The Whiteley Index–6: An Examination of Measurement Invariance Among Self-Identifying Black, Latino, and White Respondents in Primary Care

Brief measures that are comparable across disparate groups are particularly likely to be useful in primary care settings. Prior research has supported a six-item short form of the Whiteley Index (WI), a commonly used measure of health anxiety, among English-speaking respondents. This study examined the measurement invariance of the WI-6 among Black ( n = 183), Latino ( n = 173), and White ( n = 177) respondents seeking treatment at a U.S. community health center. Results supported a bifactor model of the WI-6 among the composite sample ( N = 533), suggesting the presence of a general factor and two domain-specific factors. Results supported the incremental validity of one of the domain-specific factors in accounting for unique variance in somatic symptom severity scores beyond the general factor. Multiple-groups confirmatory factor analysis supported the configural, metric, ands scalar invariance of the bifactor WI-6 model across the three groups of respondents. Results provide support for the measurement invariance of the WI-6 among Black, Latino, and White respondents. The potential use of the WI-6 in primary care, and broader, settings is discussed.

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Negative Problems Orientation Questionnaire for Chinese Adolescents: Bifactor Model and Measurement Invariance

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.608676 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Huiwen Xiao ◽

Rongmao Lin ◽

Qiaoling Wu ◽

Saili Shen ◽

Youwei Yan

Keyword(s):

Measurement Invariance ◽

Bifactor Model ◽

Chinese Adolescents ◽

General Factor ◽

Problem Orientation ◽

Domain Specific ◽

Multiple Group ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Specific Factors ◽

Negative Problem Orientation

The Negative Problem Orientation Questionnaire (NPOQ) is a widely used tool for assessing negative problem orientation (NPO). However, its construct and measurement invariance has not been adequately tested in adolescents. The present study explored the possible construct of the NPOQ and its measurement invariance in a sample of 754 Chinese adolescents (51.6% girls, all 12–18 years old). The results supported a bifactor model of the NPOQ that consists of a general factor NPO and three domain-specific factors including perceived threat, self-inefficacy, and negative outcome expectancy. A multiple-group CFA indicated that the bifactor model showed strict invariance across gender and age. The general and domain factors showed unique variance in indexes of worry, depression, anxiety, and stress, which supported well incremental validity of them. This study confirms for a bifactor conceptualization of the NPOQ and its measurement invariance across gender and age in Chinese adolescents. Additionally, it is recommended that the total score should be used to assess NPO in Chinese adolescents.

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Domain-Specificity of Need for Cognition Among High School Students

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000437 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (5) ◽

pp. 607-616 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ulrich Keller ◽

Anja Strobel ◽

Romain Martin ◽

Franzis Preckel

Keyword(s):

High School Students ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Factor Model ◽

Need For Cognition ◽

Self Concept ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Specific Factor ◽

General Factor ◽

Domain Specific ◽

Specific Factors

Abstract. Need for Cognition (NFC) is increasingly investigated in educational research. In contrast to other noncognitive constructs in this area, such as academic self-concept and interest, NFC has consistently been conceptualized as domain-general. We employed structural equation modeling to address the question of whether NFC can be meaningfully and gainfully conceptualized as domain-specific. To this end, we developed a domain-specific 20-item NFC scale with parallel items for Science, Mathematics, German, and French. Additionally, domain-general NFC was assessed with five domain-general items. Using a cross-sectional sample of more than 4,500 Luxembourgish 9th graders, we found that a nested-factor model incorporating both a general factor and domain-specific factors better accounted for the data than a single-factor or a correlated-factor model. However, the influence of the general factor was markedly stronger than in corresponding models for academic self-concept and interest. When controlling for the domain-specific factors, only Mathematics achievement was significantly predicted by the domain-general factor, while all achievement measures (Mathematics, French, and German) were predicted by the corresponding domain-specific factor. The nested domain-specific NFC factors were clearly empirically distinguishable from first-order domain-specific interest factors.

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Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance Across Gender of the Beck Depression Inventory-II in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.527559 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Ferdinand Keller ◽

Inken Kirschbaum-Lesch ◽

Joana Straub

Keyword(s):

Measurement Invariance ◽

Beck Depression Inventory ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

Factor Models ◽

Bifactor Model ◽

General Factor ◽

Factor Analyses ◽

Specific Factors

The revised version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) is one of the most frequently applied questionnaires not only in adults, but also in adolescents. To date, attempts to identify a replicable factor structure of the BDI-II have mainly been undertaken in adult populations. Moreover, most of the studies which included minors and were split by gender lacked confirmatory factor analyses and were generally conducted in healthy adolescents. The present study therefore aimed to determine the goodness of fit of various factor models proposed in the literature in an adolescent clinical sample, to evaluate alternative solutions for the factor structure and to explore potential gender differences in factor loadings. The focus was on testing bifactor models and subsequently on calculating bifactor statistical indices to help clarify whether a uni- or a multidimensional construct is more appropriate, and on testing the best-fitting factor model for measurement invariance according to gender. The sample comprised 835 adolescent girls and boys aged 13–18 years in out- and inpatient setting. Several factor models proposed in the literature provided a good fit when applied to the adolescent clinical sample, and differences in goodness of fit were small. Exploratory factor analyses were used to develop and test a bifactor model that consisted of a general factor and two specific factors, termed cognitive and somatic. The bifactor model confirmed the existence of a strong general factor on which all items load, and the bifactor statistical indices suggest that the BDI-II should be seen as a unidimensional scale. Concerning measurement invariance across gender, there were differences in loadings on item 21 (Loss of interest in sex) on the general factor and on items 1 (Sadness), 4 (Loss of pleasure), and 9 (Suicidal Thoughts) on the specific factors. Thus, partial measurement invariance can be assumed and differences are negligible. It can be concluded that the total score of the BDI-II can be used to measure depression severity in adolescent clinical samples.

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A Bifactor and item response analysis of the geriatric anxiety inventory

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610217001004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (10) ◽

pp. 1647-1656 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

H. Molde ◽

K. M. Hynninen ◽

T. Torsheim ◽

A.B. Bendixen ◽

K. Engedal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Item Response ◽

Short Form ◽

Response Analysis ◽

General Factor ◽

Factorial Structure ◽

Item Functioning ◽

Sum Score ◽

Full Form ◽

Specific Factors ◽

Scale Properties

ABSTRACTBackground:Due to previously reported mixed findings, there is a need for further empirical research on the factorial structure of the commonly used Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). Therefore, the psychometric properties of the GAI and its short form version (GAI-SF) were evaluated in a psychogeriatric mixed in-and-out patient sample (n= 543).Methods:Unidimensionality was tested using a bifactor analysis. Rasch modeling was used to assess scale properties. Sex, cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms were tested for differential item functioning (DIF).Results:The bifactor analysis identified an essential unidimensional (general) factor structure but also specific local factors. The general factor comprises all the 20 items as one factor, and the results showed that the variance in the general and specific factors (subscale) scores is best explained by the single general factor. These findings were demonstrated for both versions of the GAI. Furthermore, the Rasch models identified extensive item overlap, indicating redundant items in the full version of the GAI. The GAI-SF also seems to extract much of the same information as the full form. Test scores and items have the same meaning for older adults across different demographic status.Conclusion:The findings support the use of a total sum score for both GAI and GAI-SF. Notably, when using the GAI-SF, no information is lost, in comparison with the full scale, thus, supporting the option of choosing the short form (version) when considered most appropriate in demanding clinical contexts.

