Psychometric Properties of the Child Attachment Interview in Italian Context: A Focus on Normative and Specific Clinical Groups in School-Aged Children

2020 ◽  
pp. 003329412090551
Author(s):  
Fabiola Bizzi ◽  
Yael Shmueli-Goetz ◽  
Rosetta Castellano ◽  
Pietro San Martini ◽  
Donatella Cavanna
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Disruptive Behavior Disorder ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Attachment Patterns ◽  
Child Attachment ◽  
Child Attachment Interview

While attachment assessments developed for infancy and adulthood are well established, no such gold standard measure exists for school years, where measures are not yet sufficiently robust. Nevertheless, the last decade has witnessed some progress in this field with the development of the Child Attachment Interview (CAI), a semistructured interview designed to access children’s mental representations of their attachment relationships. This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the CAI for an Italian population, using a normative group and a clinical group of disruptive behavior disorder and somatic symptom disorder patients. A total sample of 311 Italian children (213 normative and 98 clinical) aged 8 to 15 years completed a battery of measures assessing attachment, verbal IQ, and symptomatology. The psychometric properties of the CAI alongside other children (Kerns Security Scale, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment) and parents (Adult Attachment Interview) attachment measures in normative sample, as well as the distribution of attachment patterns in normative and clinical samples, were examined. The results revealed the CAI to have adequate interrater and test–retest reliability, as well as discriminant, and convergent validity. Significant differences in the CAI’s distribution of attachment patterns for normative and specific clinical groups were found. Taken together, the findings show that the CAI Italian version is a reliable and valid measure for assessing attachment in school years and beyond.

scholarly journals Psychometric properties of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and its short-form (GAI-SF) in a clinical and non-clinical sample of older adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1089-1097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly Johnco ◽  
Ashleigh Knight ◽  
Dusanka Tadic ◽  
Viviana M. Wuthrich
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Divergent Validity

ABSTRACTBackground:The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory is a 20-item geriatric-specific measure of anxiety severity. While studies suggest good internal consistency and convergent validity, divergent validity from measures of depression are weak. Clinical cutoffs have been developed that vary across studies due to the small clinical samples used. A six-item short form (GAI-SF) has been developed, and while this scale is promising, the research assessing the psychometrics of this scale is limited.Methods:This study examined the psychometric properties of GAI and GAI-SF in a large sample of 197 clinical geriatric participants with a comorbid anxiety and unipolar mood disorder, and a non-clinical control sample (N = 59).Results:The internal consistency and convergent validity with other measures of anxiety was adequate for GAI and GAI-SF. Divergent validity from depressive symptoms was good in the clinical sample but weak in the total and non-clinical samples. Divergent validity from cognitive functioning was good in all samples. The one-factor structure was replicated for both measures. Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses indicated that the GAI is more accurate at identifying clinical status than the GAI-SF, although the sensitivity and specificity for the recommended cutoffs was adequate for both measures.Conclusions:Both GAI and GAI-SF show good psychometric properties for identifying geriatric anxiety. The GAI-SF may be a useful alternative screening measure for identifying anxiety in older adults.

Assessing Attachment: Convergent Validity of the Adult Attachment Interview and the Parental Bonding Instrument

1999 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Manassis ◽  
Mary Owens ◽  
Kenneth S. Adam ◽  
Malcolm West ◽  
Adrienne E. Sheldon-Keller
Keyword(s):  
Adult Attachment ◽  
Maternal Care ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Parental Bonding ◽  
Adult Attachment Interview ◽  
Role Reversal ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Parental Bonding Instrument ◽  
Child Attachment

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) can provide information about parent-child attachment that is comparable to information obtained from the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), a more complex measure of attachment. Method: One hundred and thirty emotionally and/or behaviourally disturbed adolescents (73 male, 57 female; ages 13–19 years, × = 15.3 ± 1.47 years) participating in a study of attachment and suicidality completed the PBI and the AAI. Data from these measures were compared within participants. Results: Maternal care and overprotection on the PBI differed significantly by AAI attachment classification (F3,122 = 2.79, p = 0.012), with autonomous participants showing the most optimal and unresolved participants the least optimal PBI results. Maternal love and maternal involvement/role reversal on the AAI were significant predictors of maternal care and maternal overprotection, respectively, on the PBI (R2 = 0.15; R2 = 0.16). These predictions improved when AAI scales measuring idealisation and involving anger towards the mother were included in the regression analyses (R2 = 0.35; R2 = 0.20). Autonomous participants on AAI showed the highest scale correlations across instruments. Conclusions: Attachment information obtained from the PBI and the AAI is comparable in participants with optimal attachment histories, but not in participants showing idealisation or anger towards their mothers. Caution is, therefore, advisable when using the PBI to obtain attachment information in clinical samples where suboptimal attachment histories are likely.

