Dimensionality of the Beck Anxiety Inventory in a Polytrauma Sample of OEF/OIF/OND Veterans: Findings From Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is commonly used as a screening instrument for symptoms of anxiety in clinical settings. The factor structure has been researched in a variety of different clinical settings with results ranging from a 2- to 5-factor structure. The purpose of this study was to explore the factor structure of this instrument in a polytrauma veteran sample. A sample of 304 veterans was used for this study. All subjects were administered the BAI screening measure as part of an evaluation in an outpatient polytrauma clinic. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for half of the sample, followed by confirmatory factor analysis for the remaining sample to determine the best model. Factor analyses revealed that a 5-factor model provided a best fit. It is interesting to note that previously identified models of the BAI with other types of samples did not provide the best fit for this polytrauma sample. The BAI may provide additional information for clinicians when examining the 5-factor model with veterans in polytrauma settings. The factor structure of the BAI includes 1 factor (i.e., personal safety) that may be unique for veterans who have served in combat zones.     

Psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in general population

This is the first study that provides normative, reliability, factor validity and discriminant validity data of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; Beck, Epstein, Brown, & Steer, 1988) in the Spanish general population, Sanz and Navarro's (2003) Spanish version of the BAI was administered to 249 adults. Factor analyses suggested that the BAI taps a general anxiety dimension comprising two related factors (somatic and affective-cognitive symptoms), but these factors hardly explained any additional variance and, therefore, little information is lost in considering only full-scale scores. Internal consistency estimate for the BAI was high (alpha = .93). The BAI was correlated .63 with the BDI-II and .32 with the Trait-Anger scale of the STAXI 2, but a factor analysis of their items revealed three factors, suggesting that the correlations between the instruments may be better accounted for by relationships between anxiety, depression, and anger, than by problems of discriminant validity. The mean BAI total score and the distribution of BAI scores were similar to those found in other countries. BAI norm scores for the community sample were provided from the total sample and from the male and female subsamples, as females scored higher than males. The utility of these scores for assessing clinical significance of treatment outcomes for anxiety is discussed.     

The Beck Anxiety Inventory: Psychometric Properties with Older Adults

The assessment of anxiety disorders in late life is often hindered by the lack of measures specifically validated with older adults. Because anxiety manifestations may vary across age groups, it is important to design new instruments or validate existing measures with older adults. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in a sample of 281 older adults who were community-dwelling (82.6%) or living in residential care facilities (17.4%). The mean total BAI score was 6.5 (SD = 7.2), indicating minimal anxiety symptomatology in this older sample. There was a trend for older subjects to score higher. Females scored higher than males, and subjects living in a residential facility scored higher than did community dwellers. Item-total correlations were in the moderate range and the internal consistency of the BAI was adequate (alpha = 0.89). A factor analysis yielded a six-factor structure accounting for 64.6% of the variance, with a somatic factor accounting for the largest portion of the variance (32.2%). Because somatic symptoms are more prevalent with aging, such symptoms should not be weighed as heavily in the total BAI score as cognitive or behavioral symptoms. The findings indicate that the BAI is a useful self-report scale for assessing anxiety symptomatology among older adults.     

Convergent,Discriminant, and Incremental Validities of Person–Environment Fit Scale for Creativity in Predicting Innovative Behavior

This study examined the validity of a 14-item two-factor person–environment fit scale for creativity (PEFSC) to measure the personal and environmental components of creativity. A sample of 2,475 participants completed the PEFSC for evaluating the factor structure. For convergent, discriminant, and incremental validities, a subsample (N = 362) completed the creative self-efficacy scale, support for innovation subscale of the team climate inventory, and innovative behavior measure. Results indicated the two-factor correlated model showed a better goodness of fit than the one-factor model. Measurement invariance of PEFSC was observed across different genders and educational groups. Internal consistency reliabilities were satisfactory (α  ≥  .87). The personal dimension indicated stronger associations with creative self-efficacy than with support for innovation, whereas the environmental dimension was related more closely to support for innovation than to creative self-efficacy. Incremental validity was confirmed by significant and additional explanations from PEFSC in predicting innovative behavior. These results consolidated the application of person–environment fit theoretical framework in creativity research.     