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Factor Structure and Incremental Utility of the Distress Tolerance Scale: A Bifactor Analysis

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191118789496 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 297-308 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Travis A. Rogers ◽

Joseph R. Bardeen ◽

Thomas A. Fergus ◽

Natasha Benfer

Keyword(s):

Factor Structure ◽

Distress Tolerance ◽

Self Report ◽

General Factor ◽

Domain Specific ◽

Factor Measurement ◽

Specific Factors ◽

Bifactor Modeling ◽

Order Domain ◽

Report Measure

The Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) is a self-report measure of perceived capacity to withstand aversive emotions. Initial factor analysis of this measure suggested a structure comprising one higher-order factor and four lower-order domain-specific factors. However, there is limited evidence in support of the DTS’s purported multidimensionality, and despite use of the DTS subscales, research has yet to assess their incremental utility. The current investigation sought to rectify the paucity of evidence in support of the DTS’s factor structure and independent use of DTS subscales via bifactor analysis. In the present study ( N = 826 community adults), a bifactor model of the DTS provided the best fit to the data. However, an examination of statistical indices associated with bifactor modeling, as well as results from an examination of incremental utility, suggest that the domain-specific factors are largely redundant with the general factor and do not provide incremental utility in predicting relevant clinical constructs beyond the general factor. Measurement invariance between sexes was confirmed. Taken together, results support use of a DTS total score, but not subscale scores.

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Factor Structure and Further Validation of the 20-Item Short Form of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191117745988 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 984-1000 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Thomas A. Fergus ◽

Shawn J. Latendresse ◽

Kevin D. Wu

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Short Form ◽

Bifactor Model ◽

General Factor ◽

Obsessive Beliefs ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Best Fitting ◽

Obsessive Compulsive Symptom ◽

Specific Factors ◽

Control Of Thoughts

A 44-item version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ-44) put forward by the Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group remains the most widely used version of the OBQ, despite research casting doubt on its factorial validity and the existence of a short form (i.e., OBQ-20). In a large sample of undergraduate students ( n = 1,210), a bifactor model of the OBQ-20, consisting of a general factor and four specific factors (threat, responsibility, importance/control of thoughts, perfectionism/certainty), was supported as the best-fitting model. None of the examined OBQ-44 models provided adequate fit. The bifactor model of the OBQ-20 was retained in two independent samples ( n = 1,342 community adults, n = 319 undergraduate students). The incremental validity of the specific factors of the OBQ-20 beyond the general factor was evidenced across multiple criterion indices, including obsessive–compulsive symptom measures and reactions to a thought-induction task. Results further support use of the OBQ-20.

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Differentiated nomological networks of internalizing, externalizing, and the general factor of psychopathology (‘p factor’) in emerging adolescence in the ABCD study

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291720005103 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Sarah J. Brislin ◽

Meghan E. Martz ◽

Sonalee Joshi ◽

Elizabeth R. Duval ◽

Arianna Gard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family Environment ◽

Child Behavior Checklist ◽

A Priori ◽

General Factor ◽

Domain Specific ◽

Social Adversity ◽

History Of ◽

Specific Factors ◽

Well Differentiated ◽

P Factor

Abstract Background Structural models of psychopathology consistently identify internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) specific factors as well as a superordinate factor that captures their shared variance, the p factor. Questions remain, however, about the meaning of these data-driven dimensions and the interpretability and distinguishability of the larger nomological networks in which they are embedded. Methods The sample consisted of 10 645 youth aged 9–10 years participating in the multisite Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. p, INT, and EXT were modeled using the parent-rated Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Patterns of associations were examined with variables drawn from diverse domains including demographics, psychopathology, temperament, family history of substance use and psychopathology, school and family environment, and cognitive ability, using instruments based on youth-, parent-, and teacher-report, and behavioral task performance. Results p exhibited a broad pattern of statistically significant associations with risk variables across all domains assessed, including temperament, neurocognition, and social adversity. The specific factors exhibited more domain-specific patterns of associations, with INT exhibiting greater fear/distress and EXT exhibiting greater impulsivity. Conclusions In this largest study of hierarchical models of psychopathology to date, we found that p, INT, and EXT exhibit well-differentiated nomological networks that are interpretable in terms of neurocognition, impulsivity, fear/distress, and social adversity. These networks were, in contrast, obscured when relying on the a priori Internalizing and Externalizing dimensions of the CBCL scales. Our findings add to the evidence for the validity of p, INT, and EXT as theoretically and empirically meaningful broad psychopathology liabilities.

