Dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ48)

Currently there is debate as to whether mental toughness is a unidimensional or multidimensional construct. To investigate the dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-items (MTQ48), a widely used measure of mental toughness, we examined data from a sample of 78,947 participants. A series of exploratory structural equation models (ESEM) assessed unidimensional, multidimensional, and bifactor solutions. Overall, results supported a bifactor conceptualization of mental toughness. Bifactor analysis was consistent with the use of a general factor score. In conclusion, the authors argue that mental toughness should be considered as an umbrella term representing a general trait comprised of related constructs that provide a psychological advantage in performance and promote positive mental health. Finally, this article identifies limitations in the existing measurement of mental toughness and proposes necessary directions in future research.

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Come Together to Decrease Depression: Women’s mental health, social capital, and participation in a Kenyan combined microfinance program

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764020966014 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 002076402096601

Author(s):

Michael L Goodman ◽

Aleisha J Elliott ◽

Stanley Gitari ◽

Philip Keiser ◽

Erica Onwuegbuchu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Capital ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Skills Training ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Future Research ◽

Program Participation ◽

Community Based

Background: Tools and systems to improve mental health have been understudied in low-resource environments, such as sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores depression amongst women participating in a community-based intervention combining savings- and lending-groups, entrepreneurial training and other skills training. Aims: This study aims to determine whether depression decreases with more program participation, and the extent to which social capital variables may explain these changes. Method: Survey data were gathered in June 2018, within 6 months of group formation, and again in June 2019 from 400 women participants in the program. Data between 2018 and 2019 were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Chi square tests. Inferential statistics included random effects regression models and general structural equation models. Results: At 1-year follow-up, depression and loneliness amongst Kenyan women ( n = 400) participating in the program had decreased. Social capital remained higher within groups than within the broader community, and mediated the association between program participation and decreased depression. Conclusions: Findings suggest this novel, community-based intervention has the potential to benefit mental health. Future research, including a randomised control trial, is required to establish (1) the extent of the program’s benefits and (2) the program’s application to particular subject areas and population segments.

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Using structural equation modelling to assess the sustainable competitive advantages provided by the low-cost carrier model

Journal of Indian Business Research ◽

10.1108/jibr-12-2017-0260 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Vedant Singh ◽

S. Vaibhav ◽

Somesh Kr. Sharma

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation Modelling ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Low Cost ◽

Future Research ◽

Competitive Advantages ◽

Content Type ◽

Equation Modelling ◽

Five Factors ◽

Sustainable Competitive Advantages

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between the dimensions of sustainable competitive advantages in the Indian low cost airlines.Design/methodology/approachThis study used structural equation modelling methods to identify the factors that significantly affect the sustainable competitive advantages enjoyed by Indian low-cost carriers (LCCs). Specifically, this study is based on the data from 208 airline experts that populate multiple structural equation models.FindingsResults indicate that indigenous efficiency, the LCCs perceptions of threat, dexterity, strategic persuasion and the LCC adopting an enabling role positively affect LCCs’ competitive advantages. These five factors were all correlated with each other. The results also show that relative to an LCC’s dexterity, indigenous efficiency is a stronger predictor of an LCC’s competitive advantages.Originality/valueThis study provides low-cost airlines with valuable information for designing effective strategies for obtaining competitive advantages in the LCC sector. To conclude the paper, the authors offer practical recommendations for managers and suggest some avenues for future research in this area.