Exploring the Dimensionality of "Religiosity" and "Spirituality" in the Fetzer Multidimensional Measure

Reliable and valid measures of religiosity and spiritual dimensions appropriate for ethnically diverse groups are needed. I examine the factor structure of the relatively new Fetzer multidimensional measure (Fetzer Institute 1999). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) of national data collected in the 1998 General Social Survey are conducted to (1) test the fit of the proposed dimensionality of the Fetzer measure, specifically comparing the Fetzer structure with a simpler single-factor model suggested by preliminary exploratory factor analyses; and (2) evaluate ethnic differences in factor structure of the Fetzer items. Data from 1,201 adults, 1,019 whites and 182 African Americans, are examined to compare the fit of the multidimensional Fetzer model against an alternative single-factor ("unitary spirituality") model. CFA analyses indicated that only the Fetzer models had acceptable fit indices (NFI and/or NNFI approaching or reaching 0.90). Ethnic differences in loadings, while significant, were not substantively different. These findings suggest that a multidimensional measure like the Fetzer is useful for multiethnic research and that combining the daily spirituality and values/beliefs dimensions into a single factor provides a simpler model overall (compared to the Fetzer model separating these dimensions out) while providing acceptable fit.     

Does the Beck Anxiety Inventory measure anything beyond panic attack symptoms?

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) has become a popular measure in anxiety assessment and the BAI does not overlap in content with measures of depression. There is also some factor analytic evidence to support this distinction. However, an inspection of the BAI's content indicates that many of its items resemble, or are identical to, the symptoms of panic attacks listed in the DSM-IV. Further empirical support for this suspicion is provided from the results of a factor analysis of the BAI items and the individual DSM-IV panic symptoms contained in the Panic Attack Questionnaire, using data from a sample of 157 panic disorder patients. A three-factor model (dizziness related, catastrophic cognitions/fear, cardiorespiratory distress) emerged that replicated a three-factor model of panic symptoms identified in earlier work with another panic disorder sample. All but one of the BAI items loaded highly on the three panic symptom clusters and no separate BAI factor was obtained. The BAI appears to be confounded with, or actually measures, panic attacks rather than anxiety in general. Several implications of this finding are discussed.     

Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Hispanics: Symptom Characteristics and Prediction of Severity

Literature suggests that an increasing number of Hispanic people suffer with GAD, and possible associated problems include high costs for treatment and elevated risk of severe impairment. The current study examined components of anxiety, as measured by currently available assessment instruments in both English and Spanish languages, among bilingual Hispanic individuals with GAD. Participants completed all instruments in both languages. Relations between these self-report measures and clinician-rated GAD severity were also studied. In factor analyses, the Spanish measures yielded two factors, the first of which included all instruments assessing physiological components of anxiety and one content specific measure of worry. The second factor included one worry scale and one trait anxiety scale. The English measures yielded a single factor solution. Regression analyses revealed that for the English measures, the BAI and PSWQ were statistically significant predictors of GAD severity. For the Spanish measures, the BAI was the only statistically significant predictor.     

Cultural Awareness and Ethnic Loyalty: Dimensions of Cultural Variability Among Mexican American College Students

This study examined the adequacy of Keefe and Padilla's (1987) model of cultural orientation on a sample of Mexican American students enrolled either in a technical college (N= 125) or a state university (N= 239) in southern Texas. Specifically, the goodness of fit of the factor model for the Cultural Awareness and Ethnic Loyalty scales was tested using confirmatory factor analyses. Results indicated an excellent fit for the model, which suggests that cultural variables among Mexican American college students may be described in terms of these two dimensions. Implications of these findings for research and counseling with Mexican American populations are discussed.     

The development of the Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale

The majority of the measures of religious practice and belief found in the literature are for persons of the Christian faith; such measures for Muslims are scarce. As examining the role of religion in relation to alcohol consumption is difficult because of the lack of appropriate measures, in the current study, a brief measure of practice and belief for persons of the Islamic faith was developed. Arab Muslims living the United Arab Emirates and Oman (n = 611) and Asian Muslims living in Malaysia and Indonesia (n = 303) were surveyed. The Short Muslim Practice and Belief scale (Short-MPBS) was subjected to exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. These analyses indicated a 9-item measure with a two-factor structure was a good fit of the data. Internal consistency (α = 0.83) and validity were good. Participants who scored higher on the measure were likely to be lifelong alcohol abstainers.     

The Role of Person‐Culture Fit in Chinese Students' Cultural Adjustment in the United States: A Galileo Mental Model Approach

This article used a Galileo multidimensional scaling model to explain how intercultural communication affected sojourners' wellbeing in their host culture through the convergence of the mental models between sojourners and host nationals with whom the sojourners communicated. Participants were 126 sojourning Chinese in the United States and 30 associated domestic Americans. Data were collected shortly after the Chinese sojourners arrived in the United States and again 3 months later. A measure of person‐culture fit was generated by comparing each Chinese sojourner's mental model with the aggregate mental model of the associated domestic Americans. Results showed that the amount of intercultural communication had a significant effect on person‐culture fit, in turn affecting sojourners' adaptation outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.     

