scholarly journals The Infertility-Related Stress Scale: Validation of a Brazilian–Portuguese Version and Measurement Invariance Across Brazil and Italy

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Casu ◽  
Victor Zaia ◽  
Erik Montagna ◽  
Antonio de Padua Serafim ◽  
Bianca Bianco ◽  
...  

Infertility constitutes an essential source of stress in the individual and couple’s life. The Infertility-Related Stress Scale (IRSS) is of clinical interest for exploring infertility-related stress affecting the intrapersonal and interpersonal domains of infertile individuals’ lives. In the present study, the IRSS was translated into Brazilian–Portuguese, and its factor structure, reliability, and relations to sociodemographic and infertility-related characteristics and depression were examined. A sample of 553 Brazilian infertile individuals (54.2% female, mean aged 36 ± 6 years) completed the Brazilian–Portuguese IRSS (IRSS-BP), and a subsample of 222 participants also completed the BDI-II. A sample of 526 Italian infertile individuals (54.2% female, mean aged 38 ± 6 years) was used to test for the IRSS measurement invariance across Brazil and Italy. Results of exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) indicated that a bifactor solution best represented the structure underlying the IRSS-BP. Both the general and the two specific intrapersonal and interpersonal IRSS-BP factors showed satisfactory levels of composite reliability. The bifactor ESEM solution replicated well across countries. As evidence of relations to other variables, female gender, a longer duration of infertility, and higher depression were associated with higher scores in global and domain-specific infertility-related stress. The findings offer initial evidence of validity and reliability of the IRSS-BP, which could be used by fertility clinic staff to rapidly identify patients who need support to deal with the stressful impact of infertility in the intrapersonal and interpersonal life domains, as recommended by international guidelines for routine psychosocial care in infertility settings.

Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Jin Kim ◽  
Sung Seek Moon ◽  
Jang Hyun Lee ◽  
Joon Kyung Kim

Abstract. Background: A significant number of Korean adolescents have suicidal ideations and it is more prevalent among adolescents than any other age group in Korea. Aims: This study was conducted to attain a better understanding of the contributing factors to suicidal ideation among Korean adolescents. Method: We recruited 569 high school students in Grades 10 and 11 in Pyeongtaek, Korea. The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation was used to measure suicidal ideation as the outcome variable. The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the School Related Stress Scale, the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance questions were used to measure thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness, school-related stress, bullying, and previous suicidal behaviors, respectively. Data analyses included descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling. Results: The findings suggest that perceived burdensomeness, hopelessness, school-related stress, and previous suicidal behaviors have significant direct effects on suicidal ideation. Hopelessness fully mediated the relation between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation, and partially mediated between perceived burdensomeness, school-related stress, and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: These findings provide more specific directions for a multidimensional suicide prevention program in order to be successful in reducing suicide rates among Korean adolescents.


2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katariina Salmela-Aro ◽  
Katja Upadaya

This study introduces the Schoolwork Engagement Inventory (EDA), which measures energy, dedication, and absorption with respect to schoolwork. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the validity and reliability of the inventory among students attending postcomprehensive schools. A total of 1,530 (769 girls, 761 boys) students from 13 institutions (six upper-secondary and seven vocational schools) completed the EDA 1 year apart. The results showed that a one-factor solution had the most reliability and fitted best among the younger students, whereas a three-factor solution was most reliable and fit best among the older students. In terms of concurrent validity, depressive symptoms and school burnout were inversely related, and self-esteem and academic achievement were positively associated with EDA. Boys and upper-secondary-school students experienced lower levels of schoolwork engagement than girls and vocational-school students.


Methodology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Steinmetz

Although the use of structural equation modeling has increased during the last decades, the typical procedure to investigate mean differences across groups is still to create an observed composite score from several indicators and to compare the composite’s mean across the groups. Whereas the structural equation modeling literature has emphasized that a comparison of latent means presupposes equal factor loadings and indicator intercepts for most of the indicators (i.e., partial invariance), it is still unknown if partial invariance is sufficient when relying on observed composites. This Monte-Carlo study investigated whether one or two unequal factor loadings and indicator intercepts in a composite can lead to wrong conclusions regarding latent mean differences. Results show that unequal indicator intercepts substantially affect the composite mean difference and the probability of a significant composite difference. In contrast, unequal factor loadings demonstrate only small effects. It is concluded that analyses of composite differences are only warranted in conditions of full measurement invariance, and the author recommends the analyses of latent mean differences with structural equation modeling instead.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026010602110206
Author(s):  
Mohamed Kuhail ◽  
Kurosh Djafarian ◽  
Sakineh Shab-Bidar ◽  
Mehdi Yaseri

