Psychometric Properties of the Italian Mentalization Questionnaire: Assessing Structural Invariance and Construct Validity

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.

Download Full-text

The Stigma of Suicide Scale

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000156 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 13-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 82

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.

Download Full-text

Construction and Validation of a Short Adjectives Checklist to Measure Big Five (SACBIF)

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.12.1.33 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 33-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Marco Perugini ◽

Luigi Leone

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Big Five ◽

Factor Model ◽

Five Factor Model ◽

Selection Procedure ◽

Factorial Structure ◽

Personality Dimensions

The aim of this contribution is to present a new short adjective-based measure of the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality, the Short Adjectives Checklist of BIg Five (SACBIF). We present the various steps of the construction and the validation of this instrument. First, 50 adjectives were selected with a selection procedure, the “Lining Up Technique” (LUT), specifically used to identify the best factorial markers of the FFM. Then, the factorial structure and the psychometric properties of the SACBIF were investigated. Finally, the SACBIF factorial structure was correlated with some main measures of the FFM to establish its construct validity and with some other personality dimensions to investigate how well these dimensions could be represented in the SACBIF factorial space.

Download Full-text

The Vocabulary and Overclaiming Test (VOC-T)

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000093 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 32-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Matthias Ziegler ◽

Christoph Kemper ◽

Beatrice Rammstedt

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Signal Detection Theory ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vocabulary Knowledge ◽

Online Study ◽

Accuracy Index ◽

Bias Index ◽

Reliability Estimates ◽

Verbal Knowledge

The present research aimed at constructing a questionnaire measuring overclaiming tendencies (VOC-T-bias) as an indicator of self-enhancement. An approach was used which also allows estimation of a score for vocabulary knowledge, the accuracy index (VOC-T-accuracy), using signal detection theory. For construction purposes, an online study was conducted with N = 1,176 participants. The resulting questionnaire, named Vocabulary and Overclaiming – Test (VOC-T) was investigated with regard to its psychometric properties in two further studies. Study 2 used data from a population representative sample (N = 527), and Study 3 was another online survey (N = 933). Results show that reliability estimates were satisfactory for the VOC-T-bias index and the VOC-T-accuracy index. Overclaiming did not correlate with knowledge, but it was sensitive to self-enhancement supporting the construct validity of the test scores. The VOC-T-accuracy index in turn covaried with general knowledge and even more so with verbal knowledge, which also supports construct validity. Moreover, the VOC-T-accuracy index had a meaningful correlation with age in both validation studies. All in all, the psychometric properties can be regarded as sufficient to recommend the VOC-T for research purposes.

Download Full-text

The Colorado Cognitive Assessment (CoCA): Development of an Advanced Neuropsychological Screening Tool

10.31234/osf.io/tqckr ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ashita S. Gurnani ◽

Shayne S.-H. Lin ◽

Brandon E Gavett

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Cognitive Assessment ◽

Screening Tool ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Internal Consistency Reliability ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Cognitive Screening ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Factor Analysis Model

Objective: The Colorado Cognitive Assessment (CoCA) was designed to improve upon existing screening tests in a number of ways, including enhanced psychometric properties and minimization of bias across diverse groups. This paper describes the initial validation study of the CoCA, which seeks to describe the test; demonstrate its construct validity; measurement invariance to age, education, sex, and mood symptoms; and compare it to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Method: Participants included 151 older adults (MAge = 71.21, SD = 8.05) who were administered the CoCA, MoCA, Judgment test from the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB), 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and 10-item version of the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS-10). Results: A single factor confirmatory factor analysis model of the CoCA fit the data well, CFI = 0.955; RMSEA = 0.033. The CoCA’s internal consistency reliability was .84, compared to .74 for the MoCA. The CoCA had stronger disattenuated correlations with the MoCA (r = .79) and NAB Judgment (r = .47) and weaker correlations with the GDS-15 (r = -.36) and GAS-10 (r = -.15), supporting its construct validity. Finally, when analyzed using multiple indicators, multiple causes (MIMIC) modeling, the CoCA showed no evidence of measurement non-invariance, unlike the MoCA. Conclusions: These results provide initial evidence to suggest that the CoCA is a valid cognitive screening tool that offers numerous advantages over the MoCA, including superior psychometric properties and measurement non-invariance. Additional validation and normative studies are warranted.

