Psychometric Properties of the Multifaceted Gender-Related Attributes 					Survey (GERAS)

Abstract. Since the 1920s, psychologists have sought to assess the sex- and gender-related attributes of men and women, including primarily aspects of personality and focusing on positive characteristics. In this paper, we introduce a new questionnaire for assessing gender-related attributes with a broader approach than provided by previous ones. Therefore, the questionnaire includes (a) not only personality traits but also cognitions and interests and (b) not only positive but also negative and neutral characteristics. Two independent datasets were acquired (Study 1: N = 1,466; Study 2: N = 471) for development and psychometric analyses. Factor analysis confirmed a hierarchical structure with two separate dimensions of masculinity and femininity overarching the multiple first-order domains of personality, cognition, and interests. Analyses of reliability and convergence with other gender identity and personality scales revealed sufficient values. The new instrument discriminated between the biological sexes and was related to the gender quotas in participants’ occupations and social environments, thus providing evidence for criterion-related validity. Therefore, we propose the Gender-Related Attributes Survey (GERAS) as a useful tool for objectively assessing gender-related attributes across multiple facets in gender and sex-difference research.

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The Revised Mood Rhythm Instrument: A Large Multicultural Psychometric Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10030388 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 388

Author(s):

Melissa Alves Braga de Oliveira ◽

Euclides de Mendonça Filho ◽

Alicia Carissimi ◽

Luciene Lima dos Santos Garay ◽

Marina Scop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Item Response Theory ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Item Response ◽

Response Theory ◽

Item Response Theory Analysis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Psychometric Analyses ◽

Self Reporting Questionnaire

Background: Recent studies with the mood rhythm instrument (MRhI) have shown that the presence of recurrent daily peaks in specific mood symptoms are significantly associated with increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Using a large sample collected in Brazil, Spain, and Canada, we aimed to analyze which MRhI items maintained good psychometric properties across cultures. As a secondary aim, we used network analysis to visualize the strength of the association between the MRhI items. Methods: Adults (n = 1275) between 18–60 years old from Spain (n = 458), Brazil (n = 415), and Canada (n = 401) completed the MRhI and the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). Psychometric analyses followed three steps: Factor analysis, item response theory, and network analysis. Results: The factor analysis indicated the retention of three factors that grouped the MRhI items into cognitive, somatic, and affective domains. The item response theory analysis suggested the exclusion of items that displayed a significant divergence in difficulty measures between countries. Finally, the network analysis revealed a structure where sleepiness plays a central role in connecting the three domains. These psychometric analyses enabled a psychometric-based refinement of the MRhI, where the 11 items with good properties across cultures were kept in a shorter, revised MRhI version (MRhI-r). Limitations: Participants were mainly university students and, as we did not conduct a formal clinical assessment, any potential correlations (beyond the validated SRQ) cannot be ascertained. Conclusions: The MRhI-r is a novel tool to investigate self-perceived rhythmicity of mood-related symptoms and behaviors, with good psychometric properties across multiple cultures.

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Elucidating the Relationship Between Insomnia, Sex, and Cardiovascular Disease

Gender and the Genome ◽

10.1177/2470289720980018 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 247028972098001

Author(s):

Rebecca Leeds ◽

Ari Shechter ◽

Carmela Alcantara ◽

Brooke Aggarwal ◽

John Usseglio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sex Research ◽

And Gender ◽

The Relationship ◽

Cvd Mortality

Sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality have been attributed to differences in pathophysiology between men and women and to disparities in CVD management that disproportionately affect women compared to men. Similarly, there has been investigation of differences in the prevalence and presentation of insomnia attributable to sex. Few studies have examined how sex and insomnia interact to influence CVD outcomes, however. In this review, we summarize the literature on sex-specific differences in the prevalence and presentation of insomnia as well as existing research regarding the relationship between insomnia and CVD outcomes as it pertains to sex. Research to date indicate that women are more likely to have insomnia than men, and there appear to be differential associations in the relation between insomnia and CVD by sex. We posit potential mechanisms of the relationship between sex, insomnia and CVD, discuss gaps in the existing literature, and provide commentary on future research needed in this area. Unraveling the complex relations between sex, insomnia, and CVD may help to explain sex-specific differences in CVD, and identify sex-specific strategies for promotion of cardiovascular health. Throughout this review, terms “men” and “women” are used as they are in the source literature, which does not differentiate between sex and gender. The implications of this are also discussed.

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Measuring Sex and Gender in Aging and Alzheimer’s Research: Results of a National Survey

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/gbab226 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shana D Stites ◽

Hannah Cao ◽

Kristin Harkins ◽

Jason D Flatt

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Online Survey ◽

Self Report ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

Men And Women ◽

Sociocultural Diversity ◽

And Gender ◽

Published Research

Abstract Objective Differences between men and women are common in published research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). What do these differences mean? To answer this, rigorous measurement is needed. We investigated current methods for measuring sex/gender in aging and AD/ADRD cohort studies. Method An online survey was sent to NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) (n=38) and investigator-initiated cohort studies (n=38) to assess practices around enrollment of men and women and measurement of sex and gender. Results The response rate was 65.8% (n=50). All enrolled men and all but two investigator-initiated studies enrolled women. Most cohorts (43/50) had no documented definitions for categories of “men” or “women”. Over 85% of cohorts relied solely on self-report questions to capture sex/gender data (n=43/50). Issues with administration were also identified (n=7). Discussion Our findings identify gaps in current approaches used to measure sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. We discuss opportunities to bridge these gaps and advance measurement of sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. Changes are needed to ensure inclusion and representation of sociocultural diversity in research samples, and consistency in data collection in aging and AD/ADRD research.

