scholarly journals A new perspective and assessment measure for common dissociative experiences: ‘Felt Sense of Anomaly’

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247037
Author(s):  
Emma Černis ◽  
Esther Beierl ◽  
Andrew Molodynski ◽  
Anke Ehlers ◽  
Daniel Freeman

Background Dissociative experiences occur across a range of mental health disorders. However, the term ‘dissociation’ has long been argued to lack conceptual clarity and may describe several distinct phenomena. We therefore aimed to conceptualise and empirically establish a discrete subset of dissociative experiences and develop a corresponding assessment measure. Methods First, a systematic review of existing measures was carried out to identify themes across dissociative experiences. A theme of ‘Felt Sense of Anomaly’ (FSA) emerged. Second, assessment items were generated based on this construct and a measure developed using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses of 8861 responses to an online self-report survey. Finally, the resulting measure was validated via CFA with data from 1031 patients with psychosis. Results ‘Felt sense of anomaly’ (FSA) was identified as common to many dissociative experiences, affecting several domains (e.g. body) and taking different forms (‘types’; e.g. unfamiliarity). Items for a novel measure were therefore systematically generated using a conceptual framework whereby each item represented a type-by-domain interaction (e.g. ‘my body feels unfamiliar’). Factor analysis of online responses found that FSA-dissociation manifested in seven ways: anomalous experiences of the self, body, and emotion, and altered senses of familiarity, connection, agency, and reality (Χ2 (553) = 4989.435, p<0.001, CFI = 0.929, TLI = 0.924, RMSEA = 0.052, SRMR = 0.047). Additionally, a single-factor ‘global FSA’ scale was produced (Χ2 (9) = 312.350, p<0.001, CFI = 0.970, TLI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.107, SRMR = 0.021). Model fit was adequate in the clinical (psychosis) group (Χ2 (553) = 1623.641, p<0.001, CFI = 0.927, TLI = 0.921, RMSEA = 0.043, SRMR = 0.043). The scale had good convergent validity with a widely used dissociation scale (DES-II) (non-clinical: r = 0.802), excellent internal reliability (non-clinical: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.98; clinical: Cronbach’s alpha = 0.97), and excellent test-retest reliability (non-clinical: ICC = 0.92). Further, in non-clinical respondents scoring highly on a PTSD measure, CFA confirmed adequate model fit (Χ2 (553) = 4758.673, CFI = 0.913, TLI = 0.906, RMSEA = 0.052, SRMR = 0.054). Conclusions The Černis Felt Sense of Anomaly (ČEFSA) scale is a novel measure of a subset of dissociative experiences that share a core feature of FSA. It is psychometrically robust in both non-clinical and psychosis groups.

Author(s):  
Vahid Farnia ◽  
Mehdi Moradinazar ◽  
Nasrin Abdoli ◽  
Mostafa Alikhani ◽  
Mansour Rezaei ◽  
...  

Background: No standard self-report instrument for withdrawal symptoms is available in Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the 10-item Amphetamine Withdrawal questionnaire version 2 (AWQV2). Methods: A sample of 388 methamphetamine addicts (215 females and 173 males) referred to addiction recovery centers and psychiatric ward of Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah. A two-stage random sampling method was used. The reliability and internal consistency of the AWQV2 items were examined using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability, respectively, and the instrument validity of the AWQV2 was measured using construct validity and convergent validity. Results: The AWQV2 had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.72. Factor analysis using the main component analysis with a varimax rotation introduced three factors of hyperarousal, anxiety, and reversed vegetative symptoms. These factors explained 0.58 of the total variance. The coefficient of test-retest reliability at a 2-week interval was equal to 0.77. The convergent validity of the AWQV2 was examined by simultaneously administering the Advanced Warning of Relapse (AWARE) questionnaire to 40 subjects, with a correlation coefficient of 0.81. Conclusions: Based on the results, the AWQV2 has very good psychometric properties and may be used in research and therapeutic interventions.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 897
Author(s):  
Christos Bakirtzis ◽  
Artemios Artemiadis ◽  
Elli Nteli ◽  
Marina Kleopatra Boziki ◽  
Maria-Valeria Karakasi ◽  
...  

