Measuring Obsessions Without Worry: Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Revised Padua Inventory in an Icelandic Student Population

The revised Padua Inventory (Padua Inventory-Washington State University Revision or PI-WSUR) was investigated in an Icelandic student population ( n = 431). The inventory was explicitly constructed to minimize the overlap between the measurement of obsessionality and worry. Its relationships with the Maudsley-Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) were investigated. The factor structure of the PI-WSUR was studied as well as the relations of PI-WSUR subscales with corresponding scales on the MOCI (checking, contamination). It was further investigated whether a factor analysis of the PI-WSUR together with PSWQ would indicate that the PI-WSUR and its different components were relatively uncontaminated by variance shared with worry. The results generally supported the psychometric properties of the Icelandic version of the PI-WSUR as well as its relative independence of PSWQ specifically.     

The assessment of obsessionality using the Padua inventory: its validity in a British non-clinical sample

The Padua Inventory (PI) is a measure of obsessive–compulsive phenomena, which permits measurement of both number and severity of symptoms. Data is available from Italy, the US, the Netherlands and Australia on non-clinical samples. The present study provides a psychometric evaluation of the PI on a British non-clinical sample (N=1855). Comparisons are made with other data and further suggestions for the use of the PI are made. Results from the present study indicate that the PI has similar, though not identical, factor structure to previous studies, adequate internal reliability and construct validity. Four factors emerged, containing clusters of items broadly relating to ‘impaired control over mental activities/doubting', ‘contamination', ‘checking' and ‘worries about losing control over motor behaviour' and these included most of the items loading on the same factors in earlier studies together with additional items.The relationships of age and gender with the PI scores are investigated. Differences were found from the Sanavio (1988) [Sanavio, E. (1988). Obsessions and compulsions: the Padua Inventory. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 26, 169–177.] Italian sample. These differences are in keeping with other available data from British samples and other data on the epidemiology of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The five factor structure found in the one study using clinical and non-clinical subjects is discussed in relation to the present analyses.     

Identification and explanation of racial differences on contamination measures

Compared with published norms, African Americans endorse significantly more items intended to assess pathological anxiety about contamination on self-report instruments for obsessive–compulsive disorder. The current study suggests that this is not due to greater psychopathology in African Americans, but rather to differences in normal attitudes about cleanliness that also influence responses to items intended to assess anxiety pathology. Contamination items from obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) scales including the Padua Inventory [Sanavio E. (1988). Obsessions and compulsions: The Padua Inventory. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 26(2), 169–177] were supplemented with cleanliness attitude items and administered to Black and White participants (N=1483). An exploratory factor analysis suggested a three-factor solution: one factor that encompassed pathological anxiety, and two that expressed attitudes about cleanliness, grooming, and domestic animals. African Americans scored significantly higher on all three factors. A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the difference between Black and White participants on the pathological anxiety factor was eliminated when differences on the attitude factors were controlled statistically.     

Psychometric properties of the Padua Inventory in Chinese college samples

The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Padua Inventory in Chinese college samples. Three different samples (N1 = 1,939, N2 = 1,341, and N3 = 298) of Chinese college students were recruited. Exploratory factor analyses yielded a four-factor structure which was similar to that found in previous studies. Further, present results showed good internal consistency as well as convergent and divergent validity with the subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90 and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Although no sex difference was found on total score, women had significantly higher scores on Factor 2 (Urges and worries of losing control over motor behaviors) and Factor 4 (Checking), while men had significantly higher scores on Factor 3 (Contamination). Implications of ter the results and directions for research are discussed.     

Increasing positive self-referent statements to improve self-esteem in low-income elementary school children

The purpose of this study was to increase verbalization of positive self-referent statements in an effort to increase corresponding self-esteem scores. A total of 30 children from 10 elementary school classes were divided into an experimental group, a control group, and an inventory group. All children received pre- and post-experiment administration of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. The experimental group received teacher praise contingent upon verbalizing positive self-referent statements. Control group students from these same classes received no praise for their statements. Inventory group students were from different classrooms and only took the Coopersmith Inventory. Results showed that experimental group students made significantly more positive self-referent statements than control students. Self-esteem scores for experimental group students were significantly higher than scores for control and inventory students.     

Ethnic identification biases responses to the Padua Inventory for obsessive-compulsive disorder

The authors report differential item functioning (DIF) between Black and White participants completing the 60-item Padua Inventory (PI) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The authors use an Internet-generated sample that included 105 Blacks, 67 Hispanics, 582 Whites, and 136 additional participants reporting an OCD diagnosis. Factor analysis replicated prior work indicating the PI consists of four factors: contamination fears, checking behaviors, impaired control over thoughts, and fear of losing control over impulses. On the contamination subscale, nonclinical Black and Hispanic mean scores were as high as the OCD group. Comparing Blacks to Whites, the authors applied an item response theory, DIF-graded response model to each factor and found significant DIF on eight items, with biased items in each factor. Results suggest that extraneous factors contribute to racial differences on scores. Cultural practices and fear of being negatively stereotyped may contribute to item bias.     

