scholarly journals Spurious empirical support for the p-factor arises with the inclusion of undiagnosed cases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley L. Watts ◽  
Francisco Agustin Calvache Meyer ◽  
Ashley Lauren Greene ◽  
Phillip K Wood ◽  
Timothy J Trull ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiologic Study ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Structural Models ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
National Comorbidity Survey ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
P Factor ◽  
Representative Samples ◽  
Methodological Artifact

Background: The p-factor is thought to cause a positive manifold in psychopathology data, and many researchers presume that it is a substantive mechanism as opposed to a methodological artifact. Limited research suggests that including completely undiagnosed cases (i.e., cases without a single diagnosis) affects the dimensionality of psychological constructs, so we examined whether empirical support for the p-factor arises with their inclusion in structural models of psychopathology.Methods: We drew on data from three large, nationally representative samples of US community members, the: National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave 1 (N=43,093), National Comorbidity Survey (N=5,877), and National Comorbidity Survey- Replication (N=5,692). We systematically culled undiagnosed cases from the data in increments of 10% and re-estimated structural models of psychopathology.Results: The correlation between latent externalizing and internalizing factors varied considerably as a function of the proportion of undiagnosed cases, with the correlation dropping to zero or even slightly negative when all undiagnosed cases were excluded. Also, as undiagnosed cases were removed, general factors of psychopathology explained less variance in psychopathology and weakened in terms of the extent to which it was well-represented by its indicators.Conclusions: Including undiagnosed cases in structural models of psychopathology induces a homogeneous, unidimensional structure. Ultimately, our findings raise questions about the nature of the p-factor, including whether it reflects a methodological artifact or arises due to the inclusion of cases with absence of diagnosed psychopathology.

scholarly journals Misbegotten Methodologies and Forgotten Lessons from Tom Swift’s Electric Factor Analysis Machine: A Demonstration with Competing Structural Models of Psychopathology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Lauren Greene ◽  
Ashley L. Watts ◽  
Miriam K. Forbes ◽  
Roman Kotov ◽  
Robert Krueger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Model Misspecification ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Structural Models ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
Bifactor Models ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
P Factor

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and its bifactor models are popular in empirical investigations of the factor structure of psychological constructs. CFA offers straightforward hypothesis testing but has notable pitfalls, such as the imposition of strict assumptions (i.e., simple structure) that obscure unmodeled complexity. Due to the limitations of bifactor CFAs, they have yielded anomalous results across samples and studies that suggest model misspecification (e.g., evaporating specific factors and unexpected loadings). We propose the use of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to evaluate the structural validity of CFA solutions—either before or after the estimation of more restrictive CFA models—to (1) identify model misspecifications that may drive anomalous estimates and (2) confirm CFA models by examining whether hypothesized structures emerge with limited researcher input. We evaluated the degree to which predominant factor structures were invariant across contexts along the exploratory-confirmatory continuum and demonstrate how poor methodological choices can distort results and impede theory development. All models fit well, but there were numerous differences in replicability and substantive interpretability. Several similarities emerged between bifactor CFA and EFA models, including evidence of overextraction, the collapse of specific factors onto the general factor, and subsequent shifts in how the general factor was defined. We situate these methodological shortcomings within the broader literature on structural models of psychopathology, articulate implications for theories (such as the p-factor) that are borne out of factor analysis, outline several remedies for problems encountered when performing exploratory bifactor analysis, and propose alternative specifications for confirmatory bifactor models.

Are misinformation, antiscientific claims, and conspiracy theories for political extremists?

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 583-605
Author(s):  
Adam M. Enders ◽  
Joseph E. Uscinski
Keyword(s):  
The Political ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Political Orientations ◽  
Conspiracy Beliefs ◽  
Political Left ◽  
Identity Based ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Political Groups ◽  
Representative Samples

Extremist political groups, especially “extreme” Republicans and conservatives, are increasingly charged with believing misinformation, antiscientific claims, and conspiracy theories to a greater extent than moderates and those on the political left by both a burgeoning scholarly literature and popular press accounts. However, previous investigations of the relationship between political orientations and alternative beliefs have been limited in their operationalization of those beliefs and political extremity. We build on existing literature by examining the relationships between partisan and nonpartisan conspiracy beliefs and symbolic and operational forms of political extremity. Using two large, nationally representative samples of Americans, we find that ideological extremity predicts alternative beliefs only when the beliefs in question are partisan in nature and the measure of ideology is identity-based. Moreover, we find that operational ideological extremism is negatively related to nonpartisan conspiracy beliefs. Our findings help reconcile discrepant findings regarding the relationship between political orientations and conspiracy beliefs.