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale

This paper reports an examination of the factor structure of Orbach's Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale (MAST) utilizing confirmatory factor analytic techniques. Participants were 215 undergraduate students ranging in age from 18 to 20 who completed the MAST, the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire, and a self-harmful behavior scale. Support was found for the original factor structure, reliability, and validity of the MAST. A correlated model fit the data significantly better than an uncorrelated model. The results of this study indicate that the MAST is a valid and reliable measure appropriate for use with college-aged individuals for research purposes. Because the correlated model fit the data better than the uncorrelated, we suggest that future studies should attempt to replicate this finding, which would lead to a reexamination of the theory which underlies the MAST.     

An exploratory investigation of the reliability and validity of the Independent-Interdependent Problem-Solving Style Scale

The Independent-Interdependent Problem-Solving Scale is based on Cross et al.'s conceptualisation of relational-interdependent self-construal. The IIPSS provides a relatively context-free measure of people's tendencies to solve problems independently or with the help of others. Because previous investigations have not provided extensive evidence for the reliability and validity of the IIPSS, the current research aimed to test the psychometric properties of this novel measure. Investigations of four student samples (combined N = 1157) and one sample comprised of academic researchers (N = 198) generally supported the reliability and validity of the IIPSS. Exploratory factor analysis of IIPSS items yielded a single factor structure. However, confirmatory factor analyses did not demonstrate good model fit for the one factor solution and instead yielded good model fit for two underlying factors. The IIPSS showed adequate test–retest reliability and predicted positive associations with social personality traits. It also showed no significant associations with measures of demand characteristics and social desirability. Future research needs to be undertaken to further assess the factor structure and address shortcomings of the present research such as utilising objective data in addition to self-reports to assess the scale's validity.     

Psychometric properties of the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA): comparison to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)

The State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA; M. J. Ree, C. MacLeod, D. French, & V. Locke, 2000) was designed to assess cognitive and somatic symptoms of anxiety as they pertain to one's mood in the moment (state) and in general (trait). This study extended the previous psychometric findings to a clinical sample and validated the STICSA against a well-published measure of anxiety, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; C. D. Spielberger, 1983). Patients (N=567) at an anxiety disorders clinic were administered a battery of questionnaires. The results of confirmatory factor analyses (Bentler-Bonnett nonnormed fit index, comparative fit index, and Bollen fit index>.90; root-mean-square error of approximation<.05); convergent and discriminant validity analyses; and group comparisons supported the reliability and validity of the STICSA as a measure of state and trait cognitive and somatic anxiety. In addition, compared with the STAI (anxiety: rs/=.64), the STICSA was more strongly correlated with another measure of anxiety (rs>/=.67) and was less strongly correlated with a measure of depression (rs相似文献   

The Beck Anxiety Inventory in nonclinical samples: Initial psychometric properties

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was recently developed to assess clinical anxiety. Because one of its main features is a focus upon physiological sequelae of anxiety, the inventory may prove useful in nonclinical samples as well. The current paper provides initial psychometric properties with a nonclinical sample. Two studies are presented. The first presents scores and factor structure. A five factor solution was obtained, with one subjective and four somatic factors accounting for approximately 60% of the variance. The second study utilizes the total and factor scores to assess concordance with physiological responding. The total BAI correlated moderately with several physiological domains and with subjective distress. Factor scores were not consistently correlated with corresponding physiological domains. When subjects were divided into high- and low-anxiety groups, the relationships between self-report and physiological response increased in subjects with higher levels of anxiety. Results are discussed in terms of comparing clinical and nonclinical findings, use of the BAI in nonclinical samples, and future research.This research was supported in part by a grant to the first author from the Commission on Academic Excellence, University of Louisville.     

Emotions,positive self-regulation and resilience. Development and validation of alternative theoretical models and its assessment instrument / Emociones,autorregulación positiva y resiliencia. Desarrollo y validación de modelos teóricos alternativos y su instrumento de evaluación

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the organization of emotion coping strategies that reflect positive emotional self-regulation through the contrast of four theoretical models, as well as the relationship between such strategies and resilience. With this aim, the Positive Emotional Self-regulation Questionnaire (PEMSR-Q) for adolescents was developed. A total of 336 secondary school students formed the sample. In order to analyse model fit, four confirmatory factor analyses were realized (a one-factor model/a-three factors model/a hierarchical model/a bifactor model), as well as correlation and regression analyses to determine its concurrent validity. Results have shown that the bi-factor model has the best fit. Besides, the combination of positive self-regulation strategies and problem-focused strategies is associated with better resilience. These results underlie the importance of helping adolescents to develop and use positive self-regulation strategies to increase their resilience.     

