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Zimprich D, Pociūnaitė J, Wolf T. A multilevel factor analysis of the short form of the Centrality of Event Scale. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1268283. [PMID: 38250114 PMCID: PMC10797104 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268283] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Centrality of Event Scale (CES) has frequently been used to measure the degree to which positive and negative life events are perceived central to a person's identity and life story; and previous research suggests that individuals rate their most positive memory as more central compared to their most negative one. When comparing the centrality of two (or more) memories within individuals, one needs to ensure that the CES (or its short form) is equally valid for different types of events (i.e., positive and negative) as well as on different levels of analyses (i.e., on the between-person and the within-person level), pointing to the issue of measurement invariance. Methods Three-hundred sixty-five adults (18-89 years of age) reported up to ten positive and up to ten negative autobiographical memories. For each memory reported, participants completed the seven-item short form of the CES, which measures three different components of centrality: Events can form a central component of identity (two items), a turning point in the life story (three items), and a reference point for everyday inferences (two items). Results Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we found a two-factor structure (Self-Perception and Life-Course) to fit the data best at both levels of analyses and for both positive and negative events. Strict measurement invariance could be applied for positive and negative events at between-person level and at within-person level. The two factors, which measure the impact of an event on either a person's self-perception or their (future) life course, were rated higher for positive compared to negative memories. This difference, however, was stronger for the self-perception factor. Discussion The present study provides a first examination of the factorial structure of the CES short form on two levels (within and between persons) as well as for two types of life events (positive and negative). Whereas, a unidimensional scale might be sufficient to measure the centrality of stressful or traumatic life events, a more fine-graded measure seems better suited to understand the different roles of positive and negative life events for a person's identity and life story.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zimprich
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Bruce MJ, Handal P. Revisiting the Factor Structure of the Centrality of Event Scale. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231162211. [PMID: 36880709 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231162211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic experiences that become self-defining impact posttraumatic outcomes, yet exact mechanisms are currently being studied. Recent research has used the Centrality of Event Scale (CES). However, the factor structure of the CES has been in question. We analyzed archival data (N = 318) split into homogenous groups of participants to examine whether the factor structure of the CES differed based on event type (bereavement vs. sexual assault) or by levels of PTSD (meeting clinical cut off score vs. group of lowest scorers). Exploratory factor analyses with subsequent confirmatory analyses revealed a single factor model in the bereavement group, sexual assault group, and the low PTSD group. A three-factor model emerged in the high PTSD group, with the factors' themes matching previous findings. Event centrality appears to be a universal theme when people endure and process a diversity of adverse events. These distinct factors may illuminate pathways in the clinical syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline J Bruce
- Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul Handal
- Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Ionio C, Ciuffo G, Villa F, Landoni M, Sacchi M, Rizzi D. Adolescents in the Covid Net: What Impact on their Mental Health? JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022:1-7. [PMID: 36467673 PMCID: PMC9684742 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Given the impact of traumatic events in adolescence and early adulthood, the current Covid 19 pandemic poses a high risk to the well-being and mental health of this population. This study aims to shed light on the traumatic impact of Covid-19 on adolescents and young adults, taking into account their personal experiences, with a particular focus on their emotional regulation skills. From May 2021 to May 2022, 216 adolescents and young adults were surveyed using a series of self-report questionnaires to assess the potentially traumatic effects of Covid-19 and its impact on adolescents' and young adults' emotional regulation skills. Analyses revealed a significant traumatic effect of Covid-19 on the adolescents in our sample. Significant correlations also emerged between the impact of the traumatic event and adolescents' emotional regulation skills. Our findings underscore the importance of considering the psychological impact of Covid-19 on adolescents from both a restorative and preventive perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ionio
- CRIdee, Trauma Research Unit, Dipartimento Di Psicologia, Università Cattolica, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Ciuffo
- CRIdee, Trauma Research Unit, Dipartimento Di Psicologia, Università Cattolica, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Villa
- Fondazione Soleterre Onlus, c/o Abbazia Di Mirasole, Strada Consortile del Mirasole, 7, Opera (MI), Italy
| | - Marta Landoni
- CRIdee, Trauma Research Unit, Dipartimento Di Psicologia, Università Cattolica, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Sacchi
- CRIdee, Trauma Research Unit, Dipartimento Di Psicologia, Università Cattolica, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Damiano Rizzi
- Fondazione Soleterre Onlus, c/o Abbazia Di Mirasole, Strada Consortile del Mirasole, 7, Opera (MI), Italy