Psychometric Validation of the Dutch Version of the Desire Thinking Questionnaire (DTQ-D)

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 868-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiebren Markus ◽  
William J. Burk ◽  
Gerdien H. de Weert-van Oene ◽  
Carmen Engel ◽  
Eni S. Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Psychometric Validation ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Dutch Version ◽  
Partial Invariance ◽  
Perseverative Thinking

Abstract. Desire thinking refers to verbal and imaginal elaboration of a desired target. It predicts escalations in craving intensity and subsequent alcohol use. This article aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Desire Thinking Questionnaire (DTQ-D). In Study 1, a confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the original two-factor solution, achieved with adequate internal consistency. The DTQ-D demonstrated partial invariance over time. In Study 2, convergent validity with measures of craving was demonstrated. Discriminant validity with measures of severity of alcohol use and perseverative thinking was satisfactory. Concurrent validity was established by comparing three distinctive groups of alcohol users with increasing levels of drinking: a normative and an out- and in-patient sample. The normative group scored significantly lower on the DTQ-D than the clinical groups. Within the normative sample a low and higher at-risk drinking group could be distinguished. Overall, the DTQ-D possesses reasonable psychometric properties for use with alcohol-drinking samples. However, additional psychometric evaluation in larger clinical samples as well as in other addictions is warranted.

scholarly journals Παρουσίαση και Περιγραφή της Συνέντευξης Παιδιών για τον Δεσμό (Child Attachment Interview, CAI)

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 202
Author(s):  
Μαρία Ντούμα
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Adult Attachment Interview ◽  
Greek Population ◽  
Adopted Children ◽  
Child Attachment ◽  
Child Attachment Interview ◽  
Difficult Times

The aim of the present paper is to introduce the Child Attachment Interview (Child Attachment Interview, CAI· Target, Fonagy, & Smhueli-Goetz, 2003) to Greek scientific audience. In particular, the paper aims to describe the construct, the coding and classification system, and the psychometric properties of the Child Attachment Interview. CAI is a semi-structured interview, which was adapted from the Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan, & Main, 1996) to children aged 8 to 15 years old. The aim of the interview is to investigate children’s representations of their parents’ emotional availability and their parents’ ability to offer security and comfort to them when they have difficult times in their lives. The interview has also been used in Greek population in a comparative study between adopted and non-adopted children (Ntouma, Vorria, & Vairami, 2013).

scholarly journals The Appearance Anxiety Inventory: Validation of a Process Measure in the Treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

2013 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 605-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Veale ◽  
Ertimiss Eshkevari ◽  
Natalie Kanakam ◽  
Nell Ellison ◽  
Ana Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Body Dysmorphic Disorder ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Community Group ◽  
Process Measure ◽  
Appearance Anxiety

Background: At present there are no measures to identify the cognitive processes and behaviours that might mediate the outcome of treatment in people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Aims: To develop and validate a process measure that can be used to assess the progress of patients throughout therapy and in research for BDD. Method: The psychometric properties of the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) were explored in a clinical group of participants diagnosed with BDD (Study 1) and in a non-clinical community group with high appearance concerns (Study 2). Item characteristics, reliability, and factor structure were analysed. Convergent validity with measures of related symptoms was assessed. Results: The AAI was found to have good test-retest reliability and convergent validity in the measurement of appearance anxiety. It was also sensitive to change during treatment. The scale was found to have a two-factor structure in the clinical group, with one factor characterized by avoidance, and a second factor comprised of threat monitoring. However, in the community sample it appeared to have a one-factor structure. Conclusion: The results suggest that the AAI has the psychometric properties to determine whether changes in cognitive processes and behaviours can mediate the outcome following treatment in patients with BDD. This supports its potential usefulness in clinical and research settings.

Are Three Items Sufficient to Measure Sense of Coherence?

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Chiesi ◽  
Andrea Bonacchi ◽  
Caterina Primi ◽  
Alessandro Toccafondi ◽  
Guido Miccinesi
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Measure Sense

Abstract. The present study aimed at evaluating if the three-item sense of coherence (SOC) scale developed by Lundberg and Nystrom Peck (1995) can be effectively used for research purpose in both nonclinical and clinical samples. To provide evidence that it represents adequately the measured construct we tested its validity in a nonclinical (N = 658) and clinical sample (N = 764 patients with cancer). Results obtained in the nonclinical sample attested a positive relation of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – with Antonovsky’s 13-item and 29-item SOC scales (convergent validity), and with dispositional optimism, sense of mastery, anxiety, and depression symptoms (concurrent validity). Results obtained in the clinical sample confirmed the criterion validity of the scale attesting the positive role of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – on the person’s capacity to respond to illness and treatment. The current study provides evidence that the three-item SOC scale is a valid, low-loading, and time-saving instrument for research purposes on large sample.

Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Scale to Assess the Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health Care (D-STAR)

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Loos ◽  
Reinhold Kilian ◽  
Thomas Becker ◽  
Birgit Janssen ◽  
Harald Freyberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Therapeutic Relationship ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Community Mental Health Care ◽  
German Version

Objective: There are presently no instruments available in German language to assess the therapeutic relationship in psychiatric care. This study validates the German version of the Scale to Assess the Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health Care (D-STAR). Method: 460 persons with severe mental illness and 154 clinicians who had participated in a multicenter RCT testing a discharge planning intervention completed the D-STAR. Psychometric properties were established via item analysis, analyses of missing values, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis. Furthermore, convergent validity was scrutinized via calculating correlations of the D-STAR scales with two measures of treatment satisfaction. Results: As in the original English version, fit indices of a 3-factor model of the therapeutic relationship were only moderate. However, the feasibility and internal consistency of the D-STAR was good, and correlations with other measures suggested reasonable convergent validity. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the D-STAR are acceptable. Its use can be recommended in German-speaking countries to assess the therapeutic relationship in both routine care and research.

Portuguese Version of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Comparison of Latent Models and Other Psychometric Properties in a Sample of Fire Fighters

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Carvalho ◽  
Carolina da Motta ◽  
José Pinto Gouveia
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Externalizing Behavior ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Latent Structure ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Portuguese Version ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Competing Models ◽  
Arousal Model

<p>The PCL (Weathers et al., 1993) is a useful and widely used measure to assess PTSD symptoms in clinical and research contexts, exhibiting adequate psychometric properties across its several versions and translations (e. g. Carvalho et al., 2015; Wilkins et al., 2011). The current study analyzed the psychometric properties (latent structure, internal consistency, temporal reliability, and convergent validity) of the Portuguese version of the PCL for the DSM-5 (PCL-5, Weathers et al., 2013) in a sample of firefighters. This study also aimed to contribute with empirical data to clarify the best latent structure of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms. Specifically, the DSM-5 four-factor model and other competing models for PTSD symptoms (four-factor Dysphoria model, five-factor Dysphoric Arousal model, six-factor Anhedonia model, six-factor Externalizing Behavior model, and seven-factor Hybrid model) applied to PCL-5 were analyzed and compared in this paper.<br></p>

Assessment and Diagnostic Accuracy Evaluation of the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) Scale: Psychometric Properties using Optimal Scaling Techniques

2020 ◽  
Vol 129 (10) ◽  
pp. 1020-1029
Author(s):  
Andrea Nacci ◽  
Luca Bastiani ◽  
Maria Rosaria Barillari ◽  
Jerome R. Lechien ◽  
Massimo Martinelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Reflux Symptom ◽  
Original Version ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Accuracy Evaluation ◽  
Reflux Symptom Index ◽  
Characteristic Analysis ◽  
Symptom Index

Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the reflux symptom index (RSI) as short screening approach for the diagnostic of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with confirmed diagnosed regarding the 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH). Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, 56 patients with LPR symptoms and 71 healthy individuals (control group) were prospectively enrolled. The LPR diagnosis was confirmed through MII-pH results. All subjects (n = 127) fulfilled RSI and the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) was performed through flexible fiberoptic endoscopy. The sensitivity and the specificity of RSI was assessed by ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis. Results: A total of 15 LPR patients (26.8%) of the clinical group met MII-pH diagnostic criteria. Among subjects classified as positive for MII- pH diagnoses, RSI and RFS mean scores were respectively 20 (SD ± 10.5) and 7.1 (SD ± 2.5), values not significantly different compared to the negative MII-pH group. The metric analysis of the items led to the realization of a binary recoding of the score. Both versions had similar psychometric properties, α was 0.840 for RSI original version and 0.836 for RSI binary version. High and comparable area under curve (AUC) values indicate a good ability of both scales to discriminate between individuals with and without LPR pathology diagnosis. Based on balanced sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cut-off scores for LPR pathology were ≥ 5 for RSI binary version and ≥ 15 for RSI original version. Both version overestimated LPR prevalence. The original version had more sensitivity and the RSI Binary version had more specificity. Conclusions: It would be necessary to think about modifying the original RSI in order to improve its sensitivity and specificity (RSI binary version, adding or changing some items), or to introduce new scores in order to better frame the probably affected of LPR patient.

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