Examining the Link Between Character Strengths and Positive and Negative Mental Health Indicators in Iranian Adolescents

Character strengths are an important foundation for positive development and thriving in adolescence. Most research on character strengths has been conducted with youths in Western cultures. We examined character strengths in relation to positive and negative well-being indicators in a sample of Iranian youths. We investigated the reliability and validity of the Farsi version of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA Y-96)—a self-report survey commonly used in Western contexts. Participants were adolescents in Iran ( N = 1,359; 48.5% female; M age = 13.54, SD = 1.00) who completed the VIA Y-96 and questionnaires assessing life satisfaction, positive/negative experiences, depression, anxiety, and stress. We found that reliability coefficients were acceptable for most of the VIA subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), as well as a second-order CFA, supported the construct validity of the Farsi VIA Y-96. Correlations between the character strengths and positive and negative well-being indicators supported convergent validity. Measurement invariance for the VIA Y-96 was established in this study comparing boys’ and girls’ response patterns. Sex and grade level differences were found for some of the subscales. Overall, the Farsi VIA Y-96 had acceptable psychometric properties, suggesting that it can be used in research on character strengths with Iranian youths.

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Development and Psychometric Properties of the Student Worry Questionnaire–30

Psychological Reports ◽

10.2466/pr0.2001.88.1.277 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 88 (1) ◽

pp. 277-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Augustine Osman ◽

Peter M. Gutierrez ◽

William R. Downs ◽

Beverly A. Kopper ◽

Francisco X. Barrios ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychometric Properties ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

General Anxiety ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Oblimin Rotation ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Report Measure

Described are the development and initial psychometric properties (Ns = 50 and 188) of a self-report measure, the Student Worry Questionnaire–30, for use with college undergraduates Exploratory principal components analyses (Ns = 388, 350, and 396) with oblimin rotation indicated six domains of worrisome thinking, financial-related concerns, significant others' well-being, social adequacy concerns, academic concerns, and general anxiety symptoms. The total score and scale scores showed internal consistency of .80 to .94. Also, test-retest reliability analyses (.75 to .80) support consistency of responses over 4 wk. Strong evidence for convergent validity was indicated. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the fit of the 6-factor oblique model. Limitations of the present studies, and directions for research are discussed.

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Comparing the Reliability and Validity of Global Self-Report Measures of Subjective Well-Being With Experiential Day Reconstruction Measures

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191117744660 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 102-116 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Nathan W. Hudson ◽

Ivana Anusic ◽

Richard E. Lucas ◽

M. Brent Donnellan

Keyword(s):

Psychometric Properties ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Short Form ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Reconstruction Method ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Informant Agreement

Self-report measures of global well-being are thought to reflect the overall quality of people’s lives. However, several scholars have argued that people rely on heuristics, such as current mood, when reporting their global well-being. Experiential well-being measures, such as the day reconstruction method (DRM), have been proposed as an alternative technique to obtain a potentially more accurate assessment of well-being. Across two multimethod, short-term longitudinal studies, we compared the psychometric properties of global self-reports and short-form DRM-based assessments of well-being. We evaluated their stability across one month, tested their convergent validity using self–informant agreement, and evaluated correlations with personality traits. Results indicated that global measures of well-being were more stable than DRM-based experiential measures. Self–informant agreement was also either equal across global and DRM measures or higher for global measures. Correlations with personality were similar across approaches. These findings suggest that DRM and global measures of well-being have similar psychometric properties when used to provide an overall assessment of a person’s typical level of subjective well-being.

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The Blank in the Mind Questionnaire (BIMQ)

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.25.2.115 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 115-122 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Despina Moraitou ◽

Anastasia Efklides

Keyword(s):

Negative Affect ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Factor Model ◽

Self Report ◽

Younger Adults ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Memory Failure ◽

Temporary Memory ◽

The Mind ◽

Lack Of Knowledge

Metacognitive awareness of memory failure may take the form of the “blank in the mind” (BIM) experience. The BIM experience informs the person of a temporary memory failure and takes the form of a disruption in the flow of consciousness, of a moment of no content in awareness. The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Blank in the Mind Questionnaire (BIMQ) designed to tap the BIM experience and differentiate it from other memory-related experiences, such as searching but not having in memory a piece of information (i.e., lack of knowledge). The participants (N = 493) were 249 younger adults (18–30 years old) and 244 older adults (63–89 years old) of both genders. Confirmatory factor analysis applied to the BIMQ confirmed a three-factor model with interrelations between the factors. The first factor represented the experience of lack of knowledge, the second represented the experience of BIM, and the third the person’s negative affective reactions to memory failure. The internal consistency of the three factors ranged from Cronbach’s α = .80 to .88. Convergent validity was shown with correlations of the BIMQ factors with self-report measures of cognitive and memory failures, and to the negative-affect subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).

