Initial development and validity evidence for the processes of change in Psychological Skills Training Questionnaire

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to create and provide validity evidence for the Processes of Change in Psychological Skills Training Questionnaire (PCPSTQ).DesignThe current study used a cross-sectional research design.MethodsFive hundred fifty nine NCAA Division I, professional, and Olympic level athletes participated in the current study. To create the PCPSTQ, an initial pool of 114 items was generated by the research team. After a content validity process, 65 items were retained for analysis. Exploratory structural equation modeling was used as an analytic strategy to identify the most appropriate factor structure for the PCPSTQ. Decisions about the most appropriate model were made using multiple fit indices. To examine the construct validity of the PCPSTQ, a series of one-way ANOVAs were conducted to examine differences in processes of change use across stage of change.ResultsIn the current study, validity evidence provided support for a 7-factor process of change measure (χ² = 325.84, p < .001; Comparative Fit Index = .971; Tucker Lewis Index = .945; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .037; Standard Root Mean Square Residual = .020). Results also supported the construct validity of the scale as a significant difference in process of change use across stage of change was reported for all seven processes.ConclusionsResults of the current study support the factor structure and construct validity of the PCPSTQ. It appears that the processes of behavior change reported across multiple behavior change domains might also be viable for sport psychology professionals.     

Hierarchy and the Meaning of Working

Abstract

This study investigated the meaning of working for subjects from three levels of an organizational hierarchy. Staff members of a high technology manufacturing organization were surveyed using an abridged version of the Meaning of Working Questionnaire. Five central aspects of the ‘meaning of working’ concept were explored using this instrument, namely Work Centrality, Work Role Identification, Valued Working Outcomes, Societal Norms about Working, and Work Goals. Results show a high level of shared perceptions by members of the three hierarchical levels on ‘meaning of working’ variables, a finding which is at odds with past research, which for the most part indicates clear hierarchal effects. Such findings are discussed within the context of the internal processes of the organization as well as in a specific industry-wide framework.     

An Early History of Multiple Criteria Decision Making

This historical note is based on a plenary talk ‘A History of Early Developments in Multiple Criteria Decision Making’, presented by Stanley Zionts at the 21st International Conference on Multiple Criteria Decision Making held in Jyväskylä, Finland, June 2011. It draws heavily on our book, Multiple Criteria Decision Making: From Early History to the 21st Century, published by World Scientific, Singapore, 2011. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An interview to measure vital exhaustion. I. development and comparison with the maastricht questionnaire

Abstract

This article presents an interview designed to measure vital exhaustion (VE), a state characterized by unusual fatigue, increased irritability and feelings of demoralization, which has been found to be a short-term risk indicator of myocardial infarction (MI). This state can be measured by means of the Maastricht Questionnaire (MQ). However, the MQ was found to have some major shortcomings for the selection of subjects for laboratory or clinical investigations. For this reason we designed an interview to assess VE. To test the hypothesis that the interview registers prodromal feelings of MI, the interview was administered to a sample of 81 males who were hospitalized because of a first myocardial infarction (mean age 55.6 years; sd 6.8) and a sample of 168 healthy males (mean age 54.9 years; sd 6.9). Mean scores of cases and controls differed significantly (7.8; sd 6.0 and 3.6; sd 4.0, respectively; t=5.65; p=.000). Mean scores on the questionnaire discriminated significantly too, but the discriminating power was much lower (t=2.31; p=.02). The article gives detailed instructions on the way in which the interview should be administered and scored.     

Prediction of end-of-life fears in COPD – hoping for the best but preparing for the worst

Objective: The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness can trigger end-of-life fears. Early studies show that end-of-life fears play an important role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, predictors of these fears have not yet been identified. This study investigated the relevance of socio-demographic variables, illness severity, psychological distress and disease-specific anxieties as predictors of end-of-life fears in COPD.

Design: A total of 131 COPD patients participated at two time points. Regression and mediation analyses, as well as cross-lagged panel analyses were conducted.