Download Full-text

Measuring Subjective Sleep Quality: A Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18031082 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 1082

Author(s):

Marco Fabbri ◽

Alessia Beracci ◽

Monica Martoni ◽

Debora Meneo ◽

Lorenzo Tonetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Self Report ◽

Measurement Properties ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Daily Routine ◽

Factorial Structure ◽

Poor Sleep Quality

Sleep quality is an important clinical construct since it is increasingly common for people to complain about poor sleep quality and its impact on daytime functioning. Moreover, poor sleep quality can be an important symptom of many sleep and medical disorders. However, objective measures of sleep quality, such as polysomnography, are not readily available to most clinicians in their daily routine, and are expensive, time-consuming, and impractical for epidemiological and research studies., Several self-report questionnaires have, however, been developed. The present review aims to address their psychometric properties, construct validity, and factorial structure while presenting, comparing, and discussing the measurement properties of these sleep quality questionnaires. A systematic literature search, from 2008 to 2020, was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus, with predefined search terms. In total, 49 articles were analyzed from the 5734 articles found. The psychometric properties and factor structure of the following are reported: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), SLEEP-50 Questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). As the most frequently used subjective measurement of sleep quality, the PSQI reported good internal reliability and validity; however, different factorial structures were found in a variety of samples, casting doubt on the usefulness of total score in detecting poor and good sleepers. The sleep disorder scales (AIS, ISI, MSQ, JSS, LSEQ and SLEEP-50) reported good psychometric properties; nevertheless, AIS and ISI reported a variety of factorial models whereas LSEQ and SLEEP-50 appeared to be less useful for epidemiological and research settings due to the length of the questionnaires and their scoring. The MSQ and JSS seemed to be inexpensive and easy to administer, complete, and score, but further validation studies are needed. Finally, the ESS had good internal consistency and construct validity, while the main challenges were in its factorial structure, known-group difference and estimation of reliable cut-offs. Overall, the self-report questionnaires assessing sleep quality from different perspectives have good psychometric properties, with high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as convergent/divergent validity with sleep, psychological, and socio-demographic variables. However, a clear definition of the factor model underlying the tools is recommended and reliable cut-off values should be indicated in order for clinicians to discriminate poor and good sleepers.

Download Full-text

Determining the psychometric properties of a novel questionnaire to measure “preparedness for the future” (Prep FQ)

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-021-01759-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daren K. Heyland ◽

J. Paige Pope ◽

Xuran Jiang ◽

Andrew G. Day

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Construct Validity ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Well Being ◽

High Quality ◽

The Future ◽

Quality Of Death ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background People are living longer than ever before. However, with living longer comes increased problems that negatively impact on quality of life and the quality of death. Tools are needed to help individuals assess whether they are practicing the best attitudes and behaviors that are associated with a future long life, high quality of life, high quality of death and a satisfying post-death legacy. The purpose of paper is to describe the process we used to develop a novel questionnaire (“Preparedness for the Future Questionnaire™ or Prep FQ”) and to define its psychometric properties. Methods Using a multi-step development procedure, items were generated, for the new questionnaire after which the psychometric properties were tested with a heterogeneous sample of 502 Canadians. Using an online polling panel, respondents were asked to complete demographic questions as well as the Prep-FQ, Global Rating of Life Satisfaction, the Keyes Psychological Well-Being scale and the Short-Form 12. Results The final version of the questionnaire contains 34 items in 8 distinct domains (“Medico-legal”, “Social”, “Psychological Well-being”, “Planning”, “Enrichment”, “Positive Health Behaviors”, “Negative Health Behaviors”, and “Late-life Planning”). We observed minimum missing data and good usage of all response options. The average overall Prep FQ score is 51.2 (SD = 13.3). The Cronbach alphas assessing internal reliability for the Prep FQ domains ranged from 0.33 to 0.88. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) used to assess the test–retest reliability had an overall score of 0.87. For the purposes of establishing construct validity, all the pre-specified relationships between Prep FQ and the other questionnaires were met. Conclusion Analyses of this novel measure offered support for its face validity, construct validity, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency. With the development of this useful and valid scale, future research can utilize this measure to engage people in the process of comprehensively assessing and improving their state of preparedness for the future, tracking their progress along the way. Ultimately, this program of research aims to improve the quality and quantity of peoples live by helping them ‘think ahead’ and ‘plan ahead’ on the aspects of their daily life that matter to their future.

