Examining the Factor Structure and Discriminant Validity of the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) Among Spanish Postpartum Women

In this study, the authors tested alternative factor models of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in a sample of Spanish postpartum women, using confirmatory factor analysis. The authors report the results of modeling three different methods for scoring the GHQ-12 using estimation methods recommended for categorical and binary data. A discriminant function analysis was also performed to test the utility of a multiple factor model. A two-phase cross-sectional study was designed: (a) 1,453 women visiting at 6 weeks postpartum completed the GHQ-12 and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire and (b) based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale outcomes, participants were stratified and randomly selected within each stratum for clinical evaluation. Using the Likert-type scoring approach, Hankins's one-factor model with "method effects" obtained the best fit. In addition, Graetz's three-factor model provided little discrimination between diagnostic groups, the factors being highly correlated. These results support the presence of only one latent factor in the GHQ-12.     

A Comparison Between Comprehensive System and an Early Version of the Rorschach Performance Assessment System Administration With Outpatient Children and Adolescents

For many years, the effects of variability in the length of Rorschach records has been debated, and a new administration procedure aimed at reducing the proportion of short and long records has recently been introduced. Using an outpatient sample of children and adolescents, this study explored the impact of an early version of the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R–PAS) administration, on the central tendencies of Rorschach variables. Specifically, the mean values of 51 variables in 142 Comprehensive System versus 99 R–PAS collected records were compared with each other. Results found comparable mean values across CS and R–PAS administration methods for the variables that guide interpretation with children and adolescents. Both methods produced a comparable number of long (> 27 responses) records. The only relevant difference that emerged is that the early R–PAS administration version yielded significantly fewer short (14–16 responses) records and lower variability in the number of responses.     

Visuospatial asymmetry in dual‐task performance after subacute stroke

Various authors have referred to an association between neglect and non‐spatial components of attention. It has been suggested that an increase in attentional load could exacerbate neglect symptoms and reveal subtle, well‐compensated neglect. In the present study, 21 RH and 22 LH subacute stroke patients and 20 controls performed a computerized single‐detection task (CVRT) and a dual task (CVRT‐D) combining the detection task with a driving simulation task. Omissions, reaction times (RTs) and RT asymmetries were analysed to investigate the influence of increasing attentional load on neglect symptoms. RT asymmetries were most pronounced in RH patients. Although a clear increase in RT asymmetries between CVRT and CVRT‐D was observed, the amount of increase did not differ between both patient groups. Within both patient groups, correlations between RT asymmetries and ipsilesional RTs as a measure of general attention were significant in the single task but not in the dual task, indicating that increased attentional load may result in different degrees of lateralized and general attentional problems. Half of the patients with neglect on the BIT (Behavioural Inattention Test) showed increased RT asymmetries from CVRT to CVRT‐D. Moreover, two LH and RH patients without neglect symptoms on the BIT and CVRT showed distinctively increased asymmetries in the CVRT‐D, fostering the idea of an emergence of subtle neglect under increased attentional load. Dual‐task performance may draw attention towards patients who, without obvious signs of neglect, may show visuospatial attention deficits in complex situations.     

Beyond paradox: Issues of control

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to clarify any possible misinterpretation of paradoxical treatment by reducing it to two major sets of issues: issues of positive refram-ing, and issues of control. Since issues of circularity and positive reframing have been considered at length and in detail in other sources, issues of straight-forward control will be considered here in greater detail than in the past. The major characteristic of symptomatic behavior is its uncontrollability. After consideration of certain paradoxes about control, guidelines to achieve control are given. The goal is to obtain control and give it away to families. The notion of control is considered within the context of positive reframing, which may be the only “circular” procedure in the whole process of intervention.     