Main outcome measures: The participants completed questionnaires assessing end-of-life fears (Multidimensional Orientation toward Dying and Death Inventory), psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and disease-specific anxieties (COPD Anxiety Questionnaire). Pulmonary function and a 6-min walk test served as measures of illness severity.

Results: Illness severity was not predictive of end-of-life fears. However, gender and psychological distress explained incremental variance. When disease-specific anxieties were included as additional predictors, psychological distress was no longer significant. Cross-lagged panel analyses mostly supported these results. Moreover, disease-specific anxieties mediated the association between psychological distress and end-of-life fears.

Conclusion: Administration and intensity of end-of-life care (especially concerning end-of-life fears) in COPD patients should be based not only on illness severity, but rather on psychological distress and disease-specific anxieties.     

Negative affectivity moderated by preterm birth predicted toddlers’ behavior problems

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the predictive effect of temperament moderated by preterm childbirth on behavioral problems in toddlerhood.MethodThe sample comprised 100 toddlers of 18–36 months of chronological age and their mothers. They were divided into two groups: 50 toddlers born preterm and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PT group), and 50 toddlers born full-term (FT group) and recruited from day-care centers. Mothers completed questionnaires about toddlers’ temperament and behavior. The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire was used to assess temperament, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1¹/²–5) to evaluate the total, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the moderation effects of preterm childbirth and temperament factors after controlling for toddlers’ age and socioeconomic level.ResultsThere was a moderation effect between preterm childbirth and temperament. Temperament with more Negative Affectivity, moderated by preterm birth, and less Effortful Control explained the total, internalizing, and externalizing behavior problems.ConclusionThe findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of preterm childbirth and the dispositional traits of temperament on behavioral problems of toddlers born preterm.     

French Adaptation and Validation of The Bullying Attitude Questionnaire in a sample of Primary School Teachers

IntroductionTeachers are the most likely people to intervene in bullying situations in primary schools. An effective and inexpensive way to measure the quality of their interventions during these incidents is the hypothetical scenario. However, there is no such validated measurement tool available in French.ObjectiveThe study objective was therefore to translate, adapt, and validate The Bullying Attitude Questionnaire among francophone primary school teachers.MethodThe participants were 37 female primary school teachers who completed the adapted version of The Bullying Attitude Questionnaire, translated in French by bilingual experts, as well as other scales used as external criteria.ResultsThe translated and adapted version of The Bullying Attitude Questionnaire showed good concurrent validity. Moreover, previous study conclusions using the same measurement tool were replicated in this study.ConclusionHypothetical scenarios represent a convenient way to measure the quality of teacher's interventions in bullying situations. In line with previous studies, teachers tend to perceive relational aggression as less severe than physical and verbal aggression. In such situations, they are less empathetic toward the victims, less upset with the perpetrator, and less likely to intervene.     

Adolescent stress: Evaluation of the factor structure of the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ‐N)

Moksnes, U. K., Byrne, D. G., Mazanov, J. & Espnes, G. A. (2010). Adolescent stress: Evaluation of the factor structure of the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ‐N). Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 51, 203–209. The present study reports an evaluation of the factor structure of the Norwegian version of the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ‐N) among 723 students. Principal components analysis (PCA) revealed nine internally consistent dimensions of adolescent stress. Scales constructed from this PCA correlated positively with measures of depression and anxiety and negatively with self‐esteem. Girls reported higher stress levels than boys in seven of the nine scales and age was also positively correlated with the scale scores of adolescent stress. The results revealed that the instrument has potential for measuring adolescent stress. The stability of the ASQ‐N needs to be tested repeatedly, across cohorts and over time, to establish the adequacy for use in Norwegian adolescent studies.     