Pathological gambling and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders

To test the hypothesis that pathological gambling can be classified as an Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorder, the Padua Inventory was administered to 40 diagnosed pathological gamblers and a control group of 40 normal subjects. Analysis showed that the pathological gamblers obtained a significantly higher mean total score on obsessionality than controls. Elevated scores on two factors reflecting impaired control of mental activities and loss of motor control contributed to the over-all difference. In the context of other research suggesting pathological gamblers would score high on psychometric measures of impulsivity, this study provides preliminary support for a Spectrum Disorder Model, suggesting that pathological gamblers are characterised by elevated scores on traits of 'impulsivity' and 'obsessionality.'     

Are there interactions among dysfunctional beliefs in obsessive compulsive disorder?

Contemporary cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder emphasize the importance of various types of dysfunctional beliefs, such as beliefs about inflated responsibility, perfectionism and the importance of controlling one's thoughts. These beliefs have been conceptualized as main effects, each influencing obsessive-compulsive symptoms independent of the contributions of other beliefs. It is not known whether beliefs interact with one another in their influence on obsessive-compulsive symptoms. To investigate this issue, data from 248 obsessive-compulsive disorder patients were analyzed. Dependent variables were the factor scores on the 4 Padua Inventory subscales. Predictor variables were the factor scores from the 3 factors (inflated responsibility, perfectionism and controlling one's thoughts) of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire and their 2- and 3-way interactions. Regression analyses revealed significant main effects; in almost all analyses one or more of inflated responsibility, perfectionism, and controlling one's thoughts factors predicted scores on the Padua factors even after controlling for general distress. There was no evidence that beliefs interact in their effects on obsessive-compulsive symptoms, thereby providing a relatively unusual instance in which a simpler explanation (main effects only) is just as powerful as a more complex model.     

A factor analysis of the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory using an alcoholic population

The present study reports a factor analysis of the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory using 103 alcoholic men. Kirton in 1976 and we in an unpublished work in 1986 noted identical factor structures when responses from nonalcoholic populations to the inventory were factor analyzed. Recent reviews regarding personality characteristics of alcoholics suggest characteristics similar to the adaption-innovation concepts of Kirton. This factor analysis for an alcoholic sample supports the validity of the inventory as a measure of problem-solving style of alcoholics.     

Psychometric properties of the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised among Icelandic college students

In the present study, the psychometric properties of the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) (Foa, et al., 2002) were investigated. The OCI-R was administered to a total of 816 Icelandic college students. The Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) were administered to a subsample of 304 students, and the PI-WSUR (Padua Inventory Washington State University Revision), the PSWQ and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) to another subsample of 212 students. Also, 89 students filled in the OCI-R twice with two weeks in between. The factor structure of the instrument was replicated in a confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliabilities of the OCI-R total scale and all subscales were satisfactory. Further, the OCI-R total score showed a significantly higher correlation with the PI-WSUR and the MOCI than with the PSWQ or the MPS. Finally, conceptually similar scales of the OCI-R and the MOCI as well as the PI-WSUR showed higher inter-correlations than the correlations that were observed between conceptually more distinct scales. It is concluded that the Icelandic version of the OCI-R has strong psychometric properties in a student population.     

Behavior analysis and the primary prevention of occupational injuries

Contemporary cognitive models of obsessive‐compulsive disorder emphasize the importance of various types of dysfunctional beliefs, such as beliefs about inflated responsibility, perfectionism and the importance of controlling one's thoughts. These beliefs have been conceptualized as main effects, each influencing obsessive‐compulsive symptoms independent of the contributions of other beliefs. It is not known whether beliefs interact with one another in their influence on obsessive‐compulsive symptoms. To investigate this issue, data from 248 obsessive‐compulsive disorder patients were analyzed. Dependent variables were the factor scores on the 4 Padua Inventory subscales. Predictor variables were the factor scores from the 3 factors (inflated responsibility, perfectionism and controlling one's thoughts) of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire and their 2‐ and 3‐way interactions. Regression analyses revealed significant main effects; in almost all analyses one or more of inflated responsibility, perfectionism, and controlling one's thoughts factors predicted scores on the Padua factors even after controlling for general distress. There was no evidence that beliefs interact in their effects on obsessive‐compulsive symptoms, thereby providing a relatively unusual instance in which a simpler explanation (main effects only) is just as powerful as a more complex model.     

A multimethod analysis of selected self-esteem measures

This study investigated the convergent and discriminant validity of selected measures of global self-esteem and social self-esteem, using the multitrait-multimethod design. Orderliness was included as the third trait for appraising the discriminant validity of the self-esteem measures. Each trait was measured by three different methods: true-false self-report inventory, multipoint self-report inventory, and simple self-ratings. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (short form) were the selected measures of global self-esteem. The revised Janis-Field Feelings of Inadequacy Scale and the Self-esteem scale of the Jackson Personality Inventory were included as measures of social self-esteem, while orderliness measures included the Order scales from the Personality Research Form and Comrey Personality Scales. Results from the multitrait-multimethod matrix and the multimethod factor analysis of data based on 93 males and 103 females provided strong evidence for the convergent and discriminant validity of the various trait measures.     