Background: The association of dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is little known. Aim: This study aimed to explore the relationship between major dietary patterns and the severity of CAD among newly discovered patients by using structural equation modeling (SEM). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 423 newly diagnosed patients with CAD, aged 35–65 years, who underwent coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was assessed by the Gensini score. All patients were tested by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, international physical activity questionnaire, perceived stress scale, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS version 24. Results: Two dietary patterns (DPs) were identified by principal components analysis and labeled as “unhealthy DP” and “healthy DP”. The results of SEM analysis showed that the unhealthy DP has a significant positive direct association with the severity of CAD (β=0.304, p<0.001), which is indirectly mediated by the presence of metabolic syndrome (β=0.021, p=0.021), adjusted for age and perceived stress scale. However, healthy DP has a significant negative direct association with the Gensini score (β=-0.213, p<0.001), and an indirect association through negative metabolic syndrome (β=-0.019, p=0.022), controlled for gender, physical activity, and perceived stress scale. Conclusions: The severity of CAD was directly associated with the unhealthy DP and indirectly mediated by the presence of the metabolic syndrome, while a healthy DP had a direct inverse association with CAD severity and indirectly mediated by the absence of metabolic syndrome.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-70
Author(s):  
Nurul Hamidah

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to discuss and analyze the Effect of Competence, Motivation and Teacher Performance and School Facilities on Student Success in Studying Knowledge Through the Learning Process at the Ar-Ridho Development Foundation, Depok City           Methods and Types of data in this study, are quantitative data obtained through the results of a survey of students. This study uses primary data that is data obtained directly from respondents who filled out and developed the questionnaire through the Learning Process at the Ar-Ridho Development Foundation, Depok City. With a student population of approximately 1,508 students. The sample of this study was 125 students and alumni. Test the validity and reliability using SPSS 24.0. The statistical method used to test the hypothesis in this study uses the multivariate Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique with the software used is AMOS 18.           The results of the research and testing of hypotheses that have a significant effect are as follows: 1. Teacher competence has no significant effect on the learning process. 2. Motivation does not significantly influence the learning process. 3. Teacher performance has a significant effect on the learning process. 4. Facilities have a significant effect on the learning process. 5. Competence does not significantly influence student success. 6. Motivation does not significantly influence student success. 7. Teacher performance does not significantly influence student success. 8. Facilities have a significant positive effect on student success. 9. The learning process has a significant effect on student success. Keywords: Teacher Competency (X1), Teacher Motivation (X2), Teacher Performance (X3), School Facilities (X4), Learning Process (Y1), Student Success (Y2)  


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2.29) ◽  
pp. 557
Author(s):  
Inge Hutagalung

Festinger’s (1) hypothesis cites belief as a variable that influences selective exposure. However, a review of other experts’ research proves that selective exposure is not only affected by the psychological aspect but by the message and the social aspect as well. In contrast to previous scholars who focused only on one variable, the researcher examines belief, utility of information, and group support simultaneously and integrates them into a model. The research design is a case study involving the use of pornographic information. This study’s subjects comprise 400 senior high school students in Jakarta, Indonesia. The relationships among the variables were tested by using structural equation modeling. The validity and reliability analyses utilized the LISREL 8.80 application. A questionnaire with a Likert-scale model was used as the data collection method. The structural test results show that the theoretical models for the three variables have a significant effect on selective exposure (t value ≥ 1.96). On the other hand, the findings also prove that communication in the context of selective information on pornography is divided into three levels. First, at the intrapersonal level, the individual holds on to his or her belief in selecting the information. Second, at the interpersonal or group level, the individual adjusts his or her belief to the existing reality (environment or social group). Third, at the mass communication level, the individual selects the information according to its utility, that is, to fulfill the need for information.  


