Evaluating the construct validity and internal consistency of the Sickness Questionnaire in a Swedish sample of adults with longstanding pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Åström ◽  
Linda Holmström ◽  
Bianka Karshikoff ◽  
Anna Andreasson ◽  
Mike K. Kemani
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Sickness Behavior ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Structural Validity ◽  
Adequate Model ◽  
Swedish Sample

Abstract Objectives Low-grade inflammation is a possible contributing factor in the development and persistence of chronic primary pain syndromes. Related to inflammatory activity is sickness behavior, a set of behavioral responses including increased pain sensitivity, fatigue, malaise, fever, loss of appetite, as well as depressive behavior and anhedonia. To capture these behavioral responses and their relation to longstanding pain, psychometrically sound self-report questionnaires are needed. The Sickness Questionnaire (SicknessQ) was developed to assess self-reported sickness behavior based on studies on acute immune activation while maintaining relevance for persistent conditions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate aspects of the validity and reliability of the SicknessQ in a Swedish sample of persons with longstanding pain. Methods Aspects of construct validity were evaluated by means of performing a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (testing structural validity) and by relevant hypothesis testing i.e., that ratings of sickness behavior in combination with other related factors (e.g., depression and anxiety) would be significantly related to ratings of avoidance. Reliability was evaluated by means of analyzing the internal consistency of items. Results Following the CFA, a non-significant Chi-Square test (χ2 [32, N=190] = 42.95, p=0.094) indicated perfect model fit. Also, the relative fit indices supported adequate model fit (CFI = 0.978; TLI = 0.969; RMSEA = 0.0430). Sickness behavior (p<0.0001), depression (p<0.05) and pain duration (p<0.05) significantly contributed to the regression model, explaining 45% of the total variance in avoidance. Internal consistency was adequate, as indicated by a Cronbach’s α value of 0.82 for the entire questionnaire. Conclusions Results indicate that the SicknessQ has adequate structural validity as well as adequate internal consistency, and is significantly associated with avoidance. The SicknessQ appears to have utility as a self-report questionnaire to assess symptoms of sickness behavior for adults with longstanding pain.

scholarly journals The psychometric properties of the Compassionate Love Scale and the validation of the English and German 7-item Compassion for Others Scale (COS-7)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Schlosser ◽  
Natalie G. Pfaff ◽  
Stefan R. Schweinberger ◽  
Natalie L. Marchant ◽  
olga klimecki
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Self Report ◽  
German Version ◽  
Divergent Validity ◽  
Adequate Model ◽  
Compassionate Love ◽  
Psychometric Quality

An increasing body of scientific research on the nature, correlates, and effects of compassion has accrued over recent years. Expert agreement has not yet been reached on the conceptualisation of compassion for others, and existing self-report measures of compassion for others have often lacked psychometric quality and content validity. Recent publications of longer compassion measures represent significant strides towards ameliorating these issues. However, there is a need for psychometrically sound short scales for measuring compassion in time-constrained research settings. To meet this need, one can assess the psychometric qualities of existing scales in order to develop robust short adaptations of such scales. Study 1 (N = 501) empirically assessed the psychometric properties of the widely cited Compassionate Love Scale (CLS) to validate a new short scale of compassion for others (strangers) comprised of items from the CLS – the 7-item Compassion for Others Scale (COS-7). Study 2 (N = 332) addressed the absence of a German measure of compassion for others by validating a German version of the COS-7. The CLS did not display adequate model fit. Both the English and German versions of the COS-7 demonstrated adequate model fit, factor loadings, internal consistency, interpretability, convergent/divergent validity, and no floor/ceiling effects. Findings provide support for the English and German versions of the COS-7 as adequate short scales for measuring compassion for others. The German COS-7 is the first German measure of compassion for others published to date.

scholarly journals Measuring Subjective Sleep Quality: A Review

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.

scholarly journals Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Fremantle Knee Awareness Questionnaire in Italian subjects with painful knee osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Monticone ◽  
Cristiano Sconza ◽  
Igor Portoghese ◽  
Tomohiko Nishigami ◽  
Benedict M. Wand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Structural Validity ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Pain Catastrophising ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Painful Knee

Abstract Background and aim Growing attention is being given to utilising physical function measures to better understand and manage knee osteoarthritis (OA). The Fremantle Knee Awareness Questionnaire (FreKAQ), a self-reported measure of body-perception specific to the knee, has never been validated in Italian patients. The aims of this study were to culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the FreKAQ (FreKAQ-I), to allow for its use with Italian-speaking patients with painful knee OA. Methods The FreKAQ-I was developed by means of forward–backward translation, a final review by an expert committee and a test of the pre-final version to evaluate its comprehensibility. The psychometric testing included: internal structural validity by Rasch analysis; construct validity by assessing hypotheses of FreKAQ correlations with the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), the pain catastrophising scale (PCS), and the Hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) (Pearson’s correlations); known-group validity by evaluating the ability of FreKAQ scores to discriminate between two groups of participants with different clinical profiles (Mann–Whitney U test); reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2.1); and measurement error by calculating the minimum detectable change (MDC). Results It took one month to develop a consensus-based version of the FreKAQ-I. The questionnaire was administered to 102 subjects with painful knee OA and was well accepted. Internal structural validity confirmed the substantial unidimensionality of the FreKAQ-I: variance explained was 53.3%, the unexplained variance in the first contrast showed an eigenvalue of 1.8, and no local dependence was detected. Construct validity was good as all of the hypotheses were met; correlations: KOOS (rho = 0.38–0.51), PI-NRS (rho = 0.35–0.37), PCS (rho = 0.47) and HADS (Anxiety rho = 0.36; Depression rho = 0.43). Regarding known-groups validity, FreKAQ scores were significantly different between groups of participants demonstrating high and low levels of pain intensity, pain catastrophising, anxiety, depression and the four KOOS subscales (p ≤ 0.004). Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.74) and test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92, CI 0.87–0.94). The MDC95 was 5.22 scale points. Conclusion The FreKAQ-I is unidimensional, reliable and valid in Italian patients with painful knee OA. Its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes.

scholarly journals Unhappy While Depressed: Examining the Dimensionality, Reliability and Validity of the Subjective Happiness Scale in a Spanish Sample of Patients with Depressive Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10964
Author(s):  
Albert Feliu-Soler ◽  
Javier de de Diego-Adeliño ◽  
Juan V. Luciano ◽  
Ioseba Iraurgi ◽  
Carlo Alemany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Subjective Happiness ◽  
Subjective Happiness Scale

Despite the considerable amount of research evidence on the significant role of subjective happiness on mental health, there is no psychometric study of the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) in psychiatric samples. This study was aimed at exploring the psychometric properties of the SHS in a Spanish sample of patients with depressive disorders. Participants were 174 patients with a depressive disorder (70% diagnosed as major depressive disorder) who completed the SHS, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Report (QIDS-SR16), and the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS). Depressive symptoms were also assessed by means of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) Scale. Dimensionality, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to change of the SHS were examined. Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the original one-factor structure of the scale. The SHS exhibited good-to-excellent results for internal consistency (α = 0.83) and for convergent [EQ-5D VAS (r = 0.71)] and divergent [QIDS-SR16 (r = −0.72), HDRS17 (r = −0.60) and CGI-S (r = −0.61)] construct validity. The ability of the SHS to differentiate between depression severity levels as well as its responsiveness to clinical change were both highly satisfactory (p < 0.001 in both cases). The SHS retained the soundness of psychometric properties showed in non-clinical samples in a sample of patients with depressive disorders, which supports its use as a reliable and valid outcome measure in the treatment of such disorders.

scholarly journals Hidden Invalidity Among 15 Commonly Used Measures in Social and Personality Psychology

