A brief Dutch language Impact Message Inventory–Circumplex (IMI-C Short) using non-parametric item response theory

Development of the COVID-19-Specific Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms Scale with Various Validity and Reliability Proofs

The COVID-19 epidemic, which spread rapidly around the world, has had a significant negative impact on mental health. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) issues are among the main mental health effects of COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to develop a brief measurement tool that reliably and validly measures obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms in people with COVID-19. A total of 483 people took part in the research online. Individuals with aberrant item scores were excluded, and a series of validity and reliability analyses were performed to determine the psychometric properties of the COVID-19-specific obsessive compulsive symptoms scale (C19-OCS). C19-OCS was found to be a valid and reliable measure for assessing OC symptoms in relation to COVID-19. Mental health professionals could use C19-OCS to develop evidence-based intervention strategies and programs.

Staff's perception of Patients' affiliation and control in a Highly Secure Psychiatric Setting

Effective interactions between patients and staff have been associated with positive ward climate and therapeutic effects, but also pose a challenge in high secure forensic psychiatric settings. The goal of this study was to gain more insight into i) the characteristics that play a role in how staff members perceive the interpersonal style of patients, and ii) whether these perceptions are related to patients' evaluation of ward climate and satisfaction with daily staff. Staff members (n = 69), rated the interpersonal style of 102 male patients. Satisfaction with daily staff and ward climate were rated by 45 patients. Results show that patient characteristics (primary diagnosis, patient age, disruptive behavior, recent problems with symptoms of major mental disorder and recent problems with treatment or supervision response) were related to how staff perceived the interpersonal style (i.e., affiliation and control) of patients. Furthermore, the level of affiliation was positively related to patients' satisfaction with daily staff. Patients that were seen as more controlling by staff were less satisfied with the safety on their ward (as a factor of ward climate). The results indicate that perception of patients' interpersonal style entails patient related information and can be relevant for staff to use in their work.