The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23) is a self-report instrument developed to assess barriers faced by People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) in the workplace. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the MSWDQ-23. The study sample consisted of 196 PwMS, all currently working in part- or full-time jobs. Participants underwent clinical examination and cognitive screening with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and completed self-report measures of fatigue, psychological functioning, and quality of life, along with the MSWDQ-23 questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed, and goodness-of-fit measures were used to evaluate construct validity. Convergent validity was checked by correlating MSWDQ-23 scores with study measures. Cronbach’s alpha value was produced to assess internal consistency. CFA yielded a model with a fair fit confirming the three-factor structure of the instrument. Higher work difficulties were associated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, poorer cognitive function, more fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression, and poorer health status, supporting the convergent validity of MSWDQ-23. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.996, 95%, CI = 0.990–0.998) were excellent. The Greek MSWDQ-23 can be considered a valid patient-reported outcome measure and can be used in interventions aiming to improve the vocational status of PwMS.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e026712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Barth ◽  
Alexandra Kern ◽  
Sebastian Lüthi ◽  
Claudia M Witt

ObjectiveTo develop a short self-report instrument for the assessment of expectations (Expectation for Treatment Scale(ETS)) using acupuncture as a case example.DesignA cross-sectional assessment with retest after 1 week.SettingA web-based survey with patients suffering from pain.MethodsIn a three-step approach, we reduced the initially collected number of items from 17 to 9 and to 5, including expectations about coping ability, vitality, physical health and reduction of patient complaints. Items were selected according to internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha); convergent and divergent validities with related constructs (optimism, pessimism, resilience, perceived sensitivity to medicines, depression and others); 1-week retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)); and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).ResultsA total of 102 patients suffering from pain were included, and 54 of these patients completed the retest assessment. The final version of the ETS consisted of five items and had an excellent Cronbach’s alpha (0.90), with 72.33% variance on one single factor. Depression, pessimism and perceived sensitivity to medicines showed positive correlations with our expectation measure (r=0.23, r=0.20 and r=0.34, respectively); the correlation between the ETS and optimism was low (r=−0.07) and no correlation between the ETS and resilience was found (r=−0.07). Convergent validity was confirmed with a high correlation (r>0.90) between ETS and a treatment-specific measure of expectations. The retest ICC was 0.86, which showed high stability over 1 week. A CFA (n=439) with data from patients with low back pain confirmed the single-factor structure of the instrument.ConclusionThe ETS showed strong psychometric properties and covered a distinct construct. As the next step, the ETS might be implemented in different clinical conditions and settings to investigate psychometrics and its predictive power for treatment outcomes.


Author(s):  
Anggi Setyowati ◽  
Min-Huey Chung ◽  
Ah. Yusuf

Anxiety is common among adolescents. Self-report anxiety scales are needed to screen and prevent adolescents sinking into worse mental health. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of Indonesia Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), including translation, validity, reliability and receiver operating characteristics (ROC). We used cross-sectional study and correlational design in this study. Total sample was 1,000 adolescents in junior and senior high school. The SAS was translated into Bahasa Indonesia based on World Health Organization guidelines. SAS and the Indonesia version of Beck Depression Inventori-(BDI) II questionnaires were used to develop construct validity. Correlation between item score and total score was used to establish convergent validity. Cronbach’s alpha was used to calculate reliability and ROC curves were used to examine cut-off point of SAS. Construct validity showed positive correlation between the SAS and Indonesia version of BDI II scores. Convergent validity showed positive correlation between each item and total score. Cronbach’s alpha 0.691 and the ROC 36.5. Thus, the Indonesia version of SAS provides a reliable and valid tool to screen anxiety among adolescents.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Morou ◽  
Georgios N. Lyrakos ◽  
Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos ◽  
Nikolaos Douladiris ◽  
Athina Tatsioni ◽  
...  