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Kung YW, Su YJ, Chen SH. Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Centrality of Event Scale across multiple trauma-exposed Taiwanese samples. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:813-826. [PMID: 35182441 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The widely used Centrality of Event Scale (CES) measures the extent that a traumatic event serves as a central component of self-identity, a reference point, and a turning point in an individual's life story. The present study aimed to develop a Chinese version of the CES and assess its reliability, criterion validity, and factor structure. Data were collected from three samples of trauma-exposed Taiwanese individuals (N = 939), including 420 earthquake survivors, 300 trauma-exposed community adults, and 219 trauma-exposed undergraduate students. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis and compared the resulting models with a one-factor model and the originally proposed model. The results indicated that a new three-factor model, S-Bχ2 (167, N = 519) = 687.01, p < .001, CFI = .95, IFI = .95, NNFI = .94, RMSEA = .078, SRMR = .047, might better represent the construct compared to the one-factor or originally proposed model. Furthermore, the Chinese CES demonstrated excellent internal consistency, Cronbach's αs = .89-.94; adequate 1-month reliability, rs = .54-.64, and 6-month temporal stability, rs = .52-.67; and good concurrent and predictive validity. The findings indicate that the Chinese version of the CES demonstrates good psychometric properties with a three-factor structure, and it could be used to assess event centrality among nonclinical trauma-exposed Taiwanese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Kung
- Department of Psychology, Fo Guang University, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Su
- Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sue-Huei Chen
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wang N, Chung MC, Liu F, Wang Y. Posttraumatic stress on Chinese adolescents’ posttraumatic growth: The role of trauma centrality and emotion regulation. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03131-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Steinberg MH, Bellet BW, McNally RJ, Boals A. Resolving the paradox of posttraumatic growth and event centrality in trauma survivors. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:434-445. [PMID: 34750893 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
When a traumatic experience is central to an individual's identity and worldview, it can result in either severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceived posttraumatic growth (PTG), or, paradoxically, both. To resolve this apparent paradox, we used network analytic methods to estimate the relations among components of event centrality (EC), PTSD symptoms, and PTG in 1,136 undergraduates who had experienced trauma. Participants completed surveys on their experiences with traumatic events as well as the degree to which they experienced PTSD symptoms, components of EC, and components of PTG. We performed network analysis to examine EC, PTSD, and PTG and identify which components of EC were most conducive to its associations with PTSD versus those with PTG. We found that the components of EC most associated with PTSD, the extent to which trauma serves as a script for the future, were markedly distinct from the components associated with PTG, the extent to which trauma is seen as a turning point in one's life. The combined findings suggest that EC may be a catalyst for subsequent positive or negative effects contingent upon how an individual interprets the centrality of their traumatic experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot H Steinberg
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin W Bellet
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard J McNally
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adriel Boals
- Department of Psychology, University of Northern Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
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Vermeulen M, Smits D, Claes L, Gandhi A, Raes F, Krans J. The Dutch 20 Item Centrality of Event Scale. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Event centrality is defined as the extent to which a memory of a traumatic event forms a reference point for people’s identity and attribution of meaning to other experiences in their life. Event centrality is typically measured with the Centrality of Event Scale (CES; Berntsen & Rubin, 2006 ). The present study’s first aim was to investigate the underlying factor structure and construct validity of the Dutch 20-item CES (CES-20) in undergraduates ( N = 1,091). The second aim was to test whether the CES-20 could prospectively predict posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms four months later. The data supported a one-factor structure of the CES with a high internal consistency (α = .95), which is not in line with the theoretical model of event centrality but aligns with previous empirical research. Furthermore, high construct validity was evidenced by positive and significant relations between the CES and PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, DSM-5 trauma A criterion, and the number of experienced negative life events. Event centrality was not a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms four months later when controlling for PTSD symptoms at time 1, which questions the prospective relation between event centrality and later PTSD symptoms for those events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Smits
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Odisee, University of Applied Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence Claes
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amarendra Gandhi
- L-BioStat, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Knowledge Center, SD Worx, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Raes
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Krans