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Measuring Collateral Consequences Among Individuals Registered for a Sexual Offense: Development of the Sexual Offender Collateral Consequences Measure

Sexual Abuse ◽

10.1177/10790632211019733 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107906322110197

Author(s):

Emma Hamilton ◽

Delida Sanchez ◽

Matthew L. Ferrara

Keyword(s):

Reliability And Validity ◽

Sexual Offender ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Sexual Offense ◽

Future Directions ◽

Collateral Consequences ◽

Validity Indicators ◽

Validated Instrument ◽

Adequate Reliability

Collateral consequences faced by individuals convicted of a sexual offense have been widely referenced in the literature. There is yet to be a systematic examination of collateral consequences affecting individuals, however, due to measurement inconsistencies and the absence of a psychometrically validated instrument. The current study developed and validated a measure of collateral consequences faced by individuals convicted of a sexual offense. Specifically, this study investigated (a) the underlying factor structure of collateral consequences commonly endorsed by individuals convicted of a sexual offense through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) procedures and (b) reliability and validity indicators of the aforementioned scale. Participants were 218 individuals convicted of and registered for a sexual offense in the state of Texas. Study measures included a pool of 66 collateral consequences items in addition to psychological self-report instruments addressing hopelessness, shame, social well-being, and discrimination. EFA results revealed a two-dimensional construct representing collateral consequences affecting areas of social and psychological well-being. The current measure demonstrated adequate reliability and validity. Limitations and future directions of findings are addressed.

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How Czecho-Slovakia Bounces Back: Population-Based Validation of the Brief Resilience Scale in Two Central European Countries

Psychological Reports ◽

10.1177/00332941211029619 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003329412110296

Author(s):

Jana Furstova ◽

Natalia Kascakova ◽

Iva Polackova Solcova ◽

Jozef Hasto ◽

Peter Tavel

Keyword(s):

Convergent Validity ◽

Factor Model ◽

Age Groups ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Well Being ◽

Population Based ◽

Resilience Scale ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Best Fit

Objective In recent years, resilience has become a focus of research in the medical and behavioral sciences. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was developed to assess the individual ability to recover from stress (“to bounce back”) after experiencing adversities. The aim of the study was to validate the Czech and Slovak versions of the BRS. Methods A representative sample of the Czech and Slovak populations (NCZ = 1800, mean age MCZ = 46.6, SDCZ = 17.4, 48.7% of men; NSK = 1018, mean age MSK = 46.2, SDSK = 16.6, 48.7% men) completed a survey assessing their health and well-being. Several confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models of the BRS were compared to find the best fit. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients of reliability were evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating resilience (BRS), physical and mental well-being (SF-8) and psychopathology symptoms (BSI-53). Differences in gender and age groups were appraised. Results A single-factor model with method effects on the reverse items was evaluated to best fit the data in both the Czech and Slovak samples (χ2CZ(6) = 39.0, p < 0.001, CFICZ = 0.998, TLICZ = 0.995, RMSEACZ = 0.055, SRMRCZ = 0.024; χ2SK(6) = 23.9, p < 0.001, CFISK = 0.998, TLISK = 0.995, RMSEASK = 0.054, SRMRSK = 0.009). The reliability was high in both samples (αCZ = 0.80, ωCZ = 0.85; αSK = 0.86, ωSK = 0.91). The BRS was positively associated with physical and mental well-being and negatively associated with somatization, depression and anxiety. In both countries, a lower BRS score was associated with higher age. Czech men reported significantly higher BRS scores than women. No significant difference was found in the mean BRS scores between the two countries. Conclusion This study provides evidence of good psychometric properties, reliability and validity of the Czech and Slovak adaptations of the BRS.

