scholarly journals Focusing the Conceptualization of Erotophilia and Erotophobia on Global Attitudes Toward Sex: Development and Validation of the Sex Positivity-Negativity Scale

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Forrest Hangen ◽  
Ronald D Rogge

Previous measures of erotophobia/erotophilia like the Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS) assessed gut-level positive-negative affective and evaluative reactions to a wide range of sexual stimuli, resulting in purposefully diverse item content. Although an effective strategy, the item content of existing erotophilia/erotophobia scales is now potentially too generalized, encompassing what have since developed as an array of more focused constructs in the current literature like attitudes toward (1) casual sex, (2) pornography, (3) non-heterosexual orientations (e.g., homophobia), and (4) masturbation. The current study therefore sought to evaluate existing scales and to develop a conceptually focused measure of sex-positivity and sex-negativity using a distinct strategy designed to obviate the need for overly generalized (and potentially imbalanced or confounding) item content. Using responses from 2,205 online respondents (82% Caucasian, 66% heterosexual, 50% female) completing an item pool of 158 items, the current study employed a combination of classic test-theory analyses (e.g., exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses) and Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses to develop a psychometrically optimized scale–the Sex Positivity-Negativity (SPN) scale. The SPN scale demonstrated: (1) a stable 2-subscale structure distinguishing sex-negativity from sex-positivity, (2) consistently high levels of internal consistency across 31 demographic subsamples, (3) more discriminant than convergent validity with existing erotophilia scales given its novel focus, (4) discriminant validity with more specific sexual attitudes, (5) greater levels of power and precision for detecting differences between individuals, (6) stronger links to individual, sexual, and relationship functioning than existing scales, and (7) incremental validity over the SOS for predicting change in relationship dynamics over 6 months. The findings therefore suggested that the SPN scale is a conceptually-focused measure of sex-positivity and sex-negativity offering researchers a comparatively short and effective tool. Implications are discussed.

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Pedro Sobral ◽  
Maria Emília Costa

Abstract. We developed a new instrument designed to measure fear of intimacy in romantic relationships. We suggest assessing fear of intimacy through two dimensions: self-revelation and dependence. The Fear of Intimacy Components Questionnaire (FICQ) was validated across three studies in which a 10-item solution systematically emerged. Consistently with a two component perspective, a two-factor solution fitted data the best: fear of losing the self (FLS) and fear of losing the other (FLO). Qualitative analyses verified content validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses tested the factor structure. Multigroup analyses supported the structural invariance across gender, age, and relationship status. Both factors showed adequate discriminant validity and internal consistency, and good 3-week period test-retest reliability. Associations between the FICQ and insecure attachment orientations demonstrated convergent validity. The association between the FICQ and relationship satisfaction above and beyond a preexisting measure offered criterion validity. By going beyond traditional self-revelation-focused conception of fear of intimacy, that is, by proposing a bi-dimensional structure to fear of intimacy, we believe that this new measure will contribute to future research on fear of intimacy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 615-626
Author(s):  
Makoto Matsuo

Purpose Although positive psychology emphasizes the importance of reflecting on success in promoting strengths use and self-efficacy, no research has developed a measure of reflection on success. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the scales for reflection on success and failures. Design/methodology/approach Study 1 was conducted to extract the dimensions of reflection on success and failures using survey data from nurses (n = 298), whereas Study 2 involved validation of the scales using a two-wave survey of physical therapists (n = 291). Findings In Study 1, the factors of “reflection on success” and “reflection on failures” were extracted by exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, the discriminant validity of the two scales was established via confirmatory factor analyses. The structural equation modeling results indicated that reflection on success promoted work authenticity, work engagement and strengths use, while reflection on failures only promoted work engagement, indicating the convergent validity of the scales. Research limitations/implications As the research subjects were medical professionals in Japan, the scales need to be validated with samples from a wide range of occupations and cultural backgrounds, in future research. Originality/value The present research expands the literature on reflection and strengths-based approach by introducing the “success–failures” dimension based on positive psychology, broaden-and-build theory and job demands–resources theory.


