scholarly journals Reliability, Validity, and Gender Invariance of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale: An Emerging Evidence for a More Concise Research Tool

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3516
Author(s):  
Stefan Koehn ◽  
Farzad Amirabdollahian
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Research Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gender Invariance ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Fit Index ◽  
Northwest Region

The Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) research instrument has been extensively used to investigate the perceived benefits and barriers of exercise in a range of settings. In order to examine theoretical contentions and translate the findings, it is imperative to implement measurement tools that operationalize the constructs in an accurate and reliable way. The original validation of the EBBS proposed a nine-factor structure for the research tool, examined the EBBS factor structure, and suggested that various factors are important for the testing of the perception of exercise benefits and barriers, whereas a few items and factors may not be vital. The current study conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using hierarchical testing in 565 participants from the northwest region of the United Kingdom, the results of which provided evidence for a four-factor structure of the benefits measure, with the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.943, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.933, and root means square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.051, namely life enhancement, physical performance, psychological outlook, and social interaction, as well as a two-factor structure of the barrier measures, with the CFI = 0.953, TLI = 0.931, and RMSEA = 0.063, including exercise milieu and time expenditure. Our findings showed that for a six-factor correlated model, the CFI = 0.930, TLI = 0.919, and RMSEA = 0.046. The multi-group CFA provided support for gender invariance. The results indicated that after three decades of the original validation of the EBBS, many of the core factors and items are still relevant for the assessment of higher-order factors; however, the 26-item concise tool proposed in the current study displays a better parsimony in comparison with the original 43-item questionnaire. Overall, the current study provides support for a reliable, cross-culturally valid EBBS within the UK adult population, however, it proposes a shorter and more concise version compared with the original tool, and gives direction for future research to focus on the content validity for assessing the perception of the barriers to physical activity.

scholarly journals Understanding the longitudinal psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom; a methodological overview of The COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherie Armour ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Sarah Butter ◽  
Kareena McAloney-Kocaman ◽  
Kerri E. McPherson
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk

The COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study was designed and implemented as a rapid survey of the psychosocial impacts of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known as COVID-19 in residents across the United Kingdom. This study utilised a longitudinal design to collect online survey based data. The aim of this paper was to, describe (1) the rationale behind the study and the corresponding selection of constructs to be assessed; (2) the study design and methodology; (3) the resultant sociodemographic characteristics of the full sample (4) how the baseline survey data compares to the UK adult population (using data from the Census) on a variety of sociodemographic variables; (5) the ongoing efforts for weekly and monthly longitudinal assessments of the baseline cohort and (6) outline future research directions. We believe the study is in a unique position to make a significant contribution to the growing body of literature to help understand the psychological impact of this pandemic and inform future clinical and research directions that the UK will implement in response to COVID19.

The Caregiving System Scale

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiana Colledani ◽  
Anna M. Meneghini ◽  
Mario Mikulincer ◽  
Phillip R. Shaver
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Gender Invariance ◽  
Caregiving System ◽  
Attachment Orientations ◽  
Behavioral System ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Provision Of Care

Abstract. According to attachment theory, the propensity of human beings to care for others is governed by an inborn caregiving behavioral system that aims to promote welfare and reduce the distress of other people through effective provision of care. However, some individuals may develop non-optimal caregiving strategies, such as anxious hyperactivation and avoidant deactivation. These two non-optimal caregiving strategies can be evaluated in adults using the Caregiving System Scale (CSS). Recent findings suggested that the factor structure of the instrument may be more complex than was intended. The present work examines in-depth the factor structure of the CSS to provide a clearer understanding of the underlying dimensions. Gender invariance and the contribution of attachment orientations to CSS scores are also examined. Findings reveal that, whereas the CSS-deactivation subscale is unidimensional, the CSS-hyperactivation subscale is better represented by two distinct yet related constructs – caregiving-related worries/doubts and intrusive/coercive caregiving. Partial strict gender invariance is supported. The contribution of attachment orientations to non-optimal caregiving strategies is consistent with theoretical expectations. Results and future research directions are discussed in the final section.

37. Sentencing

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Ashworth ◽  
Julian V. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Media Coverage ◽  
Sentencing Guidelines ◽  
Race And Gender ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Political Criticism ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Sentencing represents the apex of the criminal process and is the most public stage of the criminal justice system. Controversial sentences attract widespread media coverage, intense public interest, and much public and political criticism. This chapter explores sentencing in the United Kingdom, and draws some conclusions with relevance to other common law jurisdictions. Sentencing has changed greatly in recent years, notably through the introduction of sentencing guidelines in England and Wales, and more recently, Scotland. However, there are still doubts about the fairness and consistency of sentencing practice, not least in the use of imprisonment. Among the key issues to be examined in this chapter are the tendency towards net-widening, the effects of race and gender, the impact of pleading guilty, the use of indeterminate sentences, the rise of mandatory sentences, and the role of the victim in the sentencing process. The chapter begins by outlining the methods by which cases come before the courts for sentencing. It then summarizes the specific sentences available to courts and examines current sentencing patterns, before turning to a more detailed exploration of sentencing guidelines, and of the key issues identified above. The chapter addresses two critical questions: What is sentencing (namely who exerts the power to punish)? Does sentencing in the UK measure up to appropriate standards of fairness and consistency?

Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Gender Invariance of the Revised IRMA Scale in Nigeria

Affilia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunday B. Fakunmoju ◽  
Tina Abrefa-Gyan ◽  
Ntandoyenkosi Maphosa
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Rape Myths ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Gender Invariance ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

Research scales developed in one society are often validated in another society to determine the factor structure and measurement equivalence of the scales. Using a convenience sample of 378 respondents from two cross-sectional studies, the present analyses examined confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and gender invariance in the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance (IRMA) Scale in Nigeria. Specifically, the analyses examined whether the scale holds similar factor structure, whether the latent means can be compared, and whether respondents interpreted items similarly or ascribed the same meaning to them across gender. Based on the analyses, CFA results validated the hypothesized multidimensional four-factor structure of IRMA, namely, “she asked for it,” “he didn’t mean to,” “it wasn’t really rape,” and “she lied.” Similarly, the IRMA measurement was invariant (partial scalar invariance) across gender, suggesting that men and women interpreted IRMA’s items and constructs similarly. Results of an independent-samples t test suggested that women were more likely than men to reject the myth that female victim of rape “lied.” In general, preliminary findings indicated that IRMA is suitable for research on rape myths in Nigeria. Knowledge generated from its use may enhance understanding of rape myths, rape-supportive behaviors, and rape prevention and victim intervention programs.

scholarly journals Article Commentary: Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques: Genetic Relatedness, Gender Implications, and Justice

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Ishii ◽  
César Palacios-González
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Us ◽  
Child Centered ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relevant Regulation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Transfer Procedures ◽  
Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques

In 2015 the United Kingdom (UK) became the first nation to legalize egg and zygotic nuclear transfer procedures using mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) to prevent the maternal transmission of serious mitochondrial DNA diseases to offspring. These techniques are a form of human germline genetic modification and can happen intentionally if female embryos are selected during the MRT clinical process, either through sperm selection or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). In the same year, an MRT was performed by a United States (U.S.)-based physician team. This experiment involved a cross-border effort: the MRT procedure per se was carried out in the US, and the embryo transfer in Mexico. The authors examine the ethics of MRTs from the standpoint of genetic relatedness and gender implications, in places that lack adequate laws and regulation regarding assