Comparing Hierarchical Models of Personality Pathology

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Whitney R. Ringwald ◽  
Aidan G.C. Wright ◽  
Joseph E. Beeney ◽  
Paul A. Pilkonis
Keyword(s):  
Hierarchical Models ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Hierarchical Classification ◽  
Personality Pathology ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Conceptual Structures ◽  
Individual Personality ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analyses ◽  
Specific Factors

Two dimensional, hierarchical classification models of personality pathology have emerged as alternatives to traditional categorical systems: multi-tiered models with increasing numbers of factors and models that distinguish between a general factor of severity and specific factors reflecting style. Using a large sample (N=840) with a range of psychopathology, we conducted exploratory factor analyses of individual personality disorder criteria to evaluate the validity of these conceptual structures. We estimated an oblique, “unfolding” hierarchy and a bifactor model, then examined correlations between these and multi-method functioning measures to enrich interpretation. Four-factor solutions for each model, reflecting rotations of each other, fit well and equivalently. The resulting structures are consistent with previous empirical work and provide support for each theoretical model.

Exploratory Factor Analyses of the Intelligence and Development Scales–2: Implications for Theory and Practice

Assessment ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1853-1869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Grieder ◽  
Alexander Grob
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Mathematical Reasoning ◽  
Factor Loading ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Reliability Estimates ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analyses

The factor structure of the intelligence and scholastic skills domains of the Intelligence and Development Scales–2 was examined using exploratory factor analyses with the standardization and validation sample ( N = 2,030, aged 5 to 20 years). Results partly supported the seven proposed intelligence group factors. However, the theoretical factors Visual Processing and Abstract Reasoning as well as Verbal Reasoning and Long-Term Memory collapsed, resulting in a five-factor structure for intelligence. Adding the three scholastic skills subtests resulted in an additional factor Reading/Writing and in Logical–Mathematical Reasoning showing a loading on abstract Visual Reasoning and the highest general factor loading. A data-driven separation of intelligence and scholastic skills is not evident. Omega reliability estimates based on Schmid–Leiman transformations revealed a strong general factor that accounted for most of the true score variance both overall and at the group factor level. The possible usefulness of factor scores is discussed.

scholarly journals Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance Across Gender of the Beck Depression Inventory-II in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferdinand Keller ◽  
Inken Kirschbaum-Lesch ◽  
Joana Straub
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Factor Models ◽  
Bifactor Model ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Specific Factors

The revised version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) is one of the most frequently applied questionnaires not only in adults, but also in adolescents. To date, attempts to identify a replicable factor structure of the BDI-II have mainly been undertaken in adult populations. Moreover, most of the studies which included minors and were split by gender lacked confirmatory factor analyses and were generally conducted in healthy adolescents. The present study therefore aimed to determine the goodness of fit of various factor models proposed in the literature in an adolescent clinical sample, to evaluate alternative solutions for the factor structure and to explore potential gender differences in factor loadings. The focus was on testing bifactor models and subsequently on calculating bifactor statistical indices to help clarify whether a uni- or a multidimensional construct is more appropriate, and on testing the best-fitting factor model for measurement invariance according to gender. The sample comprised 835 adolescent girls and boys aged 13–18 years in out- and inpatient setting. Several factor models proposed in the literature provided a good fit when applied to the adolescent clinical sample, and differences in goodness of fit were small. Exploratory factor analyses were used to develop and test a bifactor model that consisted of a general factor and two specific factors, termed cognitive and somatic. The bifactor model confirmed the existence of a strong general factor on which all items load, and the bifactor statistical indices suggest that the BDI-II should be seen as a unidimensional scale. Concerning measurement invariance across gender, there were differences in loadings on item 21 (Loss of interest in sex) on the general factor and on items 1 (Sadness), 4 (Loss of pleasure), and 9 (Suicidal Thoughts) on the specific factors. Thus, partial measurement invariance can be assumed and differences are negligible. It can be concluded that the total score of the BDI-II can be used to measure depression severity in adolescent clinical samples.

scholarly journals Factor structure of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices

Psico-USF ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monalisa Muniz ◽  
Cristiano Mauro Assis Gomes ◽  
Sonia Regina Pasian
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Three Factor

