The Development and Validation of the Heterosexism Erasure Scale

The heterosexism erasure construct captures attitudes, which deny or minimize the systemic oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) persons in the United States. Heterosexism erasure expands the interrogation of denying or minimizing discrimination (Neville at al., 2006) beyond the realm of White supremacy and into the domain of heteronormativity. The purpose of this project was to develop a psychometrically sound measure of heterosexism erasure. Two independent samples were gathered to conduct exploratory ( n = 425) and confirmatory ( n = 367) factor analyses to assess for initial reliability and validity evidence of the Heterosexism Erasure Scale (HES). Results suggest that the final 13-item HES provides a general index of heterosexism erasure as well as assesses two related, but distinct factors named Heterosexism Denial and Heterosexism Minimization. Results support the internal consistency and factor structure of the measure. Expected relationships between the HES and existing measures provide validity evidence for the instrument.

Benefits of workplace spirituality on real estate agents’ work outcomes: the mediating role of person-Job fit

Purpose

This study aims to apply the person-environment fit theory to examine the effect of workplace spirituality on real estate agents’ person-job (P-J) fit. Moreover, P-J was proposed as a mediator to explain the effect of workplace spirituality on customer-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (CO-OCB) and job performance that real estate agents demonstrate.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 398 agents was obtained from 60 brokerage firms in Bangkok, Thailand. The data were collected through an online questionnaire survey. Data analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analysis supported the positive association between workplace spirituality and P-J fit. In addition, the mediating effect analysis showed that P-J fit mediated the association between workplace spirituality and CO-OCB in part, but mediated the association between workplace spirituality and job performance fully.

Originality/value

The findings overall clarify the theoretical mechanism by which workplace spirituality motivates real estate agents to demonstrate positive work behavior and enhanced performance.

Factors affecting household solid waste generation and management in Sri Lanka: an empirical study

This study examines the effect of "waste management" factors (Knowledge, Motivation, Time, Awareness, Contribution, Attitudes) on household waste generation (HWG), more precisely the measured weight of waste generated at households for a week (MWWGHW) while controlling for the socioeconomic factors such as family size, monthly family income, education level, and occupation. It also examines the moderating effects of the geographic location (urban versus rural areas) on the relationships between waste management factors and MWWGHW while controlling for the aforementioned socioeconomic factors. The overall results show that socioeconomic factors such as Family Size ([Formula: see text] = 0.134; p < 0.001) and Monthly Family Income ([Formula: see text] = 0.301; p < 0.001) significantly and positively influence MWWGHW, whereas the Occupation factor ([Formula: see text] = - 0.106, p < 0.05) significantly and negatively influences MWWGHW. Furthermore, the results show that the Knowledge ([Formula: see text] = - 0.129, p < 0.05), Motivation ([Formula: see text] = - 0.161, p < 0.001), Contribution ([Formula: see text] = - 0.111, p < 0.05), and Awareness ([Formula: see text]= - 0.189, p < 0.001) factors significantly and negatively influence MWWGHW. While the results show that the geographic location Urban Area moderates significantly the relationship between the Motivation factor and MWWGHW ([Formula: see text] = - 0.129, p < 0.05), the same results show, however, that the geographic location Rural Area moderates significantly but negatively the relationships between Knowledge factor and MWWGHW ([Formula: see text] = - 0.187, p < 0.01); Motivation factor and MWWGHW ([Formula: see text] = - 0.390, p < 0.001); Contribution factor and MWWGHW ([Formula: see text] = - 0.154, p < 0.10); and Awareness factor and MWWGHW ([Formula: see text] = - 0.285, p < 0.001). Based on these results, implications for policy orientations and future research are provided.

Advancing the Assessment of Mindfulness-Based Meditation Practice: Psychometric Evaluation of the Mindfulness Adherence Questionnaire

Background

Mindfulness-based meditation practice (MBP) can be assessed in terms of time spent (quantity) or skill acquisition (quality), but these components have rarely been delineated in adherence measures. Individuals may also engage in MBP through everyday life (informal practice) and dedicate specific time for MBP (formal practice).