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Men and Women, Sex and Gender

10.1163/9789004478886_029 ◽

2001 ◽

pp. 429-440

Keyword(s):

Sex And Gender ◽

Men And Women ◽

And Gender

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Ageing and gender

Social Divisions and Later Life ◽

10.1332/policypress/9781447338598.003.0003 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 41-68

Author(s):

Chris Gilleard ◽

Paul Higgs

Keyword(s):

Social Reproduction ◽

Later Life ◽

Social Imaginary ◽

Financial Assets ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

Men And Women ◽

The Social ◽

And Gender ◽

Bonding Capital

This chapter begins by considering the distinction between sex and gender. The latter constitutes the source of the social division between men and women considered as social beings. It serves as both a reflection of division and inequality and a source of difference and identity. The chapter then explores the framing of this division in terms of patriarchy and the inequalities that are organised by and structured within the relations of work and of social reproduction. It focuses next upon the consequences of such a division, first in terms of both financial assets and resources and then in terms of social relational capital, drawing upon Putnam’s distinction between bridging and bonding capital. It then considers other sources of difference that become more salient in later life, in terms of health illness and longevity. The chapter ends with the role of gender in representing later life, and the role of later life in representing gender. It concludes by distinguishing between gender as a structure shaping third age culture, and gender as a constituent in the social imaginary of the fourth age.

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Sex and gender differences overview

ESC CardioMed ◽

10.1093/med/9780198784906.003.0675 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 2827-2830

Author(s):

Eva Prescott

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Systolic Heart Failure ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

Men And Women ◽

Artery Disease ◽

And Gender ◽

Sex And Gender Differences

There are well-described differences between men and women in epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and outcome of heart disease. Although risk factors responsible for cardiovascular disease are similar in men and women their relative importance differs. Puzzlingly, women have more angina yet less obstructive coronary artery disease. Also, when they suffer myocardial infarction, women more often present with myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA) and takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Women have less systolic heart failure than men but more heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a condition yet to find evidence-based treatment. Atrial fibrillation is also less common in women than men of similar age, but women with atrial fibrillation have higher risk of stroke than their male counterparts.

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Patient perspectives on priorities for research on conventional and sex- and gender-related cardiovascular risk factors

Netherlands Heart Journal ◽

10.1007/s12471-020-01497-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (12) ◽

pp. 656-661

Author(s):

R. Bolijn ◽

I. Schalkers ◽

H. L. Tan ◽

A. E. Kunst ◽

I. G. M. van Valkengoed

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Minority Groups ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

Men And Women ◽

Related Risk ◽

Increased Risk ◽

And Gender ◽

New Research

Abstract Background Recently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) research has focused on sex- and gender-related cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to conventional risk factors. This raises the question which factors are perceived by the target group (patients with CVD) as priorities for further research. Methods We carried out a survey to study priority setting for more research into conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors according to 980 men and women with CVD or those at increased risk of CVD in the Netherlands. Data on conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors were descriptively analysed, stratified by gender group. Results The most frequently prioritised conventional factors according to men were heritability, overweight and unhealthy diet, while women most frequently listed stress, heritability and hypertension. The most frequently prioritised sex- and gender-related risk factors were depression or depressive feelings, migraine and having many caretaking responsibilities (men), and pregnancy complications, contraceptive pill use and early age at menopause (women). New research on sex- and gender-related risk factors was perceived roughly as relevant as that on conventional factors by men (mean 7.4 and 8.3 on a 1–10 scale, respectively) and women (8.2 and 8.6, respectively). Ethnic and gender minority groups placed more emphasis on risk factors related to sociocultural aspects (gender) than the majority group. Conclusion Men and women with CVD or those at increased risk of CVD perceived new research on conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors as a priority. These findings may guide researchers and funders in further prioritising new CVD research.

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Sex/Gender-Specific Imbalance in CVD: Could Physical Activity Help to Improve Clinical Outcome Targeting CVD Molecular Mechanisms in Women?