An Examination of the Psychometric Properties of Holland's (1985) Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI), Using a British Sample

This study examines the psychometric properties of Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) using a diverse UK sample. Whilst an item analysis appears to be satisfactory, the factor analysis reveals seven, rather than the hypothesized six factors. A number of gender and cultural differences were found in the inventory; the bases for these are discussed and suggestions for improving the inventory items for a UK population are offered.     

Re-examining the factor structure of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory

This study re-examined the factor structure of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory developed by Facione and colleagues. Analysis showed that the four factors had some cross-validity with four factors in Walsh and Hardy's 1997 study. The results suggest the possibility of developing a more efficient short version of the inventory and calls for further improvement.     

Measuring emotional intelligence

The purposes of this study were (a) to develop a measure of emotional intelligence, the Emotional Intelligence Inventory and (b) to find the underlying dimensions of the inventory by testing 111 high school students at a bilingual college preparatory school. The inventory has 45 items. After excluding the four weakest items, the reliability coefficient alpha was .83. Subsequently, 319 junior and senior high school students at the same school were administered the 41 items. The reliability coefficient was .81. A maximum likelihood factor analysis with a varimax rotation yielded four factors of empathy, utilization of feelings, handling relationships, and self-control. Psychometric properties were sound, and the revised Emotional Intelligence Inventory can be recommended for use in the investigation of emotional intelligence.     

Relationship between two aspects of perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive symptoms

In this study was investigated the relationship between two aspects of perfectionism (Concern over Mistakes and Personal Standards) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. College students (57 men and 193 women: M age = 19.5 yr., SD = 1.9) majoring in psychology were from introductory psychology classes and a psychological assessment practice class. They completed the Padua Inventory, which assesses obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and the subscales of Concern over Mistakes and Personal Standards of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, which assess the tendency to be concerned about making mistakes and the tendency to set excessively high standards, respectively. Multiple regression analysis indicated that only the Concern over Mistakes scores predicted significantly all Padua Inventory subscale scores. Perhaps only being concerned over making mistakes may be associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The tendency to set high standards was not strongly correlated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Further, the relationship between setting high standards and having obsessive-compulsive symptoms reported in previous studies may be spurious. Further work is required to untangle these associations.     

The higher-order factor structures of five personality inventories

This study examined the internal higher-order structures of five personality inventories (the Hogan Personality Inventory, the Occupational Personality Questionnaire, the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, the Personality and Preferences Inventory, Profile Match). A sample of 356 individuals from the UK working population completed various combinations of the five inventories. Overall, the results indicated sensible and interpretable factor structures for the inventories. Cross-inventory factor analyses of the extracted factors revealed a variant of the Big Five model underpinning them, enabling examination of inventory convergence and divergence. Our study also examined and compared representations of the General Factor of Personality in each of the inventories.     

Effect of Item Level Social Desirability on Factor Structure Stability

This study examined the effect of item‐level social desirability as a threat to construct validity for both a five‐factor biodata and personality inventory. Seven hundred and five participants were randomly assigned to either an Answer Honestly or Faking condition. All participants completed a biodata inventory and a NEO‐Five‐Factor Inventory. Both inventories' items were divided by low/high social desirability value (SDV) scores and grouped together. Differences between samples' covariance matrices and factor structure fit were then analyzed. It was predicted that items grouped by low SDV compared with those grouped by high SDV, would result in smaller changes in covariance matrices across conditions, and more closely retain factor structures consistent with the Five‐Factor Model. Although the results of this study supported predictions that covariance matrices changed less for low‐SDV items, overall results indicate that item‐level social desirability did not degrade the factor structure.     

Validation studies of a multifactor cognitive-behavioral Anger Control Inventory

Two studies are reported on a new Anger Control Inventory based on a cognitive-behavioral person-situation interaction model. In Study 1, the inventory responses of 118 clinical subjects and 190 normal subjects were correlated with an anger problem criterion based on observable signs. Factor analyses were conducted to clarify the construct base of the inventory. In Study 2, comparisons were made between the inventory responses of 100 spouse batterers and 96 normal subjects. Significant differences between the pretreatment and posttreatment scores of 65 batterers given treatment in anger control were obtained on the inventory scales, which were found to be correlated with the problem criterion and discriminating between the clinical and normal groups. The construct validity and clinical utility of the Anger Control Inventory are discussed.     

领导力技能问卷的修订

以湖北省396名中学生为被试,在探索性因素分析的基础上对Carter等人1980年编制的领导力技能问卷进行了初步的修订。结果表明：修订后的领导力技能问卷具有良好的内部一致性和稳定性,且验证性因素分析也表明各分量表的结构拟合良好,达到了心理测量学标准。可作为评估中国青少年领导力技能的有效且可靠的工具进行使用。