Gender and Marital Satisfaction: Data from the National Survey of Families and Households

1998 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 319-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter R. Schumm ◽  
Farrell J. Webb ◽  
Stephan R. Bollman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
The United States ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Satisfaction Relationship ◽  
Representative Samples ◽  
Small Support

In 1972, Bernard argued that marriage was good for men and bad for women. Subsequent research noted that wives, on average, reported lower marital satisfaction than husbands. Furthermore, when differences within couples existed on marital satisfaction, the wife was usually the less satisfied spouse; however, most previous studies of the gender/marital satisfaction relationship had not been based on nationally representative samples. A nationally representative sample from the 1988 Survey of Families and Households was used to assess the relationship of gender with marital satisfaction. Within-couple analyses indicated that wives were less satisfied with their marriages than husbands and that, when substantial within-couple differences occurred with respect to marital satisfaction, the wife was usually the less satisfied spouse. Results provide at least small support for feminist assertions about the relatively adverse nature of marriage for women in the United States.

scholarly journals National Serosurvey of Cytomegalovirus in Australia

2006 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1181-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Seale ◽  
C. Raina MacIntyre ◽  
Heather F. Gidding ◽  
J. L. Backhouse ◽  
Dominic E. Dwyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Vaccination Program ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Target Populations ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Australian Community ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Representative Samples

ABSTRACT In anticipation of the development of a vaccine against cytomegalovirus (CMV), we conducted a large, nationally representative serosurvey to examine the seroprevalence of CMV in Australia. Sera were collected opportunistically from laboratories around Australia. Age- and gender-representative samples were tested for CMV antibody. The population-weighted rate of CMV seropositivity in subjects between 1 and 59 years of age was 57% (95% confidence interval, 55.2 to 58.6%). An association between CMV seroprevalence and increasing age was recognized; however, little overall difference in seroprevalence between the sexes was found. The finding that high levels of CMV exposure occur in the first few years of life suggests that for a universal vaccination program to have maximal impact, the vaccine would need to be delivered to infants and have a long duration of protective efficacy. This is the first national serosurvey looking at cytomegalovirus in the Australian community. This study provides valuable information that can be used to examine the incidence of infection in the community and help focus the administration of a future CMV vaccine to appropriate target populations.

scholarly journals Psychological factors underpinning vaccine willingness in Israel, Japan and Hungary

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Goodwin ◽  
Menachem Ben-Ezra ◽  
Masahito Takahashi ◽  
Lan Anh Nguyen Luu ◽  
Krisztina Borsfay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Anticipated Regret ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Government ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Representative Samples

The rapid international spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus 19 led to unprecedented attempts to develop and administer an effective vaccine. However, there is evidence of considerable vaccine hesitancy in some countries and sub-populations. We investigated willingness to vaccinate in three nations with historically different levels of vaccine willingness and attitudes to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout: Israel, Japan and Hungary. Employing an ecological-systems approach we analysed associations between demographic factors and health status, individual cognitions, normative pressures, trust in government, belief in COVID-19 myths and willingness to be vaccinated, using data from three nationally representative samples (Israel, N=1011 (Jan 2021); Japan, N= 997 (Feb 2021); Hungary, N=1131 (Apr 2021)). In Israel 74% indicated a willingness to vaccinate, but only 51% in Japan and 31% in Hungary. Results from multigroup regression analyses indicated greater vaccine willingness amongst those who perceived benefits to vaccination, anticipated regret if not vaccinated and trusted the government. Multi-group latent class analysis of ten COVID-19 (mis)beliefs identified three classes of myths, with concerns about the alteration of DNA (Israel), allergies (Hungary) and catching COVID-19 from the vaccine (Japan) specific to vaccine willingness for each culture. Rather than focusing primarily on disease threats, intervention campaigns should focus on increasing trust and addressing culturally specific myths while emphasising the individual and social group benefits of vaccination.

scholarly journals Factors associated with nonessential workplace attendance during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK in early 2021: evidence from cross-sectional surveys

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Michie ◽  
Henry WW Potts ◽  
Robert West ◽  
Richard Amlot ◽  
Louise E Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Hardship ◽  
Dependent Child ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Key Sectors ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Living Circumstances ◽  
Representative Samples