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Impact of acculturation and psychological adjustment on mental health among migrant adolescents in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional questionnaire study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022712 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e022712 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lishuo Shi ◽

Wen Chen ◽

Jennifer Huang Bouey ◽

Yanwei Lin ◽

Li Ling

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Interaction ◽

Psychological Adjustment ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Questionnaire Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Internal Migrant ◽

Migrant Adolescents ◽

The Impact

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the pathway and associations among acculturation (ie, language, social interaction and lifestyle), psychological adjustment and mental health of internal migrant adolescents in China.DesignCross-sectional questionnaire study.SettingSix private migrant junior high schools located in Tianhe and Baiyun districts in Guangzhou were chosen as the study sites.ParticipantsA total of 1122 migrant adolescents aged 11–17 years old completed the study.Main outcome measuresMental health was measured by using the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC) and major depression disorder (MDD) in a Brief Child and Family Phone Interview. Acculturation and psychological adjustment were measured by a self-designed and verified questionnaire. Multiple regression models and structural equation models were performed to analyse the association among acculturation, psychological adjustment and mental health while controlling for participant demographic characteristics.ResultsThe average MDD score for boys was 8.78 (SD=2.17) and for girls was 8.56 (SD=2.22), while the average SASC score for boys was 14.67 (SD=3.72) and for girls was 13.41 (SD=4.01). Psychological adjustment had a direct positive effect on MDD (p<0.001, β=0.30) and SASC (p<0.001, β=0.28), and it was the key variable fully mediating the impact of acculturation components on MDD and partly mediating the impact of acculturation on SASC, whereas lifestyle showed a direct negative effect (p=0.003, β=−0.17) on SASC. Of the three acculturation components, lifestyle had the strongest influence on psychological adjustment (p<0.001, β=0.37 and 0.51), followed by social interaction (p<0.001, β=0.24 and 0.13) and language (p<0.001, β=0.17 and 0.11).ConclusionsThe association between acculturation and the mental health of internal migrant adolescents was complex and could be mediated by psychological adjustment. Interventions such as promoting local language and social interaction are needed to enhance psychological adjustment and further improve the mental health of migrant adolescents.

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Modeling Associations between Chemosensation, Liking for Fats and Sweets, Dietary Behaviors and Body Mass Index in Chronic Smokers

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11020271 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 271 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Brittany Larsen ◽

Mark Litt ◽

Tania Huedo-Medina ◽

Valerie Duffy

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Weight Control ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Dietary Behaviors ◽

Future Research ◽

Taste Intensity ◽

Food Liking ◽

Identification Function

Chronic smokers have a greater risk for altered chemosensation, unhealthy dietary patterns, and excessive adiposity. In an observational study of chronic smokers, we modeled relationships between chemosensation, fat/carbohydrate liking, smoking-associated dietary behaviors, and body mass index (BMI). Also tested in the model was liking for sweet electronic cigarette juice (e-juice). Smokers (n = 135, 37 ± 11 years) were measured for: Taste genetics (intensity of 6-n-propylthiouracil—PROP); taste (NaCl and quinine intensities) and olfactory (odor identification) function; liking for cherry e-juice; and weight/height to calculate BMI. Smokers survey-reported their food liking and use of smoking for appetite/weight control. Structural equation models tested direct and indirect relationships between chemosensation, fat/carbohydrate liking, dietary behaviors, and BMI. In good-fitting models, taste intensity was linked to BMI variation through fat/carbohydrate liking (greater PROP intensity→greater NaCl intensity→greater food liking→higher BMI). Olfactory function tended to predict sweet e-juice liking, which, in turn, partially mediated the food liking and BMI association. The path between smoking-associated dietary behaviors and BMI was direct and independent of chemosensation or liking. These findings indicate that taste associates with BMI in chronic smokers through liking of fats/carbohydrates. Future research should determine if vaping sweet e-juice could improve diet quality and adiposity for smokers.

