Factor structure of the PANAS and the relationship between positive and negative affect in polio survivors

A modern network approach to revisiting the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS) construct validity

Introduction

The factor structure of the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS) is still a topic of debate. There are several reasons why using Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) for scale validation is advantageous and can help understand and resolve conflicting results in the factor analytic literature.

Objective

The main objective of the present study was to advance the knowledge regarding the factor structure underlying the PANAS scores by utilizing the different functionalities of the EGA method. EGA was used to (1) estimate the dimensionality of the PANAS scores, (2) establish the stability of the dimensionality estimate and of the item assignments into the dimensions, and (3) assess the impact of potential redundancies across item pairs on the dimensionality and structure of the PANAS scores.

Method

This assessment was carried out across two studies that included two large samples of participants.

Results and Conclusion

In sum, the results are consistent with a two‐factor oblique structure.

Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Elementary Schoolers (JSQ-ES): validation and population-based score distribution

OBJECTIVE

The Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Elementary Schoolers (JSQ-ES) was developed to measure the sleep habits and disturbances of Japanese children. The current study aimed to present psychometric properties and describe the score distribution of the JSQ-ES. In addition, it examined correlations between the sleep and daytime behavior of school-aged children.

METHOD

Guardians of 4369 elementary school children and 100 children diagnosed with sleep disorders in two clinics completed the JSQ-ES.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a nine-factor structure. The JSQ-ES internal consistency was 0.876 and 0.907 for the community and clinical groups, respectively. Score distribution differences were observed between the two groups. A cut-off point of 80 was identified for the total JSQ-ES score.

CONCLUSIONS

Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a nine-factor structure: (1) restless legs syndrome; (2) sleep-disordered breathing; (3) morning symptoms; (4) nighttime awakenings; (5) insomnia; (6) excessive daytime sleepiness; (7) daytime behavior; (8) sleep habits; and (9) irregular/delayed sleep phase. The study verified that the JSQ-ES is a valid and reliable instrument with which to evaluate Japanese sleep habits using a large population-based sample. The JSQ-ES may be useful in both clinical and academic settings.

Long-standing poliomyelitis and psychological health

OBJECTIVE

To compare the psychological health of the individuals with long-standing poliomyelitis, with or without post-polio syndrome (PPS), to the general population and to identify the role of work as well as other variables with regard to their psychological health.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS

One hundred and ninety-five polio patients attending postpolio clinic in Jerusalem.

METHODS

Emotional distress (ED) was measured using the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Demographic, medical, social and functional data were recorded using a specific structured questionnaire. Each polio patient was compared to four age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS

ED was higher in the polio population as compared to the general population. Within the polio population ED was inversely correlated with work status. No correlation was found between ED and the functional level of polio participants and no difference was found in GHQ score between polio participants with or without post-polio. In addition, ED was less affected by subjective perception of physical health among polio patients as compared to the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-standing poliomyelitis is associated with decreased psychological health as compared to the general population. Yet, the resilience of polio survivors is manifested by their ability to block further decline of their psychological health in spite of deterioration in their physical health. Work appears as a significant source of resilience in the polio population. Implications for Rehabilitation Individuals with long-standing poliomyelitis often suffer from high emotional distress and may benefit from psychotherapy aimed at reducing distress. As active employment status is associated with increased mental health among polio survivors, encouraging participation at work needs to be a significant component of psychotherapeutic programs. Polio survivors, although physically disabled, may be relatively resilient, as their mental health is less affected by their negative health perception. This and other expressions of resilience may serve as a platform for increasing personal growth among them by implementing hope-oriented psychotherapy.

Utility of the PANAS-X in Predicting Social Phobia in African American Females

Burgeoning literature in the field of social anxiety suggests that social phobia may diverge from the other anxiety disorders in terms of the association it shares with low positive affect. Research examining positive affect and social anxiety has contributed to the understanding of social phobia in non-Hispanic White populations, but the cross-cultural generalization of anxiety in African Americans remains unknown. The current study used receiver operating characteristic analysis to estimate the extent to which scores on the Positive and Negative Affect Scales of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule–Expanded form (PANAS-X) predicted anxiety disorder diagnoses in a sample of 91 community-dwelling African American females. Subsequent receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to evaluate the utility of the Positive and Negative Affect Scales of the PANAS-X in predicting social phobia specifically. Results suggest that the PANAS-X is a clinically useful measure for predicting anxiety disorder diagnosis and, more specifically, social phobia in African American females. Additionally, optimal cutoff scores were identified, underscoring the potential use of the PANAS-X as a screening device for anxiety in African American females.