Method

The Mindfulness Adherence Questionnaire, a scale designed to assess quantity and quality of formal and informal MBP was evaluated. Study 1 used a cross-sectional design to examine internal reliability and construct validity (N = 282). Study 2 examined test–retest reliability and sensitivity (N = 55) during a 4-week mindfulness intervention.

Results

A nested-factor model showed adequate fit: MAQ items loaded on both the general factor (Practice) and specific factors (Formal and Informal). Discriminant validity analyses revealed the MAQ captured MBP adherence distinct from trait mindfulness. Quality of both formal and informal mindfulness practice was more strongly associated with higher levels of trait mindfulness than quantity. Changes in MAQ Quantity scores were observed over time.

Conclusions

The MAQ is reliable and has a meaningful scale structure, may usefully distinguish both quality versus quantity and formal versus informal MBP, and is sensitive to variations in MBP and does not solely measure trait mindfulness.

What can we learn from randomized clinical trials about the construct validity of self-report measures of mindfulness? A meta-analysis

Because they provide data on responsiveness to experimental manipulation, clinical trials involving mindfulness-based interventions are a source of evidence for the construct validity of self-report measures of mindfulness. Within-group and between-group changes in mindfulness were examined from randomized clinical trials comparing mindfulness interventions to other bona fide treatment comparison conditions or waitlist control conditions. We also examined changes in clinical outcomes and the magnitude of these changes relative to changes in mindfulness. We included 69 published studies representing 55 unique samples (n = 4,743). Self-report mindfulness measures showed relatively larger gains in mindfulness intervention conditions vis-à-vis waitlist comparison conditions at both post-treatment (effect size [ES] = 0.52, 95% CI [0.40, 0.64]) and follow-up (ES = 0.52 [0.20, 0.84]), although the effect at follow-up diminished to non-significance in a trim-and-fill analysis intended to account for publication bias (ES = 0.35 [-0.03, 0.72]). Measures of mindfulness also showed relatively larger gains in mindfulness intervention conditions vis-à-vis bona fide comparison conditions, but only at post-treatment (ES = 0.25 [0.11, 0.38], 0.10 [-0.08, 0.28], at post-treatment and follow-up, respectively). All three conditions (mindfulness, bona fide, waitlist) showed relatively larger improvements on measures of clinical outcomes than measures of mindfulness, with the exception of waitlist conditions for which this effect was no longer significant at follow-up. Taken together, findings provide partial support for the unique responsiveness of mindfulness self-report measures to interventions that include promotion of mindfulness meditation practice.

Toolbox of multiple-item measures aligning with the ICF Core Sets for children and youth with cerebral palsy

Selecting appropriate measure(s) for clinical and/or research applications for children and youth with Cerebral Palsy (CP) poses many challenges. The newly developed International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for children and youth with CP serve as universal guidelines for assessment, intervention and follow-up. The aims of this study were: 1) to identify valid and reliable measures used in studies with children and youth with CP, 2) to characterize the content of each measure using the ICF Core Sets for children and youth with CP as a framework, and finally 3) to create a toolbox of psychometrically sound measures covering the content of each ICF Core Set for children and youth with CP. All clearly defined multiple-item measures used in studies with CP between 1998 and 2015 were identified. Psychometric properties were extracted when available. Construct of the measures were linked to the ICF Core Sets. Overall, 83 multiple-item measures were identified. Of these, 68 measures (80%) included reliability and validity testing. The majority of the measures were discriminative, generic and designed for school-aged children. The degree to which measures with proven psychometric properties represented the ICF Core Sets for children and youth with CP varied considerably. Finally, 25 valid and reliable measures aligned highly with the content of the ICF Core Sets, and as such, these measures are proposed as a novel ICF Core Sets-based toolbox of measures for CP. Our results will guide professionals seeking appropriate measures to meet their research and clinical needs worldwide.