2017 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 520-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Antunes ◽  
António Caetano ◽  
Miguel Pina e Cunha

The Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) is the most commonly used measure for assessing psychological capital in work settings. Although several studies confirmed its factorial validity, most validation studies only examined the four-factor structure preconized by Luthans, Youssef, and Avolio, not attending to empirical evidence on alternative factorial structures. The present study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the PCQ, by using two independent samples (NS1 = 542; NS2 = 115) of Portuguese employees. We conducted a series of confirmatory factor analyses and found that, unlike previous findings, a five-factor solution of the PCQ best fitted the data. The evidence obtained also supported the existence of a second-order factor, psychological capital. The coefficients of internal consistency, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha, were adequate and test–retest reliability suggested that the PCQ presented a lower stability than personality factors. Convergent validity, assessed with average variance extracted, revealed problems in the optimism subscale. The discriminant validity of the PCQ was confirmed by its correlations with Positive and Negative Affect and Big Five personality factors. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that this measure has incremental validity over personality and affect when predicting job performance.


Author(s):  
Erkut Konter ◽  
Yee Cheng Kueh ◽  
Garry Kuan

While courage is widely attributed to athletic pursuits, it has received little scientific attention from both researchers and applied practitioners. A reliable measurement is required to examine courage in sports and competitive activities. Therefore, this research aimed to adapt the original Turkish Sports Courage Scale-31 into American English (SCS-AE). The SCS-31 measure was translated from Turkish into the American English language by the Brislin forward and backward translation technique and language validity. Then, the translated SCS-AE was administered to 548 American university college students (Mean age = 19.02, SD = 1.21). All participants played a sport (e.g., football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics). Based on confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), 31 items of SCS-AE were reduced to 24 items with four factors (i.e., assertiveness, determination, mastery, and venturesome). The fit indices were satisfactory (RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.06, NFI = 0.96 and NNFI = 0.97). The internal consistency measured by Cronbach alpha, ranging from 0.73 to 0.78, were considered acceptable. The convergent validity and discriminant validity of SCS-AE were also achieved. Our findings indicate strong support for research using the four-factor model of the SCS-AE and adequate support for the five-factor model with sufficient caution regarding the internal consistency of the self-sacrifice factor. While cultural differences in courage perception might exist between these countries, the findings showed more similarities than differences in courage. Results indicated that the SCS-AE is usable for research purposes in the suggested format. Future directions are discussed using the SCS-31 and SCS-AE for research.


Assessment ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107319112110109
Author(s):  
Jorge Torres-Marín ◽  
Hugo Carretero-Dios ◽  
Michael Eid

The GELOPH-15 is a self-report measure that assesses individual differences in the fear of being laughed at (i.e., gelotophobia), a relatively understudied but important trait that is closely related to social anxiety. Using a multitrait–multimethod (MTMM) approach, the convergent and discriminant validity of the GELOPH-15 scale was examined based on 217 self- and 651 peer ratings (of three close acquaintances per target) of the traits gelotophobia, social anxiety, and paranoid ideation. Participants completed the Spanish versions of the GELOPH-15, the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, and the Paranoia Scale. Applying MTMM models of multilevel confirmatory factor analyses (ML-CFA-MTMM) revealed relatively high associations between the self- and peer ratings, supporting the convergent validity of the GELOPH-15. Discriminant validity analyses confirmed the expected relationship patterns of gelotophobia with social anxiety and paranoid ideation (i.e., strong, but not perfect associations). The results showed that the ML-CFA-MTMM models might be a useful tool for analyzing the convergent and discriminant validity based on self- and peer ratings.