Abstract This study's objective was to verify the factor structure of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). The database used included the responses of 1,279 children, 50.2% of which were males with an average age of 8.48 years old and a standard deviation of 1.49 yrs. Confirmatory factor analyses were run to test seven models based on CPM theory and on a Brazilian study addressing the test's structure. The results did not confirm the CPM theoretical proposition concerning the scales but indicated that the test can be interpreted by one general factor and one specific factor or one general factor and three specific factors; both are bi-dimensional models. The three-factor model is, however, more interpretable, suggesting that the factors can be used as a means of screening children's cognitive developmental stage.

scholarly journals Nicotine Dependence in Dual Users of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes: Common and Distinct Elements

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva C Rest ◽  
Robin J Mermelstein ◽  
Donald Hedeker
Keyword(s):  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Underlying Factor ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analyses ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Similar Factor ◽  
Bifactor Modeling ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Introduction In a sample of dual users of cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; e-cigarettes), we evaluated psychometric properties of ENDS versions of the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS), the brief Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM), and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Using the NDSS, we tested the hypothesis that there would be one common underlying factor of dependence across the cigarette and ENDS scales and other product-specific factors. Aims and Methods Adult dual users (N = 404) completed baseline cigarette and ENDS versions of the NDSS, WISDM, and FTND, and biweekly surveys of their smoking and vaping. Analyses included bifactor modeling, which helps to identify both a general and product-specific factor for each item, and exploratory factor analyses of the combined cigarette and ENDS NDSS items and examinations of concurrent and predictive validity. Results The bifactor model was not a good fit, suggesting the lack of one common underlying dependence factor. Factor analyses revealed separate, similar factors for both products, with only one factor (priority) showing overlap of cigarette and ENDS items. ENDS scales significantly predicted ENDS use over time, but not cigarette use. Cigarette scales did not predict ENDS use over time. Conclusions Although the cigarette and ENDS NDSS versions showed similar factor structure, there was not a primary common underlying factor reflecting drive or tolerance, but rather product-specific factors. The cigarette scales were not valid for predicting ENDS use. These results highlight the importance of separately assessing dependence for cigarettes and ENDS in dual users. Implications Although underlying dimensions of nicotine dependence may be similar for ENDS and cigarettes, separate, product-specific measures may be needed to understand differences in product-specific dependency and predict changes in use of each product over time.

scholarly journals The Hateful Eight (H8): An Efficient Multifaceted Approach to the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory D. Webster ◽  
Val Wongsomboon
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Hierarchical Models ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Verbal Abuse ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analyses ◽  
Better Than

Using the 28 items of the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4; Paulhus et al., 2020), we developed an alternative 16-item version with eight facets called the Hateful Eight (H8). Over 450 undergraduate participants completed the SD4 and two sexual behavior items. We split the sample into exploratory and confirmatory halves. Exploratory factor analyses showed that each SD4 trait—Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism—had a two-factor model that fit significantly better than a one-factor model. Taking the two highest-loading items from each factor for each trait yielded eight facets, which we labeled deviousness and scheming (Machiavellianism); leadership and exceptionalism (narcissism); defiance and recklessness (psychopathy); and violent voyeurism and verbal abuse (sadism). Confirmatory factor analysis using both split-half and whole samples supported both an eight-factor/facet solution and hierarchical models in which the eight facets loaded onto the four Dark Tetrad traits, which in turn loaded onto a global Dark Tetrad factor. Participant sex interacted with the H8 composite score in predicting number of sex partners; men showed stronger H8–sex-partners slopes than women. Showing the utility of the H8’s hierarchical, multifaceted structure, this H8-by-sex interaction effect was driven by its narcissism trait, which was in turn driven by its exceptionalism facet.

Identification and Utility of a Short Form of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth Self-Report (PSC-17-Y)

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Paul Bergmann ◽  
Cara Lucke ◽  
Theresa Nguyen ◽  
Michael Jellinek ◽  
John Michael Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Symptom Checklist ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Youth Self Report ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Pediatric Symptom Checklist ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analyses

Abstract. The Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth self-report (PSC-Y) is a 35-item measure of adolescent psychosocial functioning that uses the same items as the original parent report version of the PSC. Since a briefer (17-item) version of the parent PSC has been validated, this paper explored whether a subset of items could be used to create a brief form of the PSC-Y. Data were collected on more than 19,000 youth who completed the PSC-Y online as a self-screen offered by Mental Health America. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were first conducted to identify and evaluate candidate solutions and their factor structures. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were then conducted to determine how well the data fit the candidate models. Tests of measurement invariance across gender were conducted on the selected solution. The EFAs and CFAs suggested that a three-factor short form with 17 items is a viable and most parsimonious solution and met criteria for scalar invariance across gender. Since the 17 items used on the parent PSC short form were close to the best fit found for any subsets of items on the PSC-Y, the same items used on the parent PSC-17 are recommended for the PSC-Y short form.