Qualitative Research Designs

Counseling psychologists face many approaches from which to choose when they conduct a qualitative research study. This article focuses on the processes of selecting, contrasting, and implementing five different qualitative approaches. Based on an extended example related to test interpretation by counselors, clients, and communities, this article provides a detailed discussion about five qualitative approaches— narrative research; case study research; grounded theory; phenomenology; and participatory action research—as alternative qualitative procedures useful in understanding test interpretation. For each approach, the authors offer perspectives about historical origins, definition, variants, and the procedures of research.

Advanced Applications of Structural Equation Modeling in Counseling Psychology Research

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a data-analytic technique that allows researchers to test complex theoretical models. Most published applications of SEM involve analyses of cross-sectional recursive (i.e., unidirectional) models, but it is possible for researchers to test more complex designs that involve variables observed at multiple points in time or variables implicated in reciprocal feedback loops (i.e., bidirectional models). Given SEM’s popularity among counseling psychology researchers, this article aims to introduce three SEM designs not often seen in the counseling psychology literature: cross-lagged panel analyses, latent growth curve modeling, and nonrecursive mediated model analysis. For each design, the authors provide a brief rationale regarding its purpose, procedures for specifying a model to test the design, and a worked illustration.

Scale Development Research

The authors conducted a content analysis on new scale development articles appearing in the Journal of Counseling Psychology during 10 years (1995 to 2004). The authors analyze and discuss characteristics of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis procedures in these scale development studies with respect to sample characteristics, factorability, extraction methods, rotation methods, item deletion or retention, factor retention, and model fit indexes. The authors uncovered a variety of specific practices that were at variance with the current literature on factor analysis or structural equation modeling. They make recommendations for best practices in scale development research in counseling psychology using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Guidelines for Meta-Analyses of Counseling Psychology Research

This article conceptually describes the steps in conducting quantitative meta-analyses of counseling psychology research with minimal reliance on statistical formulas. The authors identify sources that describe necessary statistical formula for various meta-analytic calculations and describe recent developments in meta-analytic techniques. The authors illustrate meta-analytic procedures with recently published meta-analyses in counseling psychology, and last, they provide a guide for writing up meta-analytic studies for publication.

Paradigms, Purpose, and the Role of the Literature

The authors have identified three areas that are central to the rationale for conducting a qualitative research project, yet which produce confusion and uncertainty for some psychologists trained in traditional research methods. In this article, they consider how philosophy of science paradigms relate to the foundational rationale for qualitative inquiry and present suggestions for how researchers can formulate a statement of purpose and research questions that are congruent with an identified paradigm. They examine the role of scholarly literature in two areas: those of developing a rationale and in enhancing the impact of qualitative research. Examples from contemporary counseling psychology research are used to illustrate core concepts.

Toward a Constructionist Perspective of Examining Femininity Experience

The social constructionist perspective has become a useful framework for understanding women’s psychological experiences. However, tools for examining how women construct meanings of their experiences as female in relevant social situations remain limited. Over two studies, our article describes the development and psychometric properties of the Subjective Femininity Stress Scale (SFSS), which assesses women’s stress associated with their subjective experiences of being female. Participants ( N = 468) described their personal experiences of what it means to be a woman by completing the sentence “As a woman…” 10 times; participants then rated how often each of the femininity experiences was stressful for them. Participants’ qualitative responses were coded based on 20 dimensions of femininity experiences, and their relationships with SFSS scores were examined. Study 1 provided evidence for test–retest reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity of the SFSS. Study 2 demonstrated concurrent and incremental validity of the SFSS. Several dimensions of femininity experiences were significantly correlated with women’s stress appraisal. The open-ended nature of the SFSS is easy to administer in clinical and organizational settings. The dual qualitative/quantitative aspects of the SFSS enable clients to create personally relevant meanings for their femininity experiences while also providing a stress index for exploring links with health outcomes.

[Reliability and Validity of the Scale for Homophobia in Medicine Students]

INTRODUCTION

There are several scales to quantify homophobia in different populations. However, the reliability and validity of these instruments among Colombian students are unknown. Consequently, this work is intended to assess reliability (inner consistency) as well as the validity of the Scale for Homophobia in Medicine students from a private university in Bogotá (Colombia).

