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Zhang Q, Feng Y, Zhou YH, Yang YF, Feng YZ, Guo Y. The Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire in China: Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement invariance. Head Neck 2024; 46:1706-1717. [PMID: 38523513 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire (GTQ) is a comprehensive scale for screening and assessing trismus in head and neck (H&N) cancer and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) patients. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the GTQ in China, and to test its measurement invariance. METHODS This study comprised 278 H&N cancer, 245 TMD, and 507 control patients. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were tested to assess the GTQ's reliability. The validity was evaluated through composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and correlation tests. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to investigate the GTQ's measurement invariance across clinical status and gender. T tests were employed to compare score differences across clinical status and gender. RESULTS The Chinese version of GTQ scale shows excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The CR, AVE, and correlation values demonstrate the good validity of GTQ. The multi-group CFA supported configural invariance across clinical status but not metric invariance, while it supported strict invariance across gender. Additionally, t tests revealed that patients with H&N cancer and TMD scored higher than the control group, while males scored higher than females. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese version of GTQ serves as an effective tool for screening and assessing trismus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yao Feng
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying-Hui Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi-Fan Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yun-Zhi Feng
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Guo
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Denovan A, Dagnall N, Drinkwater KG. The paranormal health beliefs scale: an evaluation using cognitive interviewing. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1306372. [PMID: 38348264 PMCID: PMC10859447 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1306372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Paranormal health beliefs denote the inclination to endorse illusory supernatural notions about well-being and treatment. These ideations are important since they potentially influence perceptions of health and allied behaviors. Noting this, researchers in Italy developed and verified the Paranormal Health Beliefs Scale (PHBS). Despite initial promising outcomes, the construct and measurement properties of the PHBS have remained under investigated. This is likely due to the fact that the instrument draws heavily on traditional Italian social, political, and religious influences and is overly culturally specific. Hence, items do not generalize well across populations and nationalities. Acknowledging these factors, this study used cognitive interviewing (think aloud protocol and concurrent probing) to assess the suitability of the PHBS for general use. Concurrently, the intention was to identify necessary modifications that would enhance scale performance. Fourteen interviewees (eight males and six females), evenly distributed across two rounds, participated. Round 1 focused on comprehension and perception of the PHBS. Cognitive interviews identified issues with culturally particular content/points of reference, phraseology, and wording. To address these a modified version of the PHBS was produced. Round 2 then examined the effectiveness of changes. Analysis revealed fewer concerns, although difficulties with ambiguity, complex terminology, and response scale appropriateness persisted. Overall, interviews indicated that a focus on illusory (rather than paranormal) health beliefs would improve scale utility. Methodologically, cognitive interviewing provided invaluable insights into the effectiveness of the PHBS and identified ways in which researchers could adapt the instrument for use with other cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Denovan
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Chisango T, Maunganidze L, Maseko M, Muchena B, Ncube S, Hombarume L, Matanga AA. Racial misconceptions of the theory of evolution predict opposition to the theory and science in general among a sample of Zimbabwean university students. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16783. [PMID: 37313158 PMCID: PMC10258415 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The theory of evolution has often been misconceived and often associated with racist undertones and insinuations towards Black Africans, who are assumed to be less evolved and thus closer to "apes" genetically than other, presumably more advanced racial groups. In this research was thus tested the hypothesis that misconceptions surrounding Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution, particularly racial ones, would predict a lack of acceptance of the theory in particular, and the entirety of the science enterprise in general among a sample of Black Zimbabweans. We also tested the impact of spirituality on both acceptance of evolution and science. The hypotheses received support from the findings and they are discussed in line with pedagogy surrounding evolution and science. The findings of the most central importance were that racial misconceptions, general misconceptions and spirituality predicted both acceptance of evolution and science. In turn, the effects of all these exogenous variables on acceptance of science were mediated by lack of acceptance of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadios Chisango
- Department of Psychology, Midlands State University (MSU), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Langtone Maunganidze
- Department of Resource Management, Midlands State University (MSU), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mpikelelo Maseko
- Department of Psychology, Midlands State University (MSU), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Brian Muchena
- Department of Resource Management, Midlands State University (MSU), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Spiwe Ncube
- Department of Psychology, Midlands State University (MSU), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lissa Hombarume
- Department of Psychology, Midlands State University (MSU), Harare, Zimbabwe
