Work ability: Evidence of construct validity in a sample of U.S. Workers

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa McGonagle ◽  
Gwenith G. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Work Ability

scholarly journals Development and Construct Validity of the Work Instability Scale for People With Common Mental Disorders in a Sample of Depressed and Anxious Workers: A Rasch Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 117957272093666
Author(s):  
Louise Danielsson ◽  
Robin Fornazar ◽  
Kristina Holmgren ◽  
Åsa Lundgren Nilsson ◽  
Gunnel Hensing
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Rasch Analysis ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Internal Construct Validity ◽  
Item Scale

Background: Sick leave due to common mental disorders, encompassing depression and anxiety disorders, is high. Capturing early signs of reduced function could aid adjustments of work tasks and environment and, thus, endorse a pro-active approach to occupational and health care interventions to prevent long-term sick-leave spells. However, few measurements exist to identify early signs of imbalance, and none that is illness-specific. The aim of this study was to develop a work instability scale for people with common mental disorders and to test the fundamental psychometric properties of the scale. Methods: Participants were working adults 18-65 years old with depression or anxiety. The scale development started with qualitative interviews (n = 27) which informed the drafting of a dichotomous, self-report questionnaire. Cognitive debriefing (n = 12) was used to check face validity and modify the draft. Internal construct validity of the draft was tested using Rasch analysis (n = 128). The work ability index was used as a comparator measure. Results: The initial 63-item draft showed poor fit to Rasch model expectations. Items displaying poor fit or local response dependency were stepwise removed, resulting in a unidimensional 34-item scale fitting the model expectations, and with no differential item functioning. Person-item threshold distribution showed that the scale is better suited to measure low to moderate work instability, than to measure high instability. Correlations between the newly developed scale and the work ability index showed a significant, moderately strong correlation. Conclusions: In the initial target sample, the 34-item scale showed acceptable fundamental properties and internal construct validity. Further validation of the scale in a larger sample, including tests for external validity, is warranted.

scholarly journals Comparative construct validity of three presenteeism instruments in workers with musculoskeletal complaints: a prospective cohort study

RMD Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. e001281
Author(s):  
Lennart van der Burg ◽  
Alexandre Sepriano ◽  
Robert Landewé ◽  
Goedele Geuskens ◽  
Ramon Ottenheijm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Economic Outcomes ◽  
Global Rating ◽  
Musculoskeletal Complaints ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Related Factors

ObjectivesTo compare the construct validity of three presenteeism instruments, using health and economic outcomes as external references, among working persons reporting musculoskeletal complaints.MethodsData from the prospective Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation were used. Presenteeism measurement comprised a global rating of work-ability, and two instruments indicating at-work productivity, and was assessed yearly over 6 years of follow-up. Longitudinal associations between measures of health and subsequent presenteeism, and between presenteeism and subsequent days of sick leave were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. The effect of groups of contextual factors (socio-demographic, lifestyle, personal and work-related factors) was investigated by assessing the change in explained variability.ResultsIn total, 4523 persons were analysed. The association between physical health and work-ability was stronger than both at-work productivity measures; 10 points increase in physical health (0–100, higher is better) was associated with 0.79 points (95% CI 0.75 to 0.84) better work-ability (0–10, higher is better) in the subsequent year. Besides, work-ability best predicted sick leave; one point higher work-ability was associated with 4 days less sick leave (95% CI −5.09 to −3.63) the subsequent year. Personal factors improved model fit for models on health and work-ability, but conflicting results were seen for both at-work productivity instruments.ConclusionWork-ability showed higher construct validity against health and economic outcomes as compared to at-work productivity, which shows that work-ability is different to productivity (losses). Personal factors are especially relevant when interpreting the relation between health and work-ability or self-reported quantity of work.