Further Evidence of the Reliability and Validity of the Multidimensional Anxiety

The psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) were examined in adolescent psychiatric inpatient samples. In Study 1 (n = 287), confirmatory factor analyses provided satisfactory fit for the four-factor (comparative fit index; CFI = 0.856) and higher-order (CFI = 0.854) solutions. Using parcels as items, the fit of the four-factor model was improved substantially (CFI = 0.935). Next, in the bifactor analyses, support was attained for a model that included a general factor and four domain specific subfactors. In Study 2 (n = 195 inpatient youths), the MASC showed good scale reliability and concurrent validity. Results of the receiver operating characteristic curve and binary logistic regression analyses provided adequate evidence for discriminative validity. In Study 3 (n = 40), test–retest reliability of scores on the MASC-10 scale over a 3-week period was adequate (r _tt = 0.83, p < 0.001) for children ages 8 to 11 years.     

Construct validity of the medical specialty preference inventory: A critical analysis

The Medical Specialty Preference Inventory (MSPI; Zimny, G.H. (1979). Manual for the Medical Specialty Preference Inventory. St. Louis, MO: St. Louis University School of Medicine), a measure of medical students’ interests, was substantively and empirically examined to identify an underlying factor structure. A factor model for the original MSPI based on 38 factors in five general areas was evaluated on a national sample of 1014 medical students and yielded poor fit to the data. Exploratory factor analyses at the item level utilizing the full pool of MSPI items produced an 11 factor solution with 88 items. Sub-scales were identified within this model and an 11-18 higher-order model and an 18 sub-scale model also were proposed. The relative fits of the three models were evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis with the 18 sub-scale model shown to be superior. This model was cross-validated on a separate sample of 1016 medical students and fit the data well. All sub-scales exhibited adequate internal consistency across samples. These findings support the need for a revised MSPI based on 18 scales. Implications of these findings for MSPI scoring practices are discussed along with future directions.     

Factorial validity of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) across occupational groups in Norway

Nerstad, C.G.L., Richardsen, A.M. & Martinussen, M. (2009). Factorial validity of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) across occupational groups in Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. The present study investigated the factorial validity of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) among 1266 participants from ten different occupational groups. Confirmatory factor analyses of the total sample, as well as multi‐group analyses and analyses of each of the ten occupational groups separately, indicated that a three‐dimensional model of both the UWES‐17 and the short version, UWES‐9, provided a better fit to the data than a one‐ and two‐dimensional model. The results of multi‐group analyses and analyses of each of the groups separately, indicated that with a few exceptions, the three‐factor model of work engagement provided the best fit. Results indicated factorial invariance and the internal consistencies were acceptable. The fit of the UWES‐9 was slightly better than the UWES‐17. It is concluded that the Norwegian short version may be recommended over the UWES‐17.     

Factor solutions of the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) in a Swedish population

Culturally validated rating scales for social anxiety disorder (SAD) are of significant importance when screening for the disorder, as well as for evaluating treatment efficacy. This study examined construct validity and additional psychometric properties of two commonly used scales, the Social Phobia Scale and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, in a clinical SAD population (n?=?180) and in a normal population (n?=?614) in Sweden. Confirmatory factor analyses of previously reported factor solutions were tested but did not reveal acceptable fit. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) of the joint structure of the scales in the total population yielded a two-factor model (performance anxiety and social interaction anxiety), whereas EFA in the clinical sample revealed a three-factor solution, a social interaction anxiety factor and two performance anxiety factors. The SPS and SIAS showed good to excellent internal consistency, and discriminated well between patients with SAD and a normal population sample. Both scales showed good convergent validity with an established measure of SAD, whereas the discriminant validity of symptoms of social anxiety and depression could not be confirmed. The optimal cut-off score for SPS and SIAS were 18 and 22 points, respectively. It is concluded that the factor structure and the additional psychometric properties of SPS and SIAS support the use of the scales for assessment in a Swedish population.     

The role of risk perception in explaining parental sunscreen use

Objective: This study assessed: (1) whether risk perceptions about skin cancer were related to parent's use of sunscreen on their children; (2) which combination of assessments susceptibility and severity best explain parental sunscreen protection behaviours and (3) whether risk perceptions influence behaviour directly through intentions or through attitudes, subjective norms and self-efficacy.

Design: Two longitudinal studies assessed sunscreen protection behaviours of parents for their toddlers (N?=?391) and young children (N?=?436).

Main outcome measure: Parent's use of sunscreen on their children.

Results: Risk perceptions correlated with future sunscreen protection behaviours of parents but were lower than those of attitude, social influence and self-efficacy. Treating susceptibility and severity as an additive function resulted in the best model fit. Risk perceptions were related with future intention and future sunscreen protection behaviour, but the effects were mediated through attitude, social influence and self-efficacy.

Conclusions: Our path analyses suggest treating susceptibility and severity as an additive function. A multiplicative model without main effects – although often used – had the poorest fit. Risk perceptions influence behaviour by influencing attitudinal and self-efficacy beliefs. Addressing risk perceptions in health communication programs is relevant when the purpose is to increase awareness and to influence attitudes and self-efficacy.