The aim of the study is to determine the reliability and validity of the Greek version of the Food Allergy Quality of life Questionnaire- Child Form (FAQLQ-CF). After linguistic validation, the Greek FAQLQCF, Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) were used by a physician to interview children diagnosed with food allergy and aged 8-12 via telephone. Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate reliability, and factor analysis to assess construct validity. The correlation between FAQLQ-CF and FAIM was moderate (rho=0.509, P&lt;0.001) and internal consistency was strong (Cronbach’s alpha 0.905). FAQLQ-CF discriminated well each question’s contribution to children’s quality of life deterioration (32- 80%), each child’s quality of life (17-89%), children differing in doing things with others (total score 3.55 vs 2.57, difference =0.98 &gt; minimal clinical importance difference = 0.5; P&lt;0.001), but not children differing in reporting anaphylaxis. The total FAQLQ-CF score correlated with the total PedsQL™ score and with the score of one of PedsQL™ subscales, demonstrating convergent validity. Factor analysis uncovered an underlying structure of four factors, explaining 50% of the variance. We can conclude that Greek FAQLQ-CF is a reliable, valid, discriminant tool for interviewing food allergic children aged 8- 12, detecting those in need for immediate care.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gailey ◽  
Anat Kristal ◽  
Jennifer Lucarevic ◽  
Shane Harris ◽  
Brooks Applegate ◽  
...  

Background: Prosthetic socket fit is an important element associated with successful ambulation and use of a prosthesis. Prosthetists and rehabilitation clinicians would benefit from an assessment tool that discriminates between and quantifies the multiple determinants that influence the lower limb amputee’s performance and satisfaction of a prosthetic socket. Objectives: To determine the internal consistency of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey, a new self-report measure of prosthetic socket satisfaction that quantifies suspension, stability, comfort, and appearance. Study design: Cross-sectional sample of active amputees. Methods: Interviews were conducted with prosthetists, physical therapists, and lower limb amputees to identify clinical concerns and common activities influencing socket fit. An expert panel of five clinicians reviewed the items and constructed the original version of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey which was then administered to a convenience sample of 47 active lower limb amputees. Item analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were used to determine the final version of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey. Results: Following item raw score-to-total score correlation with Cronbach’s alpha for comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey determinants, internal consistency improved when nine questions were eliminated. Conclusion: The comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey is a self-report measure of prosthetic socket satisfaction with very good internal consistency. Clinical relevance When socket problems occur, the ability to determine the specific cause can reduce modification time, enhance socket fit, and promote patient satisfaction. A standardized multi-dimensional assessment measure of socket satisfaction enables prosthetists to quantify the multiple determinants of socket satisfaction, improve patient communication, and demonstrate the value of socket interventions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S255-S255
Author(s):  
B. Alansari ◽  
T. AlAli