Book Review: AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Work Ability and Return to Work, Second Edition

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 12-12
Author(s):  
James Talmage ◽  
J. Mark Melhorn ◽  
Mark H. Hyman
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Work Ability

Construct Validity of Sensation Seeking: A Psychometric Investigation

1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Beauducel ◽  
Burkhard Brocke ◽  
Alexander Strobel ◽  
Anja Strobel
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
German Version ◽  
Trait Theory ◽  
Multilevel Theory ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale ◽  
Psychometric Investigation

Abstract: Zuckerman postulated a biopsychological multilevel theory of Sensation Seeking, which is part of a more complex multi-trait theory, the Alternative Five. The Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS V) was developed for the measurement of Sensation Seeking. The process of validation of Sensation Seeking as part of a multilevel theory includes analyses of relations within and between several levels of measurement. The present study investigates validity and basic psychometric properties of a German version of the SSS V in a broader context of psychometric traits. - The 120 participants were mainly students. They completed the SSS V, the Venturesomeness- and Impulsiveness-Scales of the IVE, the BIS/BAS-Scales, the ZKPQ and the NEO-FFI. - The results reveal acceptable psychometric properties for the SSS V but with limitations with regard to factor structure. Indications for criterion validity were obtained by prediction of substance use by the subscales Dis and BS. The results of a MTMM analysis, especially the convergent validities of the SSS V were quite satisfying. On the whole, the results yielded sufficient support for the validity of the Sensation Seeking construct or the instrument respectively. They also point to desirable modifications.

The Stigma of Suicide Scale

Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip J. Batterham ◽  
Alison L. Calear ◽  
Helen Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National University ◽  
Stigmatizing Attitudes ◽  
High Internal Consistency ◽  
At Home

Background: There are presently no validated scales to adequately measure the stigma of suicide in the community. The Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS) is a new scale containing 58 descriptors of a “typical” person who completes suicide. Aims: To validate the SOSS as a tool for assessing stigma toward suicide, to examine the scale’s factor structure, and to assess correlates of stigmatizing attitudes. Method: In March 2010, 676 staff and students at the Australian National University completed the scale in an online survey. The construct validity of the SOSS was assessed by comparing its factors with factors extracted from the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ). Results: Three factors were identified: stigma, isolation/depression, and glorification/normalization. Each factor had high internal consistency and strong concurrent validity with the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire. More than 25% of respondents agreed that people who suicided were “weak,” “reckless,” or “selfish.” Respondents who were female, who had a psychology degree, or who spoke only English at home were less stigmatizing. A 16-item version of the scale also demonstrated robust psychometric properties. Conclusions: The SOSS is the first attitudes scale designed to directly measure the stigma of suicide in the community. Results suggest that psychoeducation may successfully reduce stigma.

Instrumental and Ideological Union Commitment: Longitudinal Assessment of Construct Validity

2001 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Sjöberg ◽  
Magnus Sverke
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Temporal Stability ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Union Commitment ◽  
Union Participation

Summary: Previous research has identified instrumentality and ideology as important aspects of member attachment to labor unions. The present study evaluated the construct validity of a scale designed to reflect the two dimensions of instrumental and ideological union commitment using a sample of 1170 Swedish blue-collar union members. Longitudinal data were used to test seven propositions referring to the dimensionality, internal consistency reliability, and temporal stability of the scale as well as postulated group differences in union participation to which the scale should be sensitive. Support for the hypothesized factor structure of the scale and for adequate reliabilities of the dimensions was obtained and was also replicated 18 months later. Tests for equality of measurement model parameters and test-retest correlations indicated support for the temporal stability of the scale. In addition, the results were consistent with most of the predicted differences between groups characterized by different patterns of change/stability in union participation status. The study provides strong support for the construct validity of the scale and indicates that it can be used in future theory testing on instrumental and ideological union commitment.

Assessing Personality With Multi-Descriptor Items

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-125
Author(s):  
Johannes Schult ◽  
Rebecca Schneider ◽  
Jörn R. Sparfeldt
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Personality Inventory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Big Five Inventory ◽  
Personality Inventories

Abstract. The need for efficient personality inventories has led to the wide use of short instruments. The corresponding items often contain multiple, potentially conflicting descriptors within one item. In Study 1 ( N = 198 university students), the reliability and validity of the TIPI (Ten-Item Personality Inventory) was compared with the reliability and validity of a modified TIPI based on items that rephrased each two-descriptor item into two single-descriptor items. In Study 2 ( N = 268 university students), we administered the BFI-10 (Big Five Inventory short version) and a similarly modified version of the BFI-10 without two-descriptor items. In both studies, reliability and construct validity values occasionally improved for separated multi-descriptor items. The inventories with multi-descriptor items showed shortcomings in some factors of the TIPI and the BFI-10. However, the other scales worked comparably well in the original and modified inventories. The limitations of short personality inventories with multi-descriptor items are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document