Validation of the German version of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale and its relation to orientations to happiness and work stress

Career adapt-ability has recently gained momentum as a psychosocial construct that not only has much to offer the field of career development, but also contributes to positive coping, adjustment and self-regulation through the four dimensions of concern, control, curiosity and confidence. The positive psychology movement, with concepts such as the orientations to happiness, explores the factors that contribute to human flourishing and optimum functioning. This research has two main contributions; 1) to validate a German version of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS), and 2) to extend the contribution of adapt-abilities to the field of work stress and explore its mediating capacity in the relation between orientations to happiness and work stress. We used a representative sample of the German-speaking Swiss working population including 1204 participants (49.8% women), aged between 26 and 56 (M_age = 42.04). Results indicated that the German version of the CAAS is valid, with overall high levels of model fit suggesting that the conceptual structure of career adapt-ability replicates well in this cultural context. Adapt-abilities showed a negative relationship to work stress, and a positive one with orientations to happiness. The engagement and pleasure scales of orientations to happiness also correlated negatively with work stress. Moreover, career adapt-ability mediates the relationship between orientations to happiness and work stress. In depth analysis of the mediating effect revealed that control is the only significant mediator. Thus control may be acting as a mechanism through which individuals attain their desired life at work subsequently contributing to reduced stress levels.     

Logic and Metaphor

In this work, attention is drawn to the abundant use of metaphor and analogy in works of logic. I argue that pervasiveness of figurative language is to be counted among the features that characterize logic and distinguish it from other sciences. This characteristic feature reflects the creativity that is inherent in logic and indeed has been demonstrated to be a necessary part of logic. The goal of this paper, in short, is to provide specific examples of figurative language used in logic that yield insights into the nature of the subject. I encourage the reader to take metaphors seriously, and to accept that they are not mere embellishments but key elements in our understanding of logic.     

Self-determination at work: Understanding the role of leader-member exchange

Integrating self-determination theory (SDT) and leader-member exchange (LMX) theory, we explore the role of the leader in facilitating employee self-determination. We test a model of the linkages between employees’ leader-member exchanges, psychological need satisfaction (i.e., satisfaction of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs), autonomous motivation, and attitudinal outcomes. We posit that high-quality leader-member exchanges facilitate satisfaction of employees’ fundamental psychological needs, which, in turn, enhance autonomous motivation and outcomes. Results for 283 working professionals supported this notion. Structural equation modeling indicated that the employee’s perception of the quality of the LMX was positively related to satisfaction of the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Satisfaction of competence and autonomy needs was positively related to autonomous motivation, which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of job satisfaction, affective organizational commitment, and subjective vitality. Our findings accentuate the role of leader-employee relationships in creating self-determination at work, and reinforce the importance of self-determination for employee attitudes and well-being. Limitations, implications, and directions for future research are discussed.     

Development and Validation of the False Disorder Score: The Focal Scale of the Inventory of Problems

Abstract

This article introduces the Inventory of Problems (IOP)—a new, computerized, 181-item tool designed to discriminate bona fide from feigned mental illness and cognitive impairment—and presents the development and validation of its focal, feigning scale, the False Disorder Score (IOP–FDS). The initial sample included (a) 211 patients and 64 offenders who took the IOP under standard conditions, and (b) 210 community volunteers and 64 offenders who feigned mental illness. We split this sample into three subsamples. The first (n?=?301) was used to select the variables to generate the IOP–FDS; the second (n?=?148) scaled the IOP–FDS into a probability score; and the third (n?=?100) tested its validity with an independent data set. In this third subsample, the IOP–FDS had sensitivity?=?.90, specificity?=?.80, and a greater area under the curve (AUC?=?.95) than the IOP–29 (.91). For 40 participants, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) was available, too. Within this subgroup, the IOP–FDS outperformed the selected PAI validity scales (AUC?=?.99 vs. AUC ≤ .85).     

Two-, three-, and four-factor PCL-R models in applied sex offender risk assessments

The authors compared 2-, 3-, 4-factor, and 2-factor/4-facet Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) models in a previously unpublished sample of 1,566 adult male sex offenders assessed under applied clinical conditions as part of a comprehensive state-mandated community notification risk assessment procedure. "Testlets" significantly improved the performance of all models. The 3-factor model provided the best fit to the current data, followed by the 2-factor/4-facet model. The 2-factor model was not supported.