Background and aims: Working from home where possible is important in reducing spread of Covid-19. In early 2021, a quarter of people in England who believed they could work entirely from home reported attending their workplace. To inform interventions to reduce this, this study examined associated factors. Methods: Data from the ongoing CORSAIR survey series of nationally representative samples of people in the UK aged 16+ years in January-February 2021 were used. The study sample was 1422 respondents who reported that they could work completely from home. The outcome measure was self-reported workplace attendance at least once during the preceding week. Factors of interest were analysed in three blocks: 1) sociodemographic variables, 2) variables relating to circumstances of respondents, and 3) psychological variables. Results: 26.8% (95%CI=24.5%-29.1%) of respondents reported having attended their workplace at least once in the preceding week. Sociodemographic variables and living circumstances significantly independently predicted non-essential workplace attendance: male gender (OR=1.85,95%CI=1.33-2.58), dependent children in the household (OR=1.65,95%CI=1.17-2.32), financial hardship (OR=1.14,95%CI=1.08-1.21), socio-economic grade C2DE (OR=1.74, 95%CI=1.19-2.53), working in sectors such as health or social care (OR=4.18, 95%CI=2.56-6.81), education and childcare (OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.45-4.14) and key public service (OR=3.78, 95%CI=1.83-7.81), and having been vaccinated (OR=2.08,95%CI=1.33-3.24). Conclusions: Non-essential workplace attendance in the UK in early 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic was significantly independently associated with a range of sociodemographic variables and personal circumstances. Having been vaccinated, financial hardship, socio-economic grade C2DE, having a dependent child at home, working in certain key sectors were associated with higher likelihood of workplace attendance.

The Sociological Theory of Craftsmanship: An Empirical Test in Sport and Education

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorolfur Thorlindsson ◽  
Vidar Halldorsson ◽  
Inga Dora Sigfusdottir
Keyword(s):  
School Performance ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Sociological Theory ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
The Social ◽  
Nationally Representative

The aim of this study is to test empirically the sociological theory of craftsmanship originally developed by C. Wright Mills, Torstein Veblen, and Howard Becker and later extended by Harper, Sennett, and Fine. We conduct a quantitative analysis based on a nationally representative sample of 10,783 Icelandic adolescents (50.2% girls). We developed a scale measuring craftsmanship that we use to test several hypotheses regarding the role of craftsmanship in sport and education. Our findings provide a consistent empirical support for the theory of craftsmanship. First, they indicate that elements of the craftsmanship theory that have been identified by prior qualitative research go together as predicted to form a coherent theoretical construct and a measurement scale that is both reliable and valid. The craftsmanship scale therefore offers good opportunities for quantitative research in an area that has been exclusively qualitative. Second, our findings indicate that, as predicted, the craftsmanship approach makes schoolwork more meaningful and reduces general feelings of meaninglessness. Third, the findings show, as predicted, that the craftsmanship approach influences school performance in a positive way. Fourth, we find that the positive relationship between sport participation and school performance is in part mediated by craftsmanship. Finally, the findings show that the influence of craftsmanship on school performance is in part mediated by meaninglessness. We discuss the implications of the findings in light of sociological theory, culture and the social context of education and sport.

scholarly journals Exploring Cultural Differences in the Extent to Which People Perceive and Desire Control

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Hornsey ◽  
Katharine H. Greenaway ◽  
Emily A. Harris ◽  
Paul G. Bain
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Personal Control ◽  
Desire For Control ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Representative Samples ◽  
Collectivist Cultures

In a seminal theory piece, Weisz and colleagues argued that control over one’s environment was less attainable and desirable in Japan than in America. Subsequently, many scholars have extrapolated from this argument to claim broad-based cultural differences in control: that Western/individualist cultures perceive and desire more personal control over their environment than do Eastern/collectivist cultures. Yet surprisingly little empirical research has put this claim to the test. To test this notion, in Study 1 we examined perceived control over one’s life in 38 nationally representative samples ( N = 48,951). In Study 2, we measured desire for control in community samples across 27 nations ( N = 4,726). Together, the studies show lower levels of perceived and desired control in Japan than in any other nation. Over and above the Japan effect, there was no evidence for differences in perceived or desired control between individualist and collectivist nations, or between holistic and nonholistic nations.

scholarly journals The General Factor of Psychopathology

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory T. Smith ◽  
Emily A. Atkinson ◽  
Heather A. Davis ◽  
Elizabeth N. Riley ◽  
Joshua R. Oltmanns
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
General Factor ◽  
General Factor Of Personality ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Many ◽  
P Factor ◽  
Empirical Approaches

An important advance in understanding and defining mental disorders has been the development of empirical approaches to mapping dimensions of dysfunction and their interrelatedness. Such empirical approaches have consistently observed intercorrelations among the many forms of psychopathology, leading to the identification of a general factor of psychopathology (the p factor). In this article, we review empirical support for p, including evidence for the stability and criterion validity of p. Further, we discuss the strong relationship between p and both the general factor of personality and the general factor of personality disorder, substantive interpretations of p, and the potential clinical utility of p. We posit that proposed substantive interpretations of p do not explain the full range of symptomatology typically included in p. The most plausible explanation is that p represents an index of impairment that has the potential to inform the duration and intensity of a client's mental health treatment.

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