Reliability and Factor Structure in an Adolescent Sample of the Dutch 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reitske Meganck ◽  
Samuel Markey ◽  
Stijn Vanheule
Keyword(s):  
Factor Model ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Toronto Alexithymia Scale ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Adolescent Sample ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Tas 20

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS–20) in an adolescent sample ( N = 406, ages 12 to 17). This is rarely done even though the TAS–20 is used in adolescent research. Five published factor models were tested. For good fitting models, a second-order model with alexithymia as a higher-order factor and metric invariance across sex and age groups was tested. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the original three-factor model and a four-factor model provided acceptable fit. Both models were invariant across sex, but not across age. Second-order models did not provide good fit. Reliability was good for the “Difficulty identifying feelings” subscale and acceptable for the “Difficulty describing feelings” subscale, but not for the “Externally oriented thinking” subscale. Measuring alexithymia with the TAS–20 in adolescents thus seems problematic, especially in younger age groups.

Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Iliceto ◽  
Emanuele Fino
Keyword(s):  
Second Order ◽  
Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Beck Hopelessness Scale ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Model Invariance ◽  
Three Factor

The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) is an instrument for assessing cognitive thoughts among suicidal persons. Previous studies have identified different factor structures of the BHS. However, results were not conclusive. The aim of this study was to test the factor structure of the BHS in a sample of Italian individuals (N = 509) from the community, and secondarily to investigate correlations between the BHS, depression (Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition), and personality traits (Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire). Following recommendations of previous investigations, we utilized a 5-point response format. We applied a second-order Confirmatory Factor Analyses and tested for the model invariance. The results suggest that besides a single second-order factor, a second-order three-factor solution is also reasonable, in line with Beck’s theorization.

Measurement Invariance of Divergent Thinking Across Gender, Age, and School Forms

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg-Tobias Kuhn ◽  
Heinz Holling
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Specific Model ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

The present study explores the factorial structure and the degree of measurement invariance of 12 divergent thinking tests. In a large sample of German students (N = 1328), a three-factor model representing verbal, figural, and numerical divergent thinking was supported. Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses revealed that partial strong measurement invariance was tenable across gender and age groups as well as school forms. Latent mean comparisons resulted in significantly higher divergent thinking skills for females and students in schools with higher mean IQ. Older students exhibited higher latent means on the verbal and figural factor, but not on the numerical factor. These results suggest that a domain-specific model of divergent thinking may be assumed, although further research is needed to elucidate the sources that negatively affect measurement invariance.

Latent Structure of the Social Interaction Self-Statement Test: An Application of Hierarchical Confirmatory Factor Analysis

1999 ◽  
Vol 84 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1303-1314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sehee Hong ◽  
Yongrae Cho
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Factor Models ◽  
Latent Structure ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
The Social ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Order Factor

Since the Social Interaction Self-statement Test was presented, a clear factor structure of the measure has not been defined. This situation is largely due to a lack of agreement among researchers with respect to the method of factoring, rotation criteria, and interpretation of factor loadings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, using confirmatory factor analyses, the various factor models of the test. Results clearly supported a novel second-order factor model, which was developed by combining the current two- and five-factor models.

Measurement Invariance of English and French Language Versions of the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn A. Watters ◽  
Graeme J. Taylor ◽  
Lindsay E. Ayearst ◽  
R. Michael Bagby
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Toronto Alexithymia Scale ◽  
Canadian French ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Tas 20

Abstract. The alexithymia construct is commonly measured with the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), with more than 20 different language translations. Despite replication of the factor structure, however, it cannot be assumed that observed differences in mean TAS-20 scores can be interpreted similarly across different languages and cultural groups. It is necessary to also demonstrate measurement invariance (MI) for language. The aim of this study was to evaluate MI of the English and French versions of the TAS-20 using data from 17,866 Canadian military recruits; 71% spoke English and 29% spoke French as their first language. We used confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) to establish a baseline model of the TAS-20, and four increasingly restrictive multigroup CFA analyses to evaluate configural, metric, scalar, and residual error levels of MI. The best fitting factor structure in both samples was an oblique 3-factor model with an additional method factor comprised of negatively-keyed items. MI was achieved at all four levels of invariance. There were only small differences in mean scores across the two samples. Results support MI of English and French versions of the TAS-20, allowing meaningful comparisons of findings from investigations in Canadian French-speaking and English-speaking groups.