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Hussey ◽  
Sean Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Structural Validity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Personality Psychology ◽  
Reliability Factor ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Groups

It has recently been demonstrated that metrics of structural validity are severely underreported in social and personality psychology. We comprehensively assessed structural validity in a uniquely large and varied data set ( N = 144,496 experimental sessions) to investigate the psychometric properties of some of the most widely used self-report measures ( k = 15 questionnaires, 26 scales) in social and personality psychology. When the scales were assessed using the modal practice of considering only internal consistency, 88% of them appeared to possess good validity. Yet when validity was assessed comprehensively (via internal consistency, immediate and delayed test-retest reliability, factor structure, and measurement invariance for age and gender groups), only 4% demonstrated good validity. Furthermore, the less commonly a test was reported in the literature, the more likely the scales were to fail that test (e.g., scales failed measurement invariance much more often than internal consistency). This suggests that the pattern of underreporting in the field may represent widespread hidden invalidity of the measures used and may therefore pose a threat to many research findings. We highlight the degrees of freedom afforded to researchers in the assessment and reporting of structural validity and introduce the concept of validity hacking ( v-hacking), similar to the better-known concept of p-hacking. We argue that the practice of v-hacking should be acknowledged and addressed.

Test-Retest Reliability of the Holyoake Codependency Index with Australian Students

2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 482-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg E. Dear
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Full Scale Test ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
External Focus ◽  
Scale Test ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Report Measure

The Holyoake Codependency Index is a 13-item self-report measure of three aspects of codependency: External Focus, Self-sacrifice, and a sense of being overwhelmed by another person's problematic behavior (termed Reactivity). Previous studies have supported internal validity and the internal consistency and construct validity of the subscales. The present scores for 59 students indicate full scale test-retest reliability of .88 and for subscales (.76 to .82) over a 3-wk. interval.

scholarly journals The Abbreviated Psychopathy Measure (APM): Two Pilot Studies of a Brief Measure of Psychopathy Traits

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Semel
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Personality Variables ◽  
High Internal Consistency ◽  
Highly Correlated

Two studies were undertaken to examine preliminary construct validity of a newly developed, abbreviated measure of psychopathy.  The Abbreviated Psychopathy Measure (APM) is a 33-item inventory that is closely modeled on the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM; Patrick, 2010), with a new and more parsimonious set of items.  Analyses in Study 1 ( = 126) found that the Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition scales of the APM had high internal consistency reliabilities and were highly correlated with their counterpart scales on the TriPM.  The APM Total score was very highly correlated with the TriPM Total score (r = .90).  Each of the APM scales was also significantly correlated with a measure of Antisocial Intent.  In Study 2 (N = 140), the APM was very highly correlated with the Total score of a 36-item version of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scales (LSRP; Levenson, Kiehl, &amp; Fitzpatrick, 1995). Additionally, the APM scales were associated differentially with normal range personality variables associated with psychopathy (e.g., Boldness was robustly associated with Extraversion, Meanness was highly and inversely associated with Agreeableness, Disinhibition was robustly and negatively associated with Conscientiousness).  The APM appeared to differ most significantly from the TriPM in that APM Boldness was moderately correlated with Meanness and Disinhibition.  APM Boldness may capture a more maladaptive quality of boldness relative to TriPM Boldness through a greater emphasis on low harm avoidance or fearlessness in comparison to TriPM Boldness.  The APM is potentially a promising brief measure of psychopathy; however, further study is needed to determine whether the moderately inter-correlated APM scales can distinguish among conceptually relevant constructs.  Directions for future research are discussed.