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aamir Abbas ◽  
Qasim Ali Nisar ◽  
Mahmood A. Husain Mahmood ◽  
Abderrahim Chenini ◽  
Ahsan Zubair

Purpose Islamic marketing ethics focus on the principles of equity, justice and value maximization for the welfare of society. These ethics play a vital role in elevating the standards of customer behavior. The strategy of focusing customer is now considered as important element because of rapidly changing marketing trends in Islamic banks. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find out the important features of Islamic marketing ethics and identify their effect on customer’s satisfaction in Islamic banking. Design/methodology/approach This study is descriptive and quantitative. Data were collected from 1000 customers of Islamic banks by applying convenient sampling technique. Smart PLS was used to check the scale validation by confirmatory factor analysis. To test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling technique was used. Findings Results enlightened that Islamic marketing ethics play a significant role in enhancing the customer’s satisfaction. Islamic banks should focus on marketing mix along with Islamic and ethical perspectives to improve the customer’s satisfaction level. Practical implications This study highlighted that Islamic marketing ethics have great impact on customer satisfaction. Therefore, Islamic banks need to concentrate on the ethical perspective of Islamic marketing in order to develop long term customer relationships. Islamic banks need to revise their marketing practices, and they should align their marketing tactics with ethical Islamic boundaries. They need to design, communicate and enforce the code of Islamic ethics within organizations. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to study how Islamic marketing ethics effect customer satisfaction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1615-1631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashutosh Muduli ◽  
Jeegnesh J. Trivedi

PurposeRecruiters’ decision to use recruitment methods (RMs) depends on several expected outcomes such as number applications, quality of applicants, speed of filling up vacancy, post joining job performance, absenteeism, commitment and satisfaction of the applicants. RMs may vary from each other in terms of its capability to communicate different type of information. The current research aims at exploring recruiter's intention to use RMs like job advertisement (JA), online recruitment (OLR) and social media in reference to several recruitment outcomes (ROs). Further, the role of information credibility and sufficiency (ICS) on recruiter's intention to use has been studied.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 242 recruiters from the manufacturing and service sector of India. The survey instrument consists of RMs, recruitment outcome and credibility and satisfaction that are identified following the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used for a simultaneous assessment of overall and specific elements of measurement validity and reliability. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the hypothesized model.FindingsThe result shows that RMs significantly relates with ROs. In detail, social media recruitment (SMR) significantly relates with pre ROs and post ROs; OLR significantly relates with pre ROs and post ROs and JA significantly relates post ROs. Only JA insignificantly relates with pre ROs. The result also supports the hypothesis that ICS acts as a mediator between the influences of RMs on ROs.Research limitations/implicationsThe result of the study has important theoretical and managerial implications. The theoretical implication is explained from the perspective of signaling theory (ST) and elaboration likelihood model (ELM) theory.Originality/valueThe study is unique as multiple RMs have been studied with reference to both pre and post ROs using the data collected from the recruiters.


Assessment ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
István Tóth-Király ◽  
Kristin D. Neff

The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is a widely used measure to assess the trait of self-compassion, and, so far, it has been implicitly assumed that it functions the same way across different groups. This assumption needs to be explicitly tested to ascertain that no measurement biases exist. To address this issue, the present study sought to systematically examine the generalizability of the bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling operationalization of the SCS via tests of measurement invariance across a wide range of populations, varying according to features such as student or community status, gender, age, and language. Secondary data were used for this purpose and included a total of 18 samples and 12 different languages ( N = 10,997). Multigroup analyses revealed evidence for the configural, weak, strong, strict, and latent variance–covariance of the bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling operationalization of the SCS across different groups. These findings suggest that the SCS provides an assessment of self-compassion that is psychometrically equivalent across groups. However, findings comparing latent mean invariance found that levels of self-compassion differed across groups.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munyi Shea ◽  
Y. Joel Wong ◽  
Kimmy K. Nguyen ◽  
Serani Baghdasarian

Female gender has been consistently associated with positive psychological help-seeking attitudes and behaviors; however, surprisingly few empirical studies have examined how femininity-related variables impact women’s help-seeking decision making. Informed by the theory of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980), the purpose of this study was (a) to investigate the associations between two femininity constructs—subjective femininity stress and gender solidarity—and psychological help-seeking intention, and (b) to explore the mediating roles of help-seeking attitudes and social stigma using structural equation modeling. Participants were 451 college-enrolled women in Southern California. Results revealed that all the mediation relationships involving help-seeking attitudes and stigma were significant. Subjective femininity stress was positively related to help-seeking intention via help-seeking attitudes, but was negatively related to intention via social stigma. Gender solidarity was positively related to help-seeking intention via positive attitudes and reduced social stigma. Implications for future research, prevention programs, and practice are discussed.


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