Download Full-text

Psychometric Properties of the Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure With Japanese Sojourners

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191115601208 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 104-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Makoto Miyoshi ◽

Kimberly Asner-Self ◽

Sheng Yanyan ◽

Jennifer M. Koran

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Ethnic Identity ◽

Construct Validity ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Japanese Version ◽

The United States ◽

Cronbach’S Alpha ◽

Cronbach's Alpha ◽

Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure

The current study examined psychometric properties of the Japanese version of Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale (AMAS-ZABB-JP) and the 20-item Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM-JP) with 273 Japanese sojourners and immigrants to the United States. The theoretical six-factor structure for the AMAS-JP and two-factor structure for the MEIM-JP was consistent with the literature. The subscales of the AMAS and MEIM showed expected patterns of correlation with each other and with additional variables (i.e., number of years in the United States), providing evidence for construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha reflected high levels of reliability for both scales. Despite strong psychometric findings, there were translational and cultural-based findings that suggest the need for further research.

Download Full-text

Validation of the Beliefs of Physical Activity among Clergy (B-PAC) Instrument

American Journal of Health Studies ◽

10.47779/ajhs.2017.91 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Shannon Gwin ◽

Paul Branscum ◽

E. Laurette Taylor

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

Construct Validity ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Internal Consistency Reliability ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Reliable Instrument ◽

The Stability ◽

Test Retest Reliability

The purpose of this study was to create a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate theory-basedbeliefs towards physical activity among clergy members. Data were collected from 174 clergy that par-ticipated in a 15-item online and paper-based survey. Psychometric properties of the instrument includedconfirmatory factor analysis (construct validity), and cronbach’s alpha (internal consistency reliability).In addition, the stability (test-retest reliability) of each subscale was evaluated with a sub-sample of 30participants. Results show the instrument was both valid and reliable, and will be useful in future studiestargeting this population. Future implications are discussed.

Download Full-text

Psychometric properties of patient reported outcome (PRO) instruments in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in RESILIENT part 1.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e24027 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e24027-e24027

Author(s):

Jaba Kokhreidze ◽

Veleka Allen ◽

Cristina Ivanescu ◽

Xiaopan Valerie Yao ◽

Bin Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Construct Validity ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Eortc Qlq ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Pro Instruments

e24027 Background: The ongoing two-part phase 2/3 RESILIENT study (NCT03088813) is investigating the efficacy and safety of liposomal irinotecan monotherapy in patients with SCLC who have progressed on or after first line platinum-based chemotherapy. This exploratory analysis from RESILIENT part 1 was conducted to confirm the psychometric properties of established PRO instruments that had not previously been validated in patients with SCLC. Methods: Patients completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) Core 30 (C30) and the EORTC QLQ Lung Cancer 13 (LC13) before treatment assignment (baseline), every 6 weeks thereafter, at treatment discontinuation and at the 30-day follow-up visit. Psychometric methods included descriptive statistics (items and scales), correlations (item-to-item and item-to-total), internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], two-way random effects model), construct validity and sensitivity to change. The analysis included patients who received at least one dose of study drug and completed at least one PRO assessment. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled in RESILIENT part 1 and included in the analysis. At baseline, 68% of patients reported ‘not severe’ or ‘mild’ symptoms. Floor effects (i.e. more than 25% of responses of ‘not at all’) were observed for several of the functioning/impact and symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ C30 and LC13. Moderate to strong correlations were found among most questionnaire items within their respective scales. Acceptable evidence for internal consistency and good test-retest reliability were observed. Selected results for the EORTC QLQ LC13, including dyspnea scales, are shown in the Table. The magnitude of correlations among PRO instruments supported evidence for convergent validity in this sample. Conclusions: In RESILIENT part 1, patients experienced low and tolerable symptoms at enrollment, limiting the potential for further improvement. Overall, these PRO instruments had acceptable psychometric properties (e.g. construct validity, reliability and ability to detect change) in this sample. However, these analyses should be repeated in a larger sample using data from RESILIENT part 2. Clinical trial information: NCT03088813. [Table: see text]

Download Full-text