A - 23 Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Concussion Profile (CP) Screen

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 663-663
Author(s):  
Preszler J ◽  
Elbin RJ ◽  
Eagle S ◽  
Collins MW ◽  
Kontos AP
Keyword(s):  
Factor Model ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Weighted Least Squares ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Cognitive Fatigue ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Abstract Objective The Concussion Profile (CP)-screen is intended to assess symptom domains of concussion, including migraine, vestibular, ocular, mood/anxiety, and cognitive/fatigue domains. The CP-screen was developed to develop more targeted management by identifying presentation profiles. The hypothesized profile structure of the CP-screen has not yet been psychometrically validated. An a priori five-factor structure (migraine; vestibular; ocular; mood/anxiety; cognitive/fatigue) was hypothesized. Methods Three-hundred twenty-three patients (age M = 15.62 ± 4.03 years, 59% male; 74% sport-related) seen within 30 days of concussion (M = 7.58 ± 6.10 days) completed a medical history clinical interview and the CP-screen at their first clinical visit. Multiple confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) of CP-screen items were estimated (using robust weighted least squares estimation). Results A CFA was completed for each factor separately and then a five-factor CFA was estimated. Model fit was evaluated using the Comparative Fit Index [CFI], Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI], Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA], and inspection of model parameters (i.e., loadings, residuals, & factor correlations). The five-factor model had excellent fit, but factor correlations indicated a second-order model was more appropriate. Thus, the final CFA included a five-factor first-order structure, with migraine, ocular, and cognitive/fatigue factors loading onto a second-order factor. All models had good fit (CFI >0.965; TLI > 0.96; RMSEA <0.072), and all loadings were significant and substantial (>0.63). Conclusions This is the first study to provide psychometric support for the profile structure of the CP-screen. These results also provide support for using these profiles to help target management of those with concussions.

scholarly journals The Dimensionality of the Brief COPE Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Assessment ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107319112110524
Author(s):  
Barbara Hanfstingl ◽  
Timo Gnambs ◽  
Christian Fazekas ◽  
Katharina Ingrid Gölly ◽  
Franziska Matzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Coping Behavior ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Relationship Status ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Order Factor

The Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) is a frequently used questionnaire assessing 14 theoretically derived coping mechanisms, but psychometric research has suggested inconsistent results concerning its factor structure. The aim of this study was to investigate primary and secondary order factor structures of the Brief COPE during the COVID-19 pandemic by testing 11 different models by confirmatory factor analyses and to assess differences between sex, age groups, and relationship status. Altogether, 529 respondents from Austria and Germany participated in a web-based survey. Results supported the originally hypothesized 14-factor structure but did not support previously described higher-order structures. However, bass-ackwards analyses suggested systematic overlap between different factors, which might have contributed to different factor solutions in previous research. Measurement invariance across sex, age groups, and relationship status could be confirmed. Findings suggest that cultural and situational aspects as well as the functional level should be considered in research on theoretical framing of coping behavior.

The Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS)

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabetta Crocetti ◽  
Seth J. Schwartz ◽  
Alessandra Fermani ◽  
Wim Meeus
Keyword(s):  
Factor Model ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Identity Processes ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Dutch Sample ◽  
Three Factor ◽  
Reconsideration Of Commitment ◽  
Latent Means

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Dutch and Italian versions of the Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS) in large community samples of adolescents from Italy (N = 1,975) and The Netherlands (N = 1,521). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the three-factor model, consisting of commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment, provided a better fit to the data than alternative one- and two-factor models. The three-factor model fit equivalently across sex and across age groups (early and middle adolescents). Furthermore, we demonstrated cross-national equivalence of the factor structure of the U-MICS. Additionally, results indicated that the latent means for commitment were higher in the Dutch sample, while latent means for both in-depth exploration and reconsideration of commitment were substantially higher in the Italian sample. The three identity processes were found to be meaningfully related to measures of self-concept, psychosocial problems, and parent-adolescent relations in both countries. These findings suggest that the U-MICS is a reliable tool for assessing identity processes in Italian and Dutch adolescents.

scholarly journals The Penn State Worry Questionnaire Is Invariant Across Age Groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 372-372
Author(s):  
Robert Intrieri ◽  
Paige Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Factor Model ◽  
Weighted Least Squares ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Penn State Worry Questionnaire ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Penn State ◽  
State Worry ◽  
Additional Support