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Psychometric Properties of the German Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ)

Assessment ◽

10.1177/10731911211010955 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107319112110109

Author(s):

Carmen Schaeuffele ◽

Christine Knaevelsrud ◽

Babette Renneberg ◽

Johanna Boettcher

Keyword(s):

Psychometric Properties ◽

Experiential Avoidance ◽

Discriminant Validity ◽

Short Form ◽

Clinical Population ◽

General Factor ◽

Internal Reliability ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽

Convergent And Discriminant Validity ◽

Specific Factors

The Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ) is a 15-item short form of the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire. This study aimed to investigate psychometric properties of a German translation of the BEAQ in a student and a clinical population. The BEAQ showed high internal reliability and overall acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. The BEAQ displayed adequate 7- to 13-day test–retest reliability and captured changes in experiential avoidance when experiential avoidance was targeted in treatment. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a bifactor structure where the BEAQ is modeled as one general and five specific factors that correspond to the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire subscales fit the data adequately. All items (except Item 1 in the clinical population) loaded on the general factor and common variance was approximately equally spread across the general and specific factors. The Distress Endurance subscale was not included in this model, since it is represented by only one item, which showed poor performances and low associations to the BEAQ’s total score in both samples. We recommend further research into the BEAQ’s factor structure to substantiate our preliminary findings.

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Do the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Autism Spectrum Quotient Short Form (AQ-S) Primarily Reflect General ASD Traits or Specific ASD Traits? A Bi-Factor Analysis

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191115611230 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 444-457 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Aja Louise Murray ◽

Karen McKenzie ◽

Renate Kuenssberg ◽

Tom Booth

Keyword(s):

Short Form ◽

Measurement Model ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

General Factor ◽

Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽

Specific Symptom ◽

Factor Measurement ◽

Specific Factors ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Specific Symptoms

In the current study, we fit confirmatory bi-factor models to the items of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Autism Spectrum Quotient Short Form (AQ-S) in order to assess the extents to which the items of each reflect general versus specific factors. The models were fit in a combined sample of individuals with and without a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. Results indicated that, with the exception of the Attention to Details factor in the AQ and the Numbers/Patterns factors in the AQ-S, items primarily reflected a general factor. This suggests that when attempting to estimate an association between a specific symptom measured by the AQ or AQ-S and some criterion, associations will be confounded by the general factor. To resolve this, we recommend using a bi-factor measurement model or factor scores from a bi-factor measurement whenever hypotheses about specific symptoms are being assessed.

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Validation of a Kazakhstani Version of the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.754236 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Hernández-Torrano ◽

Laura Ibrayeva ◽

Ainur Muratkyzy ◽

Natalya Lim ◽

Yerden Nurtayev ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Measurement Invariance ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Mental Health ◽

Self Report ◽

General Factor ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Health And Well Being

Positive mental health and well-being are significant dimensions of health, employment, and educational outcomes. Research on positive mental health and well-being requires measurement instruments in native languages for use in local contexts and target populations. This study examines the psychometric properties of the Kazakhstani version of the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (MHC-SF), a brief self-report instrument measuring emotional, social, and psychological well-being. The sample included 664 University students (425 females) purposefully selected in three higher education institutions in South, East, and Central Kazakhstan. Their average age was 20.25 and ranged from 18 to 43. Participants completed a Kazakhstani version of the MHC-SF online. Statistical analyses to evaluate the structural validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of the Kazakhstani version of the MHC-SF were performed. The results confirmed the superiority of the bifactor model (i.e., three separated factors of well-being plus a general factor of well-being) over the alternatives. However, most of the reliable variance was attributable to the general well-being factor. Subscale scores were unreliable, explaining very low variance beyond that explained by the general factor. The findings demonstrated the measurement invariance of the MHC-SF across gender and age. Overall, these findings support the use of the Kazakhstani version of the MHC-SF to examine a general factor of well-being and the measurement invariance of the instrument across gender and age groups. However, the results advise against the interpretation of the subscale scores as unequivocal indicators of emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

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