The Development of Preliminary HiTOP Internalizing Spectrum Scales

Assessment ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107319112110039
Author(s):  
David Watson ◽  
Miriam K. Forbes ◽  
Holly F. Levin-Aspenson ◽  
Camilo J. Ruggero ◽  
Yuliya Kotelnikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Self Report ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Item Pool ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Item Level ◽  
Formal Definitions ◽  
Body Dysmorphia ◽  
Item Writing ◽  
Report Measure

As part of a broader project to create a comprehensive self-report measure for the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology consortium, we developed preliminary scales to assess internalizing symptoms. The item pool was created in four steps: (a) clarifying the range of content to be assessed, (b) identifying target constructs to guide item writing, (c) developing formal definitions for each construct, and (d) writing multiple items for each construct. This yielded 430 items assessing 57 target constructs. Responses from a heterogeneous scale development sample ( N = 1,870) were subjected to item-level factor analyses based on polychoric correlations. This resulted in 39 scales representing a total of 213 items. The psychometric properties of these scales replicated well across the development sample and an independent validation sample ( N = 496 adults). Internal consistency analyses established that most scales assess relatively narrow forms of psychopathology. Structural analyses demonstrated the presence of a strong general factor. Additional analyses of the 35 nonsexual dysfunction scales revealed a replicable four-factor structure with dimensions we labeled Distress, Fear, Body Dysmorphia, and Mania. A final set of analyses established that the internalizing scales varied widely—and consistently—in the strength of their associations with neuroticism and extraversion.

scholarly journals Modeling General, Specific, and Method Variance in Personality Measures: Results for ZKA-PQ and NEO-PI-R

Assessment ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 959-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Abad ◽  
Miguel A. Sorrel ◽  
Luis Francisco Garcia ◽  
Anton Aluja
Keyword(s):  
Personality Inventory ◽  
Response Styles ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Neo Personality Inventory ◽  
Personality Inventories ◽  
Method Factor ◽  
Neo Personality Inventory Revised ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Using Data

Contemporary models of personality assume a hierarchical structure in which broader traits contain narrower traits. Individual differences in response styles also constitute a source of score variance. In this study, the bifactor model is applied to separate these sources of variance for personality subscores. The procedure is illustrated using data for two personality inventories—NEO Personality Inventory–Revised and Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire. The inclusion of the acquiescence method factor generally improved the fit to acceptable levels for the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire, but not for the NEO Personality Inventory–Revised. This effect was higher in subscales where the number of direct and reverse items is not balanced. Loadings on the specific factors were usually smaller than the loadings on the general factor. In some cases, part of the variance was due to domains being different from the main one. This information is of particular interest to researchers as they can identify which subscale scores have more potential to increase predictive validity.

scholarly journals Riskier Tests of the Validity of Bifactor Models of Psychopathology

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley L. Watts ◽  
Holly Poore ◽  
Irwin Waldman
Keyword(s):  
Community Sample ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Symptom Dimensions ◽  
Bifactor Models ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Psychopathology Symptom ◽  
Using Data ◽  
P Factor ◽  
Correlated Factors ◽  
Additional Variance

We advanced several “riskier tests” of the validity of bifactor models of psychopathology, which included that the general and specific factors should be reliable and well-represented by their indicators, and that including a general factor should improve the correlated factor model’s external validity. We compared bifactor and correlated factors models using data from a community sample of youth (N=2498) whose parents provided ratings on psychopathology and external criteria (i.e., temperament, aggression, antisociality). Bifactor models tended to yield either general or specific factors that were unstable and difficult to interpret. The general factor appeared to reflect a differentially-weighted amalgam of psychopathology rather than a liability for psychopathology broadly construed. With rare exceptions, bifactor models did not explain additional variance in psychopathology symptom dimensions or external criteria compared with correlated factors models. Together, our findings call into question the validity of bifactor models of psychopathology, and the p-factor more broadly.

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