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21041477 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 1477

Author(s):

Mauro Vaccarezza ◽

Veronica Papa ◽

Daniela Milani ◽

Arianna Gonelli ◽

Paola Secchiero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Population Aging ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Men And Women ◽

Positive Effects ◽

And Gender ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Gender Specific

In the last two decades, new insights have been gained regarding sex/gender-related differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD represents the leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women, accounting for at least one-third of all deaths in women and half of deaths in women over 50 years in developing countries. Important sex-related differences in prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes of different CVDs have been recently discovered, demonstrating sex/gender-specific pathophysiologic features in the presentation and prognosis of CVD in men and women. A large amount of evidence has highlighted the role of sex hormones in protecting women from CVDs, providing an advantage over men that is lost when women reach the menopause stage. This hormonal-dependent shift of sex-related CVD risk consequently affects the overall CVD epidemiology, particularly in light of the increasing trend of population aging. The benefits of physical activity have been recognized for a long time as a powerful preventive approach for both CVD prevention and aging-related morbidity control. Exercise training is indeed a potent physiological stimulus, which reduces primary and secondary cardiovascular events. However, the underlying mechanisms of these positive effects, including from a sex/gender perspective, still need to be fully elucidated. The aim of this work is to provide a review of the evidence linking sex/gender-related differences in CVD, including sex/gender-specific molecular mediators, to explore whether sex- and gender-tailored physical activity may be used as an effective tool to prevent CVD and improve clinical outcomes in women.

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Men and Oral Health: A Review of Sex and Gender Differences

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/15579883211016361 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 155798832110163

Author(s):

Martin S. Lipsky ◽

Sharon Su ◽

Carlos J. Crespo ◽

Man Hung

Keyword(s):

Health Disparities ◽

Oral Health ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Oral Hygiene ◽

Sex And Gender ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Men And Women ◽

Oral Health Disparities ◽

And Gender

Sex and gender related health disparities in oral health remain an underappreciated and often over looked aspect of well-being. The goal of this narrative review is to identify sex and gender related oral health disparities by summarizing the current literature related to differences in oral health between men and women. The review identified that men are more likely to: ignore their oral health, have poorer oral hygiene habits, and experience higher rates of periodontal disease, oral cancer, and dental trauma. Men also visit dentists less frequently and compared to women seek oral treatment more often for an acute problem and less often for disease prevention. Women exhibit more positive attitudes about dental visits, greater oral health literacy, and demonstrate better oral health behaviors than men. Men disproportionately develop periodontal diseases due to a combination of biological and gender related reasons including immune system factors, hormone differences, poorer oral hygiene behaviors, and greater tobacco use. There is a male to female ratio of 2:1 for oral cancer, largely attributable to more tobacco use, heavier use of alcohol, and longer sun exposure. Minority men experience a disproportionate burden of oral health disparities because of both their gender and race/ethnic identities. In conclusion, this review identifies several differences between men and women related to oral health and highlights the need for further research to better understand these disparities and how to incorporate them into developing prevention, education and treatment strategies to improve oral health in men.

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Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Comunicación Familiar en estudiantes universitarios / Psychometric Properties of the Family Communication Scale in College Students

Revista Costarricense de Psicología ◽

10.22544/rcps.v35i01.03 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 31

Author(s):

Anthony John Erik Copez-Lonzoy ◽

David Villarreal-Zegarra ◽

Ángel Paz-Jesús

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Family Communication ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Model Errors ◽

Gender Invariance ◽

The Family ◽

And Gender ◽

High Level ◽

Communication Scale

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Comunicación Familiar (FCS) en una muestra de 491 estudiantes de una universidad privada en Lima Metropolitana, cuyas edades oscilan entre 16 y 28 años (M = 20.31, DE = 3.08). La muestra se dividió en dos grupos proporcionales. En el primero se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio, χ² (45) = 966.8, p < .001, n = 246, para comparar los índices de bondad de ajuste en modelos de uno, dos y tres factores y encontrar un mejor ajuste en una solución unifactorial GFI = .99, RMCR = .06. Posteriormente, en el segundo grupo, se llevó a cabo el análisis factorial confirmatorio al comparar soluciones de uno, dos y tres factores. Se evidenció un mejor ajuste en un modelo de una dimensión χ² = 80.31; χ²/gl = 2.36; CFI = 1.00; GFI = .995; AGFI = .992; RMSEA = .000; RMR = .050 (n = 245). Se analizaron los errores del modelo y la invarianza por sexo y, finalmente, se estableció la confiabilidad con diferentes estimadores del alfa. Se obtuvo un alto nivel de consistencia interna. Se concluye que la FCS presenta adecuadas propiedades psicométricas, que apoyan su uso como instrumento de evaluación de la comunicación familiar en universitarios. Abstract:The aim of this paper is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Family Communication Scale (FCS) in a sample of 491 students at a private university in Lima, Peru, aged between 16 and 28 years (χ. = 20.31, SD = 3.08). The sample was divided into two proportional groups. In the first, an exploratory factor analysis was made: χ. (45) = 966.8, p < .000, n = 246; extracting one dimension by the parallel analysis method, GFI = .99, RMCR = .06. Later, in the second group, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted: χ. = 80.31; χ./d.f. = 2.36; CFI = 1.00; GFI = .995; AGFI = .992; RMSEA = .000; RMR = .050 (n = 245), suitably adjusted to a single dimension. Model errors and gender invariance were analyzed and finally a reliability alpha was established with different estimators, obtaining a high level of internal consistency. We conclude that the FCS presents adequate psychometric properties that support its use as an assessment tool for family communication in college.

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