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Jach Ł. The scientistic worldview and its relationships with fear of COVID, conspiracy beliefs, preventive behaviors, and attitudes towards vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Polish sample. CURRENT ISSUES IN PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 11:11-28. [PMID: 38013829 PMCID: PMC10654346 DOI: 10.5114/cipp.2021.111633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scientistic worldview is characterized by the tendency to justify beliefs and behavior with scientific findings and to function on the basis of theorems and opinions formulated by scientists. The aim of this study was to test whether the attitudes typical for the scientistic worldview could be related to beliefs and behaviors that may reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE The study was conducted on a Polish sample of 1286 participants, using an online survey platform. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires to measure attitudes towards vaccines on COVID-19, the scientistic worldview, fear of COVID, conspiracy beliefs about the COVID-19 pandemic, and preventive behaviors undertaken. Participants were also asked about their personal experiences with the pandemic. RESULTS The study showed that the scientistic worldview was associated with a higher fear of COVID, a higher level of containment-related behavior, a lower level of conspiracy beliefs about the COVID-19 pandemic, and more positive attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19. A structural model of relations between the studied variables turned out to be very effective and explained 51% of the variance of containment-related behavior and 63% of the variance of attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSIONS The study found that preventive behaviors and attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19 were weakly related to personal experiences during the pandemic but significantly correlated with psychological variables. The results suggest that very positive, scientistic attitudes towards science may be related to higher adherence to science-based public health recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Jach
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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‘Don't stop believing’: The role of training beliefs in cognitive bias modification paradigms. Appetite 2022; 174:106041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Vincent-Edinboro RL, Onuoha P. Beliefs and self-reported practice of footcare among persons with type II diabetes mellitus attending selected health centres in east Trinidad. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022; 34:92. [PMID: 36570676 PMCID: PMC9758455 DOI: 10.1186/s43162-022-00180-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been documented that nearly 600 million people worldwide are expected to have diabetes mellitus in 2035 and that approximately 140,000 persons aged 20-69 years living with diabetes mellitus in Trinidad and Tobago. It is also indicated that patients with type II diabetes mellitus face a higher risk of diabetic foot neuropathy and foot ulcers which increase the risk of below the knee amputation in persons living with diabetes. Purpose The aim of this research project was to explore the beliefs related to footcare and the self-reported footcare practice of persons with type II diabetes mellitus attending selected health centres in East Trinidad. Method A survey was used to explore the footcare beliefs and the self-reported footcare practice of persons with type II diabetes mellitus attending selected health centres in East Trinidad (n = 87). Results Participants had strong belief regarding susceptibility to foot injury, strong belief regarding the seriousness of complications of foot injury, reported good footcare practice and excellent practice of overcoming barriers to performing footcare. There is a correlation between the belief regarding susceptibility to a foot injury and age (p ≤ 0.05). Also, there is a significant correlation between belief regarding susceptibility to a foot injury, seriousness of complications and self-reported footcare practices (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion This study explores and describes the beliefs and self-reported practices of footcare among individuals with type II diabetes mellitus at selected health centres in East Trinidad. It supports the Health Belief Model as an effective framework for the promotion of appropriate footcare among persons with type II diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Leah Vincent-Edinboro
- grid.430529.9The UWI School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Philip Onuoha
- grid.430529.9The UWI School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
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Drinkwater KG, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Williams C. Paranormal Belief, Thinking Style and Delusion Formation: A Latent Profile Analysis of Within-Individual Variations in Experience-Based Paranormal Facets. Front Psychol 2021; 12:670959. [PMID: 34262510 PMCID: PMC8273333 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.670959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the degree to which within-individual variations in paranormal experience were related to belief in the paranormal, preferential thinking style, and delusion formation. A sample of 956 non-clinical adults completed measures assessing experience-based paranormal indices (i.e., paranormal experience, paranormal practitioner visiting, and paranormal ability), paranormal belief, belief in science, proneness to reality testing deficits, and emotion-based reasoning. Latent profile analysis (LPA) combined the experience-based indices to produce six underlying groups. Inter-class comparison via multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that both breadth and intensity of experiential factors were associated with higher belief in in the paranormal, increased proneness to reality testing deficits, and greater emotion-based reasoning. Belief in science, however, was less susceptible to experiential variations. Further analysis of reality testing subscales revealed that experiential profiles influenced levels of intrapsychic activity in subtle and intricate ways, especially those indexing Auditory and Visual Hallucinations and Delusional Thinking. Collectively, identification of profiles and inter-class comparisons provided a sophisticated understanding of the relative contribution of experiential factors to differences in paranormal belief, belief in science, proneness to reality testing deficits, and emotion-based reasoning.
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Drinkwater KG, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Williams C. Differences in Cognitive-Perceptual Factors Arising From Variations in Self-Professed Paranormal Ability. Front Psychol 2021; 12:681520. [PMID: 34177736 PMCID: PMC8222626 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.681520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether scores on indices related to subclinical delusion formation and thinking style varied as a function of level of self-professed paranormal ability. To assess this, the researchers compared three groups differing in personal ascription of paranormal powers: no ability, self-professed ability, and paranormal practitioners (i.e., Mediums, Psychics, Spiritualists, and Fortune-Tellers). Paranormal practitioners (compared with no and self-professed ability conditions) were expected to score higher on paranormal belief, proneness to reality testing deficits, emotion-based reasoning, and lower on belief in science. Comparable differences were predicted between the self-professed and no ability conditions. A sample of 917 respondents (329 males, 588 females) completed self-report measures online. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed an overall main effect. Further investigation, using discriminant descriptive analysis, indicated that paranormal practitioners scored higher on proneness to reality testing deficits, paranormal belief, and emotion-based reasoning. Belief in science did not meaningfully contribute to the discriminant function. Overall, results were consistent with previous academic work in the domains of paranormal belief and experience, which has reported that paranormal-related cognitions and perceptions are associated with factors related to subclinical delusion formation (i.e., emotion-based/intuitive thinking).