Evaluation of a Swedish version of the Job Stress Survey

The present study assesses and evaluates the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the Job Stress Survey (JSS; Spielberger, 1991; Spielberger & Vagg, 1999). This instrument is constructed to measure generic sources of occupational stress encountered by employees in a wide variety of work settings, settings that often result in psychological strain. The JSS was administered to metal assembly industry workers and medical service personnel in northern Sweden (n= 1186). The exploratory factor analysis showed that there is a high similarity between the present Swedish version and the original American version. Internal reliabilities of the scales, as well as test-retest reliabilities were shown to be high, and concurrent validity, as examined by comparisons with the Perceived Stress Questionnaire Index (Levenstein et al., 1993) was found to be satisfactory. The consistency of these findings is discussed with particular focus on groups of employees, gender, and cross-cultural evaluations.     

The Coping Strategies Questionnaire – Swedish Version: Evidence of Reliability and Validity in Patients with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a Swedish version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire in patients with fibromyalgia. A total of 275 patients from 4 sites in Sweden filled out the questionnaire and other health status and quality of life instruments at the beginning of treatment programs. A total of 28 subjects at 1 site served as wait-listed controls for 12 weeks. Cronbach's Alpha for the subscales ranged from 0.3 3 to 0.86. Coping Strategies Questionnaire subscales correlated significantly with other scales. The treated group had significant positive changes on several Coping Strategies Questionnaire subscales. Principal components analysis found a 3-factor solution consisting of cognitive coping/suppression, pain control/rational thinking and behavioral activity. Analysis by item replicated 4 of the 8 subscales. A further principal components analysis using 27 items replicated an earlier 6-factor solution. The Swedish version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire has subscales that are reliable, valid and sensitive to change in patients with fibromyalgia.     

Factorial structure of the perceived stress scale and implications for scoring

IntroductionThe 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a brief, widely-used measure of perceived stressful experiences that evaluates the degree to which people perceive their lives as unpredictable, uncontrollable or overloaded.ObjectiveThe present study examined the factor structure of the Greek version of the PSS-10.MethodUsing a representative sample of 320 adults from Cyprus, alternative confirmatory factor analytic models were compared to specifically assess bidimensional versus unidimensional specifications for the scale.ResultsA bifactor model with a general factor which loads on all items and a specific one which loads on positively-worded items that capture the notion of self-efficacy to deal with stressful situations, was found to fit well to the data, while providing evidence of a robust latent factor of general distress. Reliability and construct validity evidence with multiple criterion variables were also examined.ConclusionsAlthough a simple unidimensional specification has not been empirically supported in previous research, bifactor modeling exemplifies the extent of multidimensionality and implies that a single score may be reliably used for practical purposes.     

Assessment of job stress factors in a context of organizational change

IntroductionResearch consistently showed that stress and organizational change are closely related.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to identify the psychosocial job characteristics that are responsible for psychological stress in a context of organizational change.MethodAn expanded 30-item version of the Job Content Questionnaire was used to measure psychological demands, decision latitude, supervisor support, coworker support, and organizational difficulties. Online survey responses from 973 employees from the university of Strasbourg were analyzed.ResultsConfirmatory Factor Analyses indicated a poor fit of the five-factor model based on 30 items but an acceptable to good fit of a reduced five-factor model based on 26 items. Results from a stepwise regression showed that the organizational difficulties dimension was the second most important predictor of psychological stress.ConclusionThe implications of these findings for further work on health outcomes of organizational changes closed this study.     

Assessing Approximate Fit in Categorical Data Analysis

A family of Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) statistics is proposed for assessing the goodness of approximation in discrete multivariate analysis with applications to item response theory (IRT) models. The family includes RMSEAs to assess the approximation up to any level of association of the discrete variables. Two members of this family are RMSEA₂, which uses up to bivariate moments, and the full information RMSEA_n. The RMSEA₂ is estimated using the M₂ statistic of Maydeu-Olivares and Joe (2005, 2006), whereas for maximum likelihood estimation, RMSEA_n is estimated using Pearson's X² statistic. Using IRT models, we provide cutoff criteria of adequate, good, and excellent fit using the RMSEA₂. When the data are ordinal, we find a strong linear relationship between the RMSEA₂ and the Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual goodness-of-fit index. We are unable to offer cutoff criteria for the RMSEA_n as its population values decrease as the number of variables and categories increase.     