IntroductionThe Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) 29-Item, each involving the selection of four options that are different for each item. Although there is an Arabic version, it is not identical to the original version in terms of the number of items and response.Objectivesto evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic adaptation OHI and its factorial structure in undergraduate sample.MethodsThe participants were 720 first year undergraduate Kuwaitis: 360 males mean age = 20.38 ± 1.60 and 360 females; mean age = 19.71 ± 1.39 (t = 5.87, P < 0.001). The Arabic version of OHI (Argyle, Martin, & Crossland) was administered to participants. The internal consistency reliability, factor structure, and convergent validity of the OHI with Life Orientation Test (LOT-R, Adult Hope Scale (AHS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) were assessed as well as divergent validity of the OHI with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)ResultsInternal consistency was satisfactory for the OHI (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87) for males and (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) for females. The results revealed no significant gender differences on happiness (F = 1.77, P > 05). Principal component analyses (PCA) showed that a seven-component solution explains %50.50 of the total variance for males and 51.47% for females. The OHI positively correlates with the following variables: SWLS (r = .52), LOT-R (r = 0.56) AHS (r = .48) while the OHI correlates negatively with BDI-II (r = -54).ConclusionsFindings confirm that the OHI provides satisfactory validation, and thus it can be recommended as a measure of happiness among Arab samples.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e033114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana V Doubova ◽  
Ingrid Patricia Martinez-Vega ◽  
Marcos Gutiérrez-De-la-Barrera ◽  
Claudia Infante-Castañeda ◽  
Carlos E Aranda-Flores ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo develop and validate a Patient-Centred Quality of Cancer Care Questionnaire in Spanish (PCQCCQ-S) appropriate to the Mexican context.DesignPsychometric validation of a questionnaire.SettingTwo public oncology hospitals in Mexico City.Participants1809 patients with cancer aged ≥18 years.Source of informationCross-sectional survey.MethodsThe validation procedures comprised (1) content validity through a group of experts and patients; (2) item reduction and evaluation of the factor structure, through an exploratory factor analysis based on the polychoric correlation matrix; (3) internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha; (4) convergent validity between the PCQCCQ-S and supportive care needs scale; (5) correlation analysis between the PCQCCQ-S and quality of life scale by calculating Spearman’s rank-correlation coefficient; and (6) differentiation by ‘known groups’ through the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.ResultsThe PCQCCQ-S has 30 items with the following five factors accounting for 96.5% of the total variance: (1) timely care; (2) clarity of the information; (3) information for treatment decision-making; (4) activities to address biopsychosocial needs; and (5) respectful and coordinated care. Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.73 to 0.90 among the factors. PCQCCQ-S has moderate convergent validity with supportive care needs scale, revealing that higher quality is correlated with lower patient needs. PCQCCQ-S has acceptable ability to differentiate by ‘known groups’, showing that older patients and those with low levels of education perceived lower total quality of care as compared with their counterparts.ConclusionPCQCCQ-S has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used to measure quality of patient-centred cancer care in Mexico and serve as a reference to develop PCQCCQ-S in other Spanish-speaking countries.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed-Sirvan Hosseini ◽  
Seyedeh Zeinab Beheshti ◽  
Valsamma Eapen ◽  
Amir Almasi-Hashiani ◽  
Saman Maroufizadeh

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.


Author(s):  
ALIAA Khaja ◽  
Owayed AL-Mutairi ◽  
abdulaziz Alkhudair ◽  
Awdhah Abdulkarim

Abstract Background The Harris Hip Score (HHS) is a widely used Patient-Related Outcomes score. It measures pain and function levels in patients with hip pathologies. Objectives The main objective of this study is to translate and culturally adapt the HHS into Arabic, and to further assess the reliability and validity of translated version Material & Methods 110 patients participated in this survey. The internal consistency tests were performed using Cronbach’s alpha. Test-retest reliability (intra-correlation coefficient), convergent construct validity, convergent validity, floor & ceiling effects and responsiveness was also calculated. In order to measure the level of agreement, Bland-Altman Plot, forest Plots are performed. Results Test reliability for the first testing situation - calculated using Cronbach's alpha - was 0.98 for the pain subscale, 0.98 for the stiffness, and 0.99 for the physical function subscale. For the second testing, reliability was 0.99, 0.97, and 0.99 (pain, stiffness, and physical function, respectively). This only proves that WOMAC is an instrument with good reliability. Same calculation of Cronbach’s alpha was essential to testing the reliability of the Harris Hip Score. For each of the three testing occasions the reliability was very good or excellent – α 1 = 0.92, α 2 = 0.91, and α 3 = 0.90. Intra-class correlation coefficient was good with the score of 0.76 (95% CI 0.44-0.88). Conclusion Overall, Arabic version of HOOS could be used as diagnostic tool for patients with hip problems, when it comes to information about the overall condition of the patient, especially about the improvement or deterioration, however, it is important to be cautious using HHS when the change magnitude of patient’s condition is investigated, since there is a potential probability that the level of improvement of the patient’s condition will be overestimated by HHS.


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