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Authentic Leadership and Follower Development

Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies ◽

10.1177/1548051810382013 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 438-448 ◽

Cited By ~ 83

Author(s):

Lydia Woolley ◽

Arran Caza ◽

Lester Levy

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Authentic Leadership ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Psychological Capital ◽

National Sample ◽

Future Research ◽

Theoretical Understanding ◽

Working Adults ◽

Representative National Sample ◽

The Relationship

This article contributes to the theoretical understanding of the relationship between authentic leadership and follower psychological capital. Structural equation models using a representative national sample of working adults revealed a positive relationship between authentic leadership and followers’ psychological capital, partially mediated by positive work climate, and a significant moderating effect from gender. Findings support previous predictions about the effects of authentic leadership and begin to reveal the mechanisms by which authentic leaders affect followers. Moreover, they underscore the need to consider the influence of follower characteristics in understanding leadership outcomes. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

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Obesity and Mental Health: A Longitudinal, Cross-Cultural Examination in Germany and China

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.712567 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Kristen L. Lavallee ◽

Xiao Chi Zhang ◽

Silvia Schneider ◽

Jüergen Margraf

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Male Students ◽

Health State ◽

One Year ◽

The Relationship ◽

Chinese Male

The present study examines the relationship between obesity and mental health using longitudinal data. Participants with data at baseline and one-year follow-up were included from two countries: Germany (364) and China (9007). A series of structural equation models with three mediators and one moderator were conducted separately for female and male students in Germany and China. Zero-order correlations indicated that overweight/obesity was significantly related to later depression and anxiety in Chinese males. Additional effects of obesity on later mental health flowed through effects on attractiveness (Chinese and German females, and Chinese males), physical health (Chinese males), and life satisfaction (German females). Though overweight/obesity is related to mental health across many other studies, results in this study yield total effects between overweight/obesity and follow-up mental health only in Chinese males. The relationship between overweight/obesity and follow-up mental health was significantly mediated by follow-up attractiveness, or health state, or life satisfaction in German females, Chinese females, and Chinese male students, with no significant indirect effects found in German male students. This highlights the possible importance of culture in examining these effects.

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The Unique Mental Impacts of Breast-Conserving Surgery and Mastectomy According to a Multi-Centered Cross Sectional Survey Conducted in Japan

Archives of Breast Cancer ◽

10.32768/abc.202073119-126 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 119-126

Author(s):

Yuri Hazawa ◽

Goro Kutomi ◽

Hiroaki Shima ◽

Toshio Honma ◽

Tosei Ohmura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Breast Conserving Surgery ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cancer Management ◽

Mastectomy Group

Background: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become a fundamental goal of breast cancer management. This study aimed to examine the differences between the QOL outcomes of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and mastectomy. We also established structural equation models for BCS and mastectomy to elucidate their unique effects on QOL.Methods: Between July 2019 and November 2019, 254 patients, who were scheduled to visit one of four clinics, were recruited for this study. We evaluated HRQOL using various questionnaires, such as the BREAST-Q, EQ-5D-5L, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The relationships among the examined clinical indicators were evaluated using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The QOL scores of the BCS group were better than those of the mastectomy group (0.85±0.129 vs. 0.81±0.12, P=0.020). Also, anxiety (2.94±2.95 vs. 3.81±3.08, P=0.025) and depression (2.55±2.77 vs. 3.74±3.19, P=0.002) were less severe in the BCS group than in the mastectomy group. Furthermore, the relationships among QOL status and mental health status were more complex in the BCS group than in the mastectomy group (Chi-square minimization p-value: 0.231 vs. 0.469, respectively). Also, depression directly affected QOL in the mastectomy group (R=-0.47), but not in the BCS group.Conclusions: There were differences in QOL and mental health between the BCS and mastectomy groups. SEM is useful for identifying such differences, which can be used to develop strategies for improving QOL.

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Measuring Positive Mental Health in the Postpartum Period: The Bifactor Structure of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form in Portuguese Women

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191120910247 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 107319112091024 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Fabiana Monteiro ◽

Ana Fonseca ◽

Marco Pereira ◽

Maria Cristina Canavarro

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Factor Model ◽

Short Form ◽

High Reliability ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Total Sample ◽

Bifactor Model ◽

Positive Mental Health ◽

General Factor ◽

Explained Common Variance

This study aimed to investigate the factor structure of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) in the postpartum context using a single-factor model, a correlated three-factor model, and a bifactor model. The reliability and validity of the MHC-SF were also examined. The total sample consisted of 882 postpartum Portuguese women. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the bifactor model yielded a significantly better fit to the data than the other models. The unidimensionality strength indices (explained common variance = .76, percentage of uncontaminated correlations = .69) and the ω H values supported the general factor of positive mental health, which accounted for 91.5% of the reliable variance in the total score. Additionally, the MHC-SF showed high reliability (ω = .96), and its total and subscale scores were significantly correlated with other measures related to mental health. The results of this study suggest a strong general factor of positive mental health and support the use of its total score in this context.