Assessing Anxiety about Retirement: The Case of Academicians

1997 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bert Hayslip ◽  
Michael Beyerlein ◽  
Judith A. Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Self Report ◽  
University Faculty ◽  
Retirement Preparation ◽  
High Internal Consistency

One hundred and forty-four individuals, ninety-two of whom were active university faculty and fifty-two of whom were retired, completed a measure of anxiety about retirement as well as a battery of self-report scales assessing a number of personality, job-related, and retirement-specific constructs. Results suggested that the newly developed measure of retirement anxiety possessed high internal consistency as well as both discriminant and construct validity. Moreover, it is multidimensional in nature, and distinct in content from previous scales assessing anxiety about retirement. Its use for persons anticipating retirement is discussed in the context of the benefits of a proactive stance toward retirement preparation.

scholarly journals Reliability and Construct Validity of Self-Report Questionnaires for Patients With Pelvic Girdle Pain

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margreth Grotle ◽  
Andrew M. Garratt ◽  
Hanne Krogstad Jenssen ◽  
Britt Stuge
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Pelvic Girdle ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Pelvic Girdle Pain ◽  
Consistency Test ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Background There is little evidence for the measurement properties of instruments commonly used for women with pelvic girdle pain. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of instruments used for women with pelvic girdle pain. Design This was a cross-sectional methodology study, including test-retest reliability assessment. Methods Women with pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy and after delivery participated in a postal survey that included the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Disability Rating Index (DRI), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and 8-item version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Test-retest reliability was assessed with a random subsample 1 week later. Internal consistency was assessed with the Cronbach alpha, and test-retest reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Construct validity based on hypotheses was assessed by correlation analysis. Discriminant validity was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results All participants responded to the main (N=87) and test-retest (n=42) surveys. Cronbach alpha values ranged from .88 to .94, and ICCs ranged from .78 to .94. The MDC at the individual level constituted about 7% to 14% of total scores for the 8-item version of the SF-36, ODI, and PGQ activity subscale; about 18% to 22% for the DRI, PGQ symptom subscale, and PCS; and about 25% for the FABQ. Hypotheses were mostly confirmed by correlations between the instruments. The PGQ was the only instrument that significantly discriminated participants who were pregnant from participants who were not pregnant as well as pain locations. Limitations A comparison of responsiveness to change of the various instruments used in this study was not undertaken, but will be carried out in a future study. Conclusions Self-report instruments for assessing health showed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity for women with pelvic girdle pain. The PGQ was the only instrument with satisfactory discriminant validity, thus, it is recommended for evaluating symptoms and disability in patients with pelvic girdle pain.

scholarly journals Psychometric properties of the Georgian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e034863
Author(s):  
Nikoloz Gambashidze ◽  
Antje Hammer ◽  
Nicole Ernstmann ◽  
Tanja Manser
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Attitudes ◽  
Safety Attitudes Questionnaire

ObjectiveTo study the psychometric properties of the Georgian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire short version.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThree Georgian hospitals.ParticipantsPersonnel of participating hospitals (n=305 responses, estimated response rate 30%).InterventionsNone.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPsychometric properties (model fit, internal consistency, construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity) of the instrument, factor structure derived from the data.ResultsThe Georgian version of Safety Attitudes Questionnaire demonstrated acceptable construct validity and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.61–0.91). Three factors, Teamwork Climate, Safety Climate and Working Conditions, had limited convergent and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis with the original six-factor model resulted in limited model fit (χ2/df=2.14, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.06, goodness of fit index (GFI)=0.83, CFI=0.88, TLI=0.86). Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a modified four-factor model with satisfactory model fit (χ2/df=2.09, RMSEA=0.06, GFI=0.88, CFI=0.93, TLI=0.91).ConclusionsThe Georgian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (short version) demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, with acceptable to good internal consistency and construct validity. While the whole model had limited fit to the data, a modified factor model resulted in good model fit. Our findings suggest the dimension Working Conditions has questionable psychometric properties and should be interpreted with caution. Other two correlated dimensions Teamwork Climate and Safety Climate share considerable variance and may be merged. Overall, the instrument can provide valuable information relevant for advancement of patient safety culture in Georgian hospitals.

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