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Pro Persona Overwaal Centre for Anxiety, OCD and PTSD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Conen L, Johanßen H, Ülsmann D, Ertle A, Schulte S, Fydrich T, Schulte-Herbrüggen O. Validierung der deutschen Übersetzung der Centrality of Event Scale (CES-G). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Eine wachsende Zahl von Forschungsarbeiten weist auf die Bedeutung der wahrgenommenen Zentralität eines traumatischen Ereignisses in der eigenen Lebensgeschichte für das Verständnis von Symptomen der Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) hin. Zur Untersuchung dieser Beziehung exisitert bislang noch kein Messinstrument, das die Ereigniszentralität auf Deutsch erfasst. Fragestellung: Um die Forschung auf diesem Gebiet im deutschsprachigen Raum zu ermöglichen, wird die Centrality of Event Scale (CES; Berntsen & Rubin, 2006 ) in einer deutschen Übersetzung (CES-G) vorgestellt und hinsichtlich ihrer psychometrischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Methode: Zur psychometrischen Auswertung wurde die CES-G 322 Student_innen sowie 115 ambulanten Patient_innen mit ausgeprägter PTBS-Symptomatik vorgelegt. Ergebnisse: Die CES-G zeigt eine hervorragende interne Konsistenz, substanzielle Korrelationen mit Maßen von PTBS Symptomen, allgemeiner Psychopathologie, Depressivität und maladaptiven kognitiven Prozessen sowie eine kriterienbezogene Validität bezüglich PTBS Symptomen in einer klinischen Stichprobe. Schlussfolgerungen: Die deutsche Übersetzung der CES ist ein verlässliches und valides Messinstrument für Ereigniszentralität.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Conen
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Helen Johanßen
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, gemeinsame Einrichtung der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin und der Freien Universität Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Dominik Ülsmann
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatische Medizin, Friedrich von Bodelschwingh-Klinik, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Andrea Ertle
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Sarah Schulte
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Fydrich
- Institut für Psychologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Olaf Schulte-Herbrüggen
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatische Medizin, Friedrich von Bodelschwingh-Klinik, Berlin, Deutschland
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Ugwu LI, Onu DU, Nnadozie EE, Iorfa SK. Psychometric validation of the centrality of events scale in a Nigerian clinical sample. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2021.1910410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven Kator Iorfa
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Wang N, Chung MC, Wang Y. The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma centrality, posttraumatic growth and psychiatric co-morbidity among Chinese adolescents. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 49:101940. [PMID: 32065961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.101940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the inter-relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from past trauma, psychiatric co-morbidity, trauma centrality and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese adolescents. Nine hundred and forty-eight Chinese adolescents (M = 462, F = 486) were recruited from two secondary schools. They completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, the Centrality of Events Scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the General Health Questionnaire-28, and the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents. After controlling for demographic variables and levels of academic stress, structural equation modeling showed that PTSD was positively associated with trauma centrality and psychiatric co-morbidity but negatively associated with posttraumatic growth. Trauma centrality mediated the impacts of PTSD on posttraumatic growth and psychiatric co-morbidity. To conclude, PTSD from past trauma could impact adolescents' ways of perceiving positive aspects of their trauma and psychological well-being. Such impact, however, was influenced by the changes in their self-concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Yabing Wang
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Mascheroni E, Faccio F, Bonassi L, Ionio C, Peccatori FA, Pisoni C, Cassani C, Ongaro G, Cattaneo E, Nastasi G, Pravettoni G. Exploring differences in psychological aspects during pregnancy between cancer survivors and women without a history of cancer. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:2255-2263. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05048-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Gehrt TB, Berntsen D, Hoyle RH, Rubin DC. Psychological and clinical correlates of the Centrality of Event Scale: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2018; 65:57-80. [PMID: 30138786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Centrality of Event Scale (CES) was introduced to examine the extent to which a traumatic or stressful event is perceived as central to an individual's identity and life story, and how this relates to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In addition, the CES has been examined in relation to a range of other conditions and dispositions. We present a systematic review of the correlates of the CES. Results from 92 publications resulted in 25 measurement categories in the six theoretical domains of trauma, negative affect and distress, autobiographical memory, personality, positive affect, and gender. The mean weighted correlations of the 25 measurement categories ranged from -.17 to .55, with standard errors from .01 to .02, allowing us to distinguish empirically among effects. Consistent with the theoretical motivation for the CES and predictions predating the review, the CES correlated positively with a range of measures, correlating most highly with measures related to trauma, PTSD, grief, and autobiographical memory. The findings show that the CES probes aspects of autobiographical memory of broad relevance to clinical disorders, and with specific implications for theories of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine B Gehrt
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Dorthe Berntsen
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Rick H Hoyle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, United States
| | - David C Rubin
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, United States
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