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NCOG-70. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF A NEW SELF-REPORT INDEX OF COGNITIVE CONCERNS IN BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.608 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. ii145-ii145

Author(s):

Giuliana Zarrella ◽

Alice Perez ◽

Jorg Dietrich ◽

Michael Parsons

Keyword(s):

Brain Tumor ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Discriminant Validity ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

Self Report ◽

Measurement Information ◽

Patient Reported

Abstract INTRODUCTION Subjective cognitive dysfunction is an important outcome measure in neuro-oncology and may provide additional information beyond performance-based neuropsychological testing. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) is a frequently used quality of life (QoL) measure that includes indices of physical, emotional, social, and neurologic aspects of disease, but does not measure cognitive concerns. This study seeks to develop and validate an index of self-reported cognition derived from existing items on the FACT-Br. METHODS 145 patients (Mage=51.08, Medu=15.63) with heterogeneous brain tumor diagnoses completed neuropsychological evaluation including cognitive testing and self-report measures. Nine FACT-Br items regarding cognition were combined to form the Cognitive Index (CI). Reliability of the CI was measured with Cronbach’s alpha. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating the CI with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Cognitive Abilities-8 or PROMIS Cognitive Concerns-8. Discriminant validity was assessed by correlation of the CI with other FACT-Br indices and the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI, BAI). RESULTS Internal consistency within the CI was high (Cronbach’s a 0.864). The CI correlated strongly with the PROMIS-Abilities (r =.680; p< 0.001) and PROMIS-Concerns (r=.780; p< 0.001) indicating high convergent validity. Moderate correlations were observed between the CI and the physical and functional subscales of the FACT (r=.453 and .555), whereas correlations with the social and emotional functioning subscales were weaker (r=.381 and .325). The FACT-Br-CI correlated strongly with BDI (r=-.622) and more weakly with the BAI (r=-.344). Consistent with prior literature, the CI showed modest correlations with neuropsychological measures, including verbal memory encoding (r=.300), verbal fluency (r=.252) and a composite measure of cognition (r=.249; all p’s< .01). CONCLUSIONS The FACT-Br-CI is a reliable and valid measure of self-reported cognition. Studies that include the FACT-Br could be retrospectively analyzed to assess self-reported cognitive outcomes, enriching the information gained from prior research.

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The reliability and validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and PHQ-2 in patients with infertility

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-019-0802-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Saman Maroufizadeh ◽

Reza Omani-Samani ◽

Amir Almasi-Hashiani ◽

Payam Amini ◽

Mahdi Sepidarkish

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Well Being ◽

Patient Health Questionnaire ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Health Questionnaire ◽

Patient Health

Abstract Background Depression in patients with infertility often goes undiagnosed and untreated. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and its ultra-brief version (i.e. PHQ-2) are widely used measures of depressive symptoms. These scales have not been validated in patients with infertility. The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability and validity of the PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 in patients with infertility. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 539 patients with infertility from a referral infertility clinic in Tehran, Iran completed the PHQ-9, along with other relevant scales: the WHO-five Well-being Index (WHO-5), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Factor structure and internal consistency of PHQ-9 were examined via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Convergent validity was evaluated by relationship with WHO-5, HADS and GAD-7. Results The mean total PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 scores were 8.47 ± 6.17 and 2.42 ± 1.86, respectively, and using a cut-off value of 10 (for PHQ-9) and 3 (for PHQ-2), the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 38.6 and 43.6%, respectively. The Cronbach’s alphas for PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 were, respectively, 0.851 and 0.767, indicating good internal consistency. The CFA results confirmed the one-factor model of the PHQ-9 (χ2/df = 4.29; CFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.078 and SRMR = 0.044). Both PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 showed moderate to strong correlation with the measures of WHO-5, HADS-depression, HADS-anxiety, and the GAD-7, confirming convergent validity. In univariate analysis, female sex, long infertility duration, and unsuccessful treatment were significantly associated with depression symptoms. Conclusion Both PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 are brief and easy to use measures of depressive symptoms with good psychometric properties that appear suitable for routine use in patients with infertility.

