of predictors.

RESULTS

PID-5 facet predictors of self-reported and file-rated aggression were very consistent in both conditions. However, the amount of explained variance was reduced in the latter case (from 39% to 14%), especially for women (from 40% to 2%). The most important predictors were Hostility, Risk Taking, and Callousness.

CONCLUSION

Pertaining to the statistically significant facets associated with aggression, strong evidence of multimethod replication was found. The women-men discrepancies were not most obvious in their specific associations with aggression, but rather in their amount of explained variance, maybe reflecting examiners' or patients' implicit biases, and/or different manifestations of aggression between women and men.

The intention to get COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine uptake among cancer patients: An extension of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB)

The psychosocial impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on human life is well-known. Although vaccine protection represents an effective way to control the spread of the virus, vaccination hesitancy may decrease individuals’ willingness to get vaccinated, including among cancer patients. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine the predictors of cancer patients’ intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and vaccine uptake, using and integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the health belief model (HBM). A sample of 276 Italian cancer patients (54% female and 46% male) ranging from 19 to 85 years (M = 49.64, SD = 11.53) was recruited by administering an online questionnaire. The current study results showed that cancer patients with higher trust in health authorities tended to have vaccine-positive subjective norms, perceived that vaccination was under their control, and viewed COVID-19 vaccines positively. On the other hand, the perceived risk of COVID-19 was related to subjective norms but not to perceived behavioural control or attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. The current study reveals that TPB variables can function effectively as mediators between perceived risk, trust, and intention to vaccinate but at different levels. Together, these findings suggest that effective interventions (both public health messaging and personal medical communications) should focus on enhancing trust in health authorities, while at the same time endeavouring to highlight subjective norms that are vaccine-positive.

Interindividual age differences in personality structure

Most investigations in the structure of personality traits do not adequately address age; instead, they presuppose a constant structure across the lifespan. Further, few studies look at the structure of personality traits a-theoretically, often neglecting to examine the relationship among indicators within a trait (convergence) and across traits (divergence). Using a network approach, the present study examines (1) age differences in divergence and convergence, (2) the similarity between the Big Five and network structures, and (3) the consistency of network structure across age groups in a large, cross-sectional sample. Results indicate that convergence shows early gains in adolescence with few differences across the lifespan, while divergence mostly weakens across adulthood. The result of these age-related differences is that Big Five indicators only parallel the Big Five structure among young but not older adults. The structure of young adults tends to be quite similar while the network structures of older adults appear to greatly differ from one another. These results suggest that older adults have a different structure of personality than younger adults and suggest that future research should not assume consistency in personality structure across the lifespan.

The intuitive eating scale-2: re-evaluating its factor structure using a bifactor exploratory structural equation modelling framework

PURPOSE

Previous studies examining the appropriateness of the 4-factor model of intuitive eating scale-2 (IES-2) scores have returned equivocal results, which may reflect methodological limitations in the way IES-2 scores are modelled. Here, we applied a bifactor-exploratory structural equation modelling (B-ESEM) framework to better understand IES-2 multidimensionality.

METHODS

A total of 603 participants from the United States completed the IES-2, alongside measures of body appreciation, body acceptance from others, and self-esteem. Our analyses compared the fit of various hypothesised models of IES-2 scores.

RESULTS

Models of IES-2 scores based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) uniformly showed poor fit. ESEM models showed superior fit to CFA representations and a B-ESEM model showed improved fit over higher-order CFA and B-CFA representations of IES-2 scores. The optimal model was a B-ESEM model that accounted for, through correlated uniqueness (CU), the methodological artefact introduced by negatively-worded IES-2 items. This B-ESEM-CU model was fully invariant across gender and showed adequate construct validity.

CONCLUSION

The B-ESEM-CU framework appears well-suited to understand the multidimensionality of IES-2 scores. A model of IES-2 scores that yields a reliable latent indicator of global intuitive eating while allowing for simultaneous consideration of additional specific factors will likely provide more accurate accounting of the nature and outcomes of intuitive eating.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, cohort study.

The Effects of Health Care Chatbot Personas With Different Social Roles on the Client-Chatbot Bond and Usage Intentions: Development of a Design Codebook and Web-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The working alliance refers to an important relationship quality between health professionals and clients that robustly links to treatment success. Recent research shows that clients can develop an affective bond with chatbots. However, few research studies have investigated whether this perceived relationship is affected by the social roles of differing closeness a chatbot can impersonate and by allowing users to choose the social role of a chatbot.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at understanding how the social role of a chatbot can be expressed using a set of interpersonal closeness cues and examining how these social roles affect clients' experiences and the development of an affective bond with the chatbot, depending on clients' characteristics (ie, age and gender) and whether they can freely choose a chatbot's social role.

METHODS

Informed by the social role theory and the social response theory, we developed a design codebook for chatbots with different social roles along an interpersonal closeness continuum. Based on this codebook, we manipulated a fictitious health care chatbot to impersonate one of four distinct social roles common in health care settings-institution, expert, peer, and dialogical self-and examined effects on perceived affective bond and usage intentions in a web-based lab study. The study included a total of 251 participants, whose mean age was 41.15 (SD 13.87) years; 57.0% (143/251) of the participants were female. Participants were either randomly assigned to one of the chatbot conditions (no choice: n=202, 80.5%) or could freely choose to interact with one of these chatbot personas (free choice: n=49, 19.5%). Separate multivariate analyses of variance were performed to analyze differences (1) between the chatbot personas within the no-choice group and (2) between the no-choice and the free-choice groups.