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Greater belief in science predicts mask-wearing behavior during COVID-19. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 176:110769. [PMID: 33612904 PMCID: PMC7879019 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether and how individual's belief in science directly impacts reported face mask wearing behavior in the United States and the mediating role of belief in mask effectiveness in preventing transmission of COVID-19 in this relationship. Mechanical Turk participants (N = 1050) completed measures on reported face mask wearing behavior, general beliefs in science, belief in face mask effectiveness in reducing transmission of COVID-19, and sociodemographic information. We found evidence that greater belief in science predicted greater belief in the effectiveness of face masks reducing the transmission of COVID-19, which in turn predicted more reported face mask wearing behavior in public, controlling for sociodemographic factors. We urge researchers to engage in more open science practices and science education to increase the public's belief in science and the effectiveness of masks in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in order to increase the frequency of face mask wearing in public.
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Drinkwater KG, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Neave N. Psychometric assessment of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230365. [PMID: 32191741 PMCID: PMC7082021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) is the most widely used measure of general belief in conspiracy theories. The scale comprises five related but distinct factors (Government Malfeasance, Extraterrestrial Cover-up, Malevolent Global Conspiracies, Personal Wellbeing, and Control of Information). Despite this, investigators have typically treated the GCBS as unidimensional by referencing only overall total. Although, the GCBS possesses established psychometric properties, critics question its factorial structure, suggest alternative models, and recommend routine examination of GCBS dimensions as part of analysis. Through two studies, the present paper assessed GCBS factorial structure, internal reliability, convergent validity, and invariance. This involved comparing the original five-factor solution with alternative one, two, and three-factor models. To ensure that the best fitting model was robust, the authors conducted analysis in two independent samples (Study one, N = 794, UK university-based sample; and Study two, N = 418, UK respondents collected via a market research company). Results in both studies indicated superior fit for the correlated five-factor solution. This solution demonstrated invariance across gender, and samples (Study one and two). Furthermore, the total scale and five subfactors evinced good alpha and omega total reliability. Convergent validity testing exhibited associations of an expected strength between conspiracist beliefs, reality testing, and cognitive insight. Large intercorrelations existed among GCBS subfactors, suggesting that the measure reflects a narrow set of interrelated conspiracist assumptions. These findings support the use of overall scale scores as an index of belief in conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Graham Drinkwater
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Neave
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Drinkwater KG, Denovan A, Dagnall N. Lucid Dreaming, Nightmares, and Sleep Paralysis: Associations With Reality Testing Deficits and Paranormal Experience/Belief. Front Psychol 2020; 11:471. [PMID: 32256437 PMCID: PMC7093643 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Focusing on lucid dreaming, this paper examined relationships between dissociated experiences related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (lucid dreaming, nightmares, and sleep paralysis), reality testing, and paranormal experiences/beliefs. The study comprised a UK-based online sample of 455 respondents (110 males, 345 females, Mean age = 34.46 years, SD = 15.70), who had all previously experienced lucid dreaming. Respondents completed established self-report measures assessing control within lucid dreaming, experience and frequency of nightmares, incidence of sleep paralysis, proneness to reality testing deficits (Inventory of Personality Organization subscale, IPO-RT), subjective experience of receptive psi and life after death (paranormal experience), and paranormal belief. Analysis comprised tests of correlational and predictive relationships between sleep-related outcomes, IPO-RT scores, and paranormal measures. Significant positive correlations between sleep and paranormal measures were weak. Paranormal measures related differentially to sleep indices. Paranormal experience correlated with lucid dreaming, nightmares, and sleep paralysis, whereas paranormal belief related only to nightmares and sleep paralysis. IPO-RT correlated positively with all paranormal and sleep-related measures. Within the IPO-RT, the Auditory and Visual Hallucinations sub-factor demonstrated the strongest positive associations with sleep measures. Structural equation modeling indicated that Auditory and Visual Hallucinations significantly positively predicted dissociated experiences related to REM sleep, while paranormal experience did not. However, paranormal experience was a significant predictor when analysis controlled for Auditory and Visual Hallucinations. The moderate positive association between these variables explained this effect. Findings indicated that self-generated, productive cognitive-processes (as encompassed by Auditory and Visual Hallucinations) played a significant role in conscious control and awareness of lucid dreaming, and related dissociative sleep states (sleep paralysis and nightmares).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth G. Drinkwater
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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