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Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA) - Parent Version in Iranian Mothers

10.21203/rs.3.rs-404187/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Seyed-Sirvan Hosseini ◽

Seyedeh Zeinab Beheshti ◽

Valsamma Eapen ◽

Amir Almasi-Hashiani ◽

Saman Maroufizadeh

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Cronbach’S Alpha ◽

Cronbach's Alpha ◽

Persian Version ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Confirmatory Factor

Abstract Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to poorer quality of life. The Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA) is a commonly used instrument for measuring the quality of life in parents of children with ASD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the QoLA in Iranian mothers of children with ASD.Methods: The sample of this methodological study consisted of 88 mothers of children with ASD in Arak, Iran. The data were collected using convenience sampling method between September 2019 and January 2020. A battery of questionnaires was administered to mothers which included the QoLA, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4). Factor structure and internal consistency of the QoLA were examined via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Convergent validity was examined by relationship with WHOQOL-BREF, PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PSS-4.Results: The mean total scores of QoLA Part A and Part B were 86.50 (SD=13.89) and 61.41 (SD=18.21), respectively. Both subscales exhibited good internal validity (with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.899 and 0.950 for Part A and Part B, respectively). The convergent validity of both subscales of QoLA was proved via moderate to strong correlations with measure of the WHOQOL-BREF. In addition, both QoLA Part A and Part B scores were negatively correlated with measures of PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PSS-4. The confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence for unidimensionality of both subscales of QoLA.Conclusion: The Persian version of QoLA displays satisfactory reliability and validity in Iranian mothers of children with ASD.

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Development of the Life Project Reflexivity Scale: A New Career Intervention Inventory

Journal of Career Assessment ◽

10.1177/1069072718758065 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 358-370 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Annamaria Di Fabio ◽

Jacobus Gideon Maree ◽

Maureen E. Kenny

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Well Being ◽

Career Intervention ◽

Life Project ◽

Group Settings ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Dimensional Version ◽

Italian Context

This article describes the Life Project Reflexivity Scale ( LPRS), a questionnaire constructed for use with Italian students to assess the development of reflexivity, which is increasingly vital for personal and professional progress and well-being. The instrument was administered to 502 Italian university students. A three-dimensional version of the scale was identified through exploratory factor analysis and supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Inter-item factor and scale correlations and reliability coefficients were calculated. We concluded that evidence supports the reliability and validity of the LPRS as a useful instrument for measuring life project reflexivity (people’s reflexivity regarding their future career–life–personal projects) in the Italian context. In addition to sound psychometric properties, the LPRS takes little time to administer and can be completed in large group settings with relative ease. More research is needed to more fully assess its validity and its potential for use in other countries.

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Family Rejection as a Predictor of Negative Health Outcomes in White and Latino Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults

10.1542/9781610025409-family ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 5-11

Author(s):

Caitlin Ryan ◽

David Huebner ◽

Rafael M. Diaz ◽

Jorge Sanchez

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Sexual Orientation ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Problems ◽

Self Report ◽

And Bisexual ◽

Pencil And Paper ◽

And Gender

OBJECTIVE We examined specific family rejecting reactions to sexual orientation and gender expression during adolescence as predictors of current health problems in a sample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. METHODS On the basis of previously collected in-depth interviews, we developed quantitative scales to assess retrospectively in young adults the frequency of parental and caregiver reactions to a lesbian, gay, or bisexual sexual orientation during adolescence. Our survey instrument also included measures of 9 negative health indicators, including mental health, substance abuse, and sexual risk. The survey was administered to a sample of 224 white and Latino self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults, aged 21 to 25, recruited through diverse venues and organizations. Participants completed self-report questionnaires by using either computer-assisted or pencil-and-paper surveys. RESULTS Higher rates of family rejection were significantly associated with poorer health outcomes. On the basis of odds ratios, lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults who reported higher levels of family rejection during adolescence were 8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide, 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression, 3.4 times more likely to use illegal drugs, and 3.4 times more likely to report having engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse compared with peers from families that reported no or low levels of family rejection. Latino men reported the highest number of negative family reactions to their sexual orientation in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes a clear link between specific parental and caregiver rejecting behaviors and negative health problems in young lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. Providers who serve this population should assess and help educate families about the impact of rejecting behaviors. Counseling families, providing anticipatory guidance, and referring families for counseling and support can help make a critical difference in helping decrease risk and increasing well-being for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.

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