Can low Behavioral Activation System predict depressive mood?: An application of non‐normal structural equation modeling

Previous studies have reported a negative correlation between the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) and the depressive mood. However, which is the cause and which is the effect cannot be determined simply by evaluating the correlation coefficients. In a series of this study, we used non‐normal structural equation modeling, which could provide a statistically plausible answer to the question on the path direction. We tested for the path direction between the variables of interest by statistically comparing all possible models. The models assuming a unidirectional path from the BAS to the depressive mood were consistently supported. This suggested that low BAS could be a predisposition to developing the depressive mood. These findings could enhance our understanding of the mechanism underlying the development of the depressive mood.     

Suicidal Thinking and Perfectionism: The Role of Goal Adjustment and Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Systems (BIS/BAS)

The current study investigated the associations among perfectionism, goal adjustment, behavioral activation sensitivity (BAS), behavioral inhibition sensitivity (BIS), and suicidal thinking. Participants (n = 255) completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the BIS/BAS scale, the Goal Adjustment scale, and a measure of suicidal thinking. The findings showed that socially prescribed perfectionism was the only perfectionism dimension associated with suicidal thinking. Goal reengagement (but not goal disengagement) is an important construct in the suicidal process. A series of hierarchical regression analyses showed that goal reengagement moderates and mediates the effect of socially prescribed perfectionism on suicidal thinking. BIS was also associated with suicidal behavior but its effect was mediated via socially prescribed perfectionism. The theoretical and treatment implications of the relationships between socially prescribed perfectionism, goal reengagement, and suicidal thinking and between BIS, socially prescribed perfectionism, and suicidal thinking are discussed. Future research is required to determine whether these relationships are predictive of suicidal thinking and behavior over time.     

计算机自适应性测验(CAT)选题策略的新进展

在计算机自适应性测验(CAT)中,传统的项目选题策略正面对越来越多的问题,比如:测验的安全,项目的曝光率,项目的平衡应用等等。分层选题策略的新发展-A-STR和BAS-选题策略部分地解决了传统的选题策略所面临的难题。能够有效地控制高区分度项目的曝光率,增加低区分度项目的曝光率,平衡项目的应用,提高测验效率,降低测验成本等等。为计算机自适应测验的选题策略提供了一种更加有效的方法,也为我国开展计算机自适应测验提供了一种思路。