RESULTS

While the main effect of the chatbot persona on affective bond and usage intentions was insignificant (P=.87), we found differences based on participants' demographic profiles: main effects for gender (P=.04, ηp2=0.115) and age (P<.001, ηp2=0.192) and a significant interaction effect of persona and age (P=.01, ηp2=0.102). Participants younger than 40 years reported higher scores for affective bond and usage intentions for the interpersonally more distant expert and institution chatbots; participants 40 years or older reported higher outcomes for the closer peer and dialogical-self chatbots. The option to freely choose a persona significantly benefited perceptions of the peer chatbot further (eg, free-choice group affective bond: mean 5.28, SD 0.89; no-choice group affective bond: mean 4.54, SD 1.10; P=.003, ηp2=0.117).

CONCLUSIONS

Manipulating a chatbot's social role is a possible avenue for health care chatbot designers to tailor clients' chatbot experiences using user-specific demographic factors and to improve clients' perceptions and behavioral intentions toward the chatbot. Our results also emphasize the benefits of letting clients freely choose between chatbots.

A tutorial on the use of temporal principal component analysis in developmental ERP research - Opportunities and challenges

Developmental researchers are often interested in event-related potentials (ERPs). Data-analytic approaches based on the observed ERP suffer from major problems such as arbitrary definition of analysis time windows and regions of interest and the observed ERP being a mixture of latent underlying components. Temporal principal component analysis (PCA) can reduce these problems. However, its application in developmental research comes with the unique challenge that the component structure differs between age groups (so-called measurement non-invariance). Separate PCAs for the groups can cope with this challenge. We demonstrate how to make results from separate PCAs accessible for inferential statistics by re-scaling to original units. This tutorial enables readers with a focus on developmental research to conduct a PCA-based ERP analysis of amplitude differences. We explain the benefits of a PCA-based approach, introduce the PCA model and demonstrate its application to a developmental research question using real-data from a child and an adult group (code and data openly available). Finally, we discuss how to cope with typical challenges during the analysis and name potential limitations such as suboptimal decomposition results, data-driven analysis decisions and latency shifts.

Validation of an Adapted Version of the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for People with Intellectual Disabilities (GAS-ID)

The objective of the study was to validate adapted versions of the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with Intellectual Disabilities (GAS-ID) simultaneously developed in English and French. A sample of 361 youth with mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID) (M = 15.78 years) from Australia (English-speaking) and Canada (French-speaking) participated in this study. The results supported the factor validity and reliability, measurement invariance (between English and French versions), a lack of differential items functioning (as a function of youth's age and ID level, but not sex in the English-Australian sample), temporal stability (over one year interval), and convergent validity (with global self-esteem and school loneliness) of a bi-factor exploratory structural equation modeling representation of the GAS-ID. The present study supports the psychometric properties of the English-Australian and French-Canadian versions of the adapted GAS-ID.

The Dark Side of Humanity Scale: A reconstruction of the Dark Tetrad constructs

There has been an absence of consideration regarding measurement invariance across males and females in the widely available Dark Tetrad (DT) scales which measure psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism and everyday sadism. This has resulted in criticisms of the measures, suggesting that the assessed constructs are not wholly relatable between the groups. This article documents the construction and validation of the Dark Side of Humanity Scale (DSHS), which measures dark personalities from an alternative viewpoint, determined by the constructs as they emerged from the male and female data, whilst aligning with theory and attaining invariance between sex. Across four samples (n = 2409), using a diverse range of statistical methods, including exploratory graph analysis, item response theory and confirmatory factor analysis, a divergence from the widely available DT measures emerged, whereby primary psychopathy and Machiavellianism were unified. This corroborated past research which had discussed the two constructs as being parallel. It further supported the DSHS with a shift away from the traditional DT conceptualisation. The resulting scale encompasses four factors which are sex invariant across samples and time. The first factor represents the successful psychopath, factor two addresses the grandiose form of entitlement, factor three taps into everyday sadism whilst the fourth factor pertains to narcissistic entitlement rage. Construct and external validity of the DSHS across two samples (n = 1338), as well as test-retest reliability (n = 413), was achieved. The DSHS provides an alternative approach to investigating the dark side of human nature, whilst also being sex invariant, thus making it highly suitable for use with mixed sex samples.

Short Forms of the Cross-Cultural (Chinese) Personality Assessment Inventory: Reliability, Validity, and Measurement Invariance Across Gender

Filling out long questionnaires can be frustrating, unpleasant, and discouraging for respondents to continue. This is why shorter forms of long instruments are preferred, especially when they have comparable reliability and validity. In present study, two short forms of the Cross-cultural (Chinese) Personality Assessment Inventory (CPAI-2) were developed and validated. The items of the short forms were all selected from the 28 personality scales of the CPAI-2 based on the norm sample. Based on some priori criteria, we obtained the appropriate items and constructed the 56-item Chinese Personality Assessment Inventory (CPAI) and the 28-item CPAI. Then, we examined the factor structure of both short forms with Exploratory SEM (ESEM) and replicated the four-factor structure of the original CPAI-2, reflecting the four personality domains of Chinese people, namely, Social Potency, Dependability, Accommodation, and Interpersonal Relatedness. Further analyses with ESEM models demonstrate full measurement invariance across gender for both short forms. The results show that females score lower than males on Social Potency. In addition, these four factors of both short forms have adequate internal consistency, and the correlation patterns of the four factors, the big five personality traits, and several health-related variables are extremely similar across the two short forms, reflecting adequate and comparable criterion validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Overall, the short versions of CPAI-2 are psychometrically acceptable and have practically implications for measuring Chinese personality and cross-cultural research.