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The structure and predictive value of intrinsic capacity in a longitudinal study of ageing

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026119 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e026119 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

John R Beard ◽

A T Jotheeswaran ◽

Matteo Cesari ◽

Islene Araujo de Carvalho

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Daily Living ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Direct Relationship ◽

Path Model ◽

Future Research ◽

General Factor ◽

Intrinsic Capacity

ObjectivesTo assess the validity of the WHO concept of intrinsic capacity in a longitudinal study of ageing; to identify whether this overall measure disaggregated into biologically plausible and clinically useful subdomains; and to assess whether total capacity predicted subsequent care dependence.DesignStructural equation modelling of biomarkers and self-reported measures in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing including exploratory factor analysis, exploratory bi-factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Longitudinal mediation and moderation analysis of incident care dependence.SettingsCommunity, United Kingdom.Participants2560 eligible participants aged over 60 years.Main outcome measuresActivities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).ResultsOne general factor (intrinsic capacity) and five subfactors emerged: locomotor, cognitive; psychological; sensory; and ‘vitality’. This structure is consistent with biological theory and the model had a good fit for the data (χ2=71.2 (df=39)). The summary score of intrinsic capacity and specific subfactors showed good construct validity. In a causal path model examining incident loss of ADL and IADL, intrinsic capacity had a direct relationship with the outcome—root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.02 (90% CI 0.001 to 0.05) and RMSEA=0.008 (90% CI0.001 to 0.03) respectively—and was a strong mediator for the effect of age, sex, wealth and education. Multimorbidity had an independent direct relationship with incident loss of ADLs but not IADLs, and also operated through intrinsic capacity. More of the indirect effect of personal characteristics on incident loss of ADLs and IADLs was mediated by intrinsic capacity than multimorbidity.ConclusionsThe WHO construct of intrinsic capacity appears to provide valuable predictive information on an individual’s subsequent functioning, even after accounting for the number of multimorbidities. The proposed general factor and subdomain structure may contribute to a transformative paradigm for future research and clinical practice.

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The Motivation and Opportunity for Socially Desirable Responding Does Not Alter the General Factor of Personality

Assessment ◽

10.1177/1073191119880960 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 107319111988096

Author(s):

Dirk H. M. Pelt ◽

Dimitri Van der Linden ◽

Curtis S. Dunkel ◽

Marise Ph. Born

Keyword(s):

Personality Traits ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Structural Equation Models ◽

General Factor ◽

Socially Desirable Responding ◽

Common Variance ◽

Total N ◽

General Factor Of Personality ◽

The Common ◽

Personality Questionnaires

Socially desirable responding may affect the factor structure of personality questionnaires and may be one of the reasons for the common variance among personality traits. In this study, we test this hypothesis by investigating the influence of the motivational test-taking context (development vs. selection) and the opportunity to distort responses (forced-choice vs. Likert response format) on personality questionnaire scores. Data from real selection and assessment candidates (total N = 3,980) matched on gender, age, and educational level were used. Mean score differences were found between the selection and development groups, with smaller differences for the FC version. Yet, exploratory structural equation models showed that the overall factor structures as well as the general factor were highly similar across the four groups. Thus, although socially desirable responding may affect mean scores on personality traits, it does not appear to affect factor structures. This study further suggests that the common variance in personality questionnaires is consistent and appears to be little influenced by motivational pressures for response distortion.

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