2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Szymanski

This article reports the development and psychometric properties of the Feminist Supervision Scale (FSS), a new scale designed to assess feminist supervision practices in clinical supervision. This 32-item measure was developed using a rational/theoretical approach of test construction and includes four subscales: (a) collaborative relationships, (b) power analysis, (c) diversity and social context, and (d) feminist advocacy and activism. Reliability estimates for the FSS full scale and subscales were acceptable. Structural validity of the FSS was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Convergent validity was supported by positive correlations between the FSS and self-identification as a feminist supervisor, liberal gender role attitudes, and use of feminist therapy behaviors. Discriminant validity was supported by nonsignificant correlations between the FSS and social desirability and length of time as a supervisor, and by demonstrating that the FSS was related but conceptually distinct from both multicultural competence and perceived supervisory working alliance.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 1111-1118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa C. Smyth ◽  
Scott T. Meier

Objective: Characterized by significant work-related impairments, difficulties with relationships, and higher rates of criminal behavior and substance abuse, ADHD is now understood as a disability that can persist throughout a lifetime. Differing opinions remain, however, regarding adult symptoms of ADHD, particularly with regard to gender differences. These issues add to the challenges of constructing a reliable and valid measure of ADHD for use with adults in research and practice. Method: We review the theoretical foundations of ADHD and psychometric properties of a major assessment device, the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS). Results: Results of the literature review found (a) a wide range of internal consistency estimates, with lowest values for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM)–Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms subscale when completed by women, and (b) discriminant validity estimates in the same range as convergent validity estimates. Conclusion: These findings raise questions about the construct validity of the CAARS and suggest directions for future research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-344
Author(s):  
Vanchai Ariyabuddhiphongs

This study developed a Buddhist Generosity Scale to assess Buddhist generosity, acts of compassion to give something of value to humans and animals, among Thai Buddhists. Conceptually the Scale consists of two factors: scope—giving to humans and animals, and criticality—the gifts’ importance to the recipients. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the two-factor structure. Convergent validity tests showed its relationships with optimism, hope, and altruism but none with forgiveness; discriminant validity tests found positive relationship with psychological entitlement but none with trait anger and greed. Results of the predictive validity test showed that Buddhist generosity mediated the relationship between loving kindness and happiness. The scale is valid for use to assess Buddhist generosity in countries where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. The relationships between good thought (loving kindness) and good deed (Buddhist generosity) and good result (happiness) support the Buddhist law of human behaviors (kamma).


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 520-532
Author(s):  
Pedro Alexandre Costa ◽  
Fiona Tasker ◽  
Catarina Ramos ◽  
Isabel Leal

This study examined the psychometric properties of the parent’s versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule–Extended Form (PANAS-X) in a community sample of Portuguese parents. A total of 1100 SDQ and PANAS-X were collected from an online sample of 761 parents, whose ages ranged from 23 to 65 years ( M = 42, SD = 5). Confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence of the internal factor structure of both the SDQ and the PANAS-X and invariance of the factor structure across age and gender groups, with the exception of the SDQ, which failed to provide evidence of invariance between genders. Internal reliability and discriminant validity were confirmed for both measures, although convergent validity was only confirmed for the PANAS-X. Concurrent validity was also confirmed by comparing the results from the SDQ dimensions and the PANAS-X broad dimensions subscales.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Niehuis

Three studies sought to translate the Relationship Disillusionment Scale (RDS-English Version) into Polish, evaluate the new scale’s psychometric properties, and extend previous validation work on the instrument. After translation and back-translation of the RDS-English Version, Study 1 administered the RDS-English Version to 20 bilingual university students in Poland, followed two months later by the Polish-language version RDS-PL. Cross-language test-retest reliability was .59. Study 2 administered the RDS-PL to 318 individuals in an online survey, who completed additional Polish-language measures to examine convergent and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analyses generally supported a one-factor solution for the RDS-PL. Significant correlations in the expected direction with variables such as relationship commitment, relationship depth, forgiveness-benevolence, and resentment-avoidance supported the convergent validity of the RDS-PL. Study 3, which surveyed 280 bilingual individuals online, documented invariance of RDS-PL factor loadings between ever-married and non-married participants. In addition, several Polish- and English-language variables (e.g., satisfaction, conflict intensity/reactivity, commitment, intimacy) correlated with the RDS-PL (more strongly in married than unmarried participants), further supporting the convergent validity of the RDS-PL. Studies 2 and 3 also provided modest support for its discriminant validity.


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