Validation of the French version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) among diabetes and HIV patients

IntroductionBecause changing personal beliefs about treatment could help improve adherence, having a validated tool for identifying these beliefs is important.ObjectiveThis study sought to validate the French version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ-f^©).MethodData were gathered among 253 patients with type 2 diabetes and 123 HIV patients with the help of self-reported questionnaires, including the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, a French adherence assessment, and some demographic variables.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses show the French version of the BMQ has the same factorial structure as the English original in both diabetes and HIV samples. All items load on their expected factor namely specific-necessity, specific-concern, general-harm, and general-overuse. Moreover, each scale revealed good internal consistency and retained the psychometric qualities of the original version. These satisfactory properties were consolidated by predictive validity data that demonstrate the impact of treatment beliefs on adherence levels.ConclusionFindings are discussed in light of previous diabetes and HIV studies. The French BMQ proved to be a good way of quickly identifying inaccurate beliefs about treatment. It could be a useful tool in French clinical practice, such as in patient education.     

The Chinese Version of the Revised Creativity Domain Questionnaire (CDQ‐R): First Evidence for its Factorial Validity and Systematic Association with the Big Five

The present study examines the factor structure of a Chinese version of the Revised Creativity Domain Questionnaire (CDQ‐R; Kaufman, Waterstreet, Ailaouni, Whitcomb, Roe, & Riggs, 2009) as well as its relation to Big Five personality traits within a Chinese sample (N = 787). Analyses indicate the appropriateness of the Chinese version of the CDQ‐R in terms of internal consistency, factorial validity as well as convergent and divergent validity concerning the Big Five personality factors. Revealing some culture‐specific variation, confirmatory factor analysis indicated a slight superiority of a five‐factor model for this Chinese sample over the existing four‐factor model established with American samples. This higher level of differentiation in terms of one factor of the creativity domain could be explained on the basis of the specific characteristics of the Chinese culture.     

Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire parent form

ABSTRACT

The Alabama Parenting Questionnaire parent form (APQ-P) is one of the most commonly used measures to assess parenting practices. The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the APQ-P using a community sample of 499 Portuguese mothers of children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed adequate psychometric properties of a three-factor model (positive parenting, ineffective parenting, and poor monitoring) in a solution of 20-items. After comparing the three-factor model across children’s age groups (≤13 vs. ≥14), partial metric and partial scalar invariance were found. Items loadings were similar between groups for ineffective parenting and poor monitoring, and factor scores were similar between groups for positive parenting. The 20-item version can be an appropriate measure of parenting, relevant for research and intervention purposes. Future studies should validate the current findings in independent samples, and devote particular attention to different parenting practices across different children’s age groups.     

Cultural Adaptation,Translation and Validation of Tuberculosis Specific Health Related Quality of Life Measuring Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Tuberculosis (FACIT-TB) Scale in Sri Lanka

The aim of the present study was to culturally adapt, translate and validate the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy tuberculosis (FACIT-TB) scale with a view to assess health related quality of life among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Sri Lanka. The cultural adaptation was performed by Delphi method. The translation into Sinhala (the local Sri Lankan dialect) was carried out through forward–backward translation method by five translators. A multidisciplinary team of experts assessed the Sinhala FACIT-TB scale for its content validity. The construct validity, the reliability and the acceptability of the scale were determined by conducting a validation study among 225 pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The confirmatory factor analysis technique was used to assess the construct validity. The reliability was assessed through internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha and test re- test reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient after one week of assessment. The FACIT-TB showed adequate content validity. The confirmatory factor analysis yielded high fit indices with the original five factor model of FACIT-TB: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) =0.05, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMSR) =0.07, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) =0.94 and Non –Normal Fit Index (NNFI) =0.94. Reliability showed high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding the Nunnally’s criteria of 0.7 and all factors of the scale showed high test-retest reliability with intra-class correlation coefficient exceeding 0.7. Overall the FACIT-TB Sinhala version showed adequate validity to assess health related quality of life among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Sri Lanka.