Abstract Prevalence of GAD is between 3 to 5% with onset in the early to mid-twenties (Kessler et al. 2009). The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) is a 16-item self-report instrument assessing generalized anxiety symptoms (Meyers, et al., 1990; Molina & Borkovec, 1994). Brown (2003) and Olatunji et al. (2007) conducted Confirmatory Factor Analyses identifying a two factor model of Worry Engagement and Absence of Worry. No published studies have examined the factor structure of the PSWQ across age groups. The current study presents data from 612 people across three groups: 221 young adults (Mage = 19.31, SD = 1.21), 283 middle-age adults (Mage = 48.27, SD = 5.13), and 108 older adults (Mage = 72.95, SD = 7.19). An ordinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using robust weighted least squares (WLSMV) tested for invariance across groups. Results showed CFI/TLI values of .983/.981, 984/.983, and .981/.984 for Configural (CI), Metric (MI), and Scalar (SI) models. The RMSEA for CI, MI, and SI models was .064, .061, and .059. Based upon Cheung and Rensvold (2002), Sass (2011), and Chen (2007), a cutoff of ΔCFI ≥ 0.01 was established as evidence of invariance. The ΔCFI between CI and MI models was < .01 so analysis continued with the SI test. The ΔCFI between MI and SI models was < 0.01 and did not justify rejection of the null hypothesis. These analyses suggest PSWQ scores are valid across age groups and provide additional support for the multidimensional nature of the PSWQ.

Second-Order Factor Structure of the Vancouver Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (VOCI) in a Non-Clinical Sample

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 561-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Chiorri ◽  
Gabriele Melli ◽  
Rosa Smurra
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Order Factor

Background: The Vancouver Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (VOCI) is a self-report measure of the severity of obsessive-compulsive problems such as contamination, checking, obsessions, hoarding, needing things to be just right, and indecisiveness. In the seminal paper a six-correlated-factor structure was found in a sample of OC patients, but the issue of the factor structure of the VOCI in non-clinical populations was not addressed. Aim: This study assesses the psychometric properties and the factor structure of the Italian version of the VOCI in a non-clinical sample. Method: The VOCI was administered to a large community sample (n = 445). Some participants also completed a battery including measures of OC behaviour, worry, anxiety and depression (n = 89) and were administered the VOCI twice at an 8-week interval (n = 46). Results: Confirmatory factor analyses replicated the six-correlated-factor structure originally found in a patient sample, but a more parsimonious, second-order-factor model showed a statistically higher fit, suggesting that VOCI subscales can be considered as facets of a higher-order OCD factor. The whole item pool and each of the subscales showed good internal consistency, unidimensionality, test-retest reliability and convergent construct validity. As in the original version, limited support for discriminant validity was found. Scores were weakly associated with age, gender and education. Conclusions: Although some key issues still need to be investigated (e.g. sensitivity to change), the VOCI seems to be a psychometrically sound instrument for the assessment of OCD-related behaviours and thoughts and can be used in cultural contexts different from the original.

scholarly journals Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale in Oncology With Examination of Invariance Between Younger and Older Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-236
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Saracino ◽  
Heining Cham ◽  
Barry Rosenfeld ◽  
Christian J. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Order Factor

Abstract. Accurate measurement of depressive symptoms in the cancer setting is critical for ensuring optimal quality of life and patient outcomes. The present study compared the one-factor, correlated two-factor, correlated four-factor, and second-order factor models of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), a commonly used measure in oncology settings. Given the importance of adequate psychometric performance of the CES-D across age groups, a second aim was to examine measurement invariance between younger and older adults with cancer. Participants ( N = 663) were recruited from outpatient clinics at a large cancer center. Over one-fourth of the sample endorsed clinically significant depressive symptoms (25.9%, n = 165). Confirmatory factor analysis of the CES-D supported the hypothesized correlated four-factor model as the best fit. The second-order factor also demonstrated good fit, but interpretations of the factors were more complex. Factors were highly correlated (range = .38–.91). There was also support for full scalar invariance between age groups, suggesting that regardless of age, respondents endorse the same response category for the same level of the latent trait (i.e., depression) on the CES-D. Taken together, the results suggest that the CES-D is a viable depression screening option for oncology settings and does not require scoring adjustments for respondent age.

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