METHODOLOGY

Methodological study with 199 Medicine students from 1st to 5th semester that filled out the Homophobia Scale form, the general welfare questionnaire, the Attitude Towards Gays and Lesbians Scale (ATGL), WHO-5 (divergent validity) and the Francis Scale of Attitude Toward Christianity (nomologic validity). Pearson's correlations were computed, the Cronbach's alfa coefficient, the omega coefficient (construct's reliability) and confirmatory factorial analysis.

RESULTS

The Scale for Homophobia showed an alpha Cronbach coefficient of 0,785, an omega coefficient of 0,790 and a Pearson correlation with the ATGL of 0,844; with WHO-5, -0,059; and a Francis Scale of Attitude Toward Christianity, 0,187. The Scale toward Homophobia exhibited a relevant factor of 44,7% of the total variance.

CONCLUSIONS

The Scale for Homophobia showed acceptable reliability and validity. New studies should investigate the stability of the scale and the nomologic validity regarding other constructs.

More than just openness: developing and validating a measure of targeted parent-child communication about alcohol

Research addressing parent-child communication on the topic of alcohol use relies heavily on assessing frequency of discussions and general assessments of openness in parent-child communication, ignoring the complexity of this communication phenomenon. This study adds to the literature by articulating a conceptualization and developing a measurement of parent-child communication-targeted parent-child communication about alcohol-and comparing the efficacy of targeted parent-child communication about alcohol in predicting positive expectancies of alcohol use and recent alcohol use. The predictive power of general openness in parent-child communication and frequency of communication about alcohol also were assessed. Students in fifth and sixth grade (N = 1,407) from 29 public schools completed surveys. Targeted parent-child communication about alcohol was negatively associated with both outcomes. Frequency and general openness were only negatively associated with positive expectancies regarding alcohol. Implications of these findings for the etiology and prevention of substance use are discussed.

Valuing Diversity

Articles in this issue describe the genesis, development, and implementation of the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity. This commentary extends the dialog on issues inherent to the Values Statement and the accompanying articles contained in this issue, with particular attention to the resolution of conflicting values and to empirical findings related to attitude change of bias and prejudice.

Applications of generalizability theory to clinical child and adolescent psychology research

Using generalizability theory to evaluate the reliability of child and adolescent measures enables researchers to enhance precision of measurement and consequently increase confidence in research findings. With an observer-rated measure of child self-regulation, we illustrate how multiple sources of error variance (e.g., raters, items) affect the dependability (replicability) of scores and demonstrate methods for enhancing dependability of observer ratings. Using ratings of 181 children, we illustrate the use of two-facet (i.e., raters and items as sources of error) and three-facet (i.e., raters, items and occasions) analyses to optimize design features of future studies using this measure. In addition, we show how generalizability theory provides a useful conceptual framework for thinking about determinants of scores on acquaintance (e.g., teacher or parent) ratings, as well as observer ratings, and sheds light on the strengths and limitations of both types of data for child and adolescent clinical research.

What Sources Contribute to Variance in Observer Ratings? Using Generalizability Theory to Assess Construct Validity of Psychological Measures

We illustrate the utility of generalizability theory (GT) as a conceptual framework that encourages psychological researchers to address this question and as a flexible set of analytic tools that can provide answers to inform both substantive theory and measurement practice. To illustrate these capabilities, we analyze observer ratings of 27 caregiver-child dyads, focusing on the importance of situational (contextual) factors as sources of variance in observer ratings of caregiver-child behaviors. Cross-situational consistency was relatively low for the categories of behavior analyzed, indicating that dyads vary greatly in their interactional patterns from one situation to the next, so that it is difficult to predict behavioral frequencies in one context from behaviors observed in a different context. Our findings suggest that single-situation behavioral measures may have limited generalizability, either to behavior in other contexts or as measures of global interaction tendencies. We discuss the implications of these findings for research and measurement design in developmental psychology.