     

The roles of exercise tolerance and resilience in the effect of physical activity on emotional states among college students

Background/objectiveNegative emotional states, such as depression, anxiety, and stress challenge health care due to their long-term consequences for mental disorders. Accumulating evidence indicates that regular physical activity (PA) can positively influence negative emotional states. Among possible candidates, resilience and exercise tolerance in particular have the potential to partly explain the positive effects of PA on negative emotional states. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between PA and negative emotional states, and further determine the mediating effects of exercise tolerance and resilience in such a relationship.MethodIn total, 1117 Chinese college students (50.4% female, M_age=18.90, SD=1.25) completed a psychosocial battery, including the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF). Regression analysis was used to identify the serial multiple mediation, controlling for gender, age and BMI.ResultsPA, exercise intensity-tolerance, and resilience were significantly negatively correlated with negative emotional states (Ps<.05). Further, exercise tolerance and resilience partially mediated the relationship between PA and negative emotional states.ConclusionsResilience and exercise intensity-tolerance can be achieved through regularly engaging in PA, and these newly observed variables play critical roles in prevention of mental illnesses, especially college students who face various challenges. Recommended amount of PA should be incorporated into curriculum or sport clubs within a campus environment.     

Validation française d’une échelle d’anxiété spécifique à la grossesse (PRAQ-R2)

ObjectivesPregnancy specific anxiety (PSA) may have many consequences on the health of the unborn child and the mother. Nowadays, in French, there is no validated tool to measure it. The aim of this study is to validate the French version of the Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ-R2). This 10 items scale measures three PSA dimensions: worries about child health, fear of giving birth and concern about own appearance.MethodsAfter a translation and a back-translation step, the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale were assessed in 160 pregnant women recruited online. Convergent validity (STAI-Y) and correlates of the construct were also examined.ResultsThe model fit indices are satisfactory, confirming the three- factor structure of the PRAQ-R2 in its French version. The dimensions and the total scores have a good internal consistency (α > .80), and convergent validity was also demonstrated.ConclusionThe PRAQ-R2 is the first tool designed to measure PSA and validated in France. This French validation has promising psychometric qualities. However, its discriminant validity and stability remain to be explored.     

Exploring the association of the Comprehensive Trail Making Test with driving indexes in patients with Parkinson’s disease

The Trail Making test (TMT) has been identified as predictor of driving ability in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, previous research has not explored the effectiveness of an alternative version of the TMT, namely of the Comprehensive Trail Making Test (CTMT; Reynolds, 2002) to show associations with measures related to driving fitness. Main objective of the current work was to evaluate the capacity of the CTMT to detect associations with fitness to drive related measures in patients with PD. Inclusion criteria were the presence of a valid driver’s license, regular car driving, a CDR score ≤ 0.5, and a Hoehn & Yahr score between 1 and 3. Twelve individuals with PD (Age: Mean = 63.75, SD = 10.50) and 12 cognitively intact individuals (Age: Mean = 63.50, SD = 10.43) were introduced in the study. Collection of data included a comprehensive neurological/neuropsychological assessment and a driving simulation experiment. Certain subtests of the CTMT were more strongly associated with a variety of driving indexes in individuals with PD as compared to the original TMT. In addition, according to the stepwise regression models that were applied, the CTMT was recognized as a more effective predictor of driving behavior than the TMT. The pattern of findings that was observed supports the usefulness of CTMT on detecting associations with fitness to drive related-measures in patients with PD. Underlying factors that may explain the effectiveness of the CTMT could be related to the greater variety of set shifting and inhibition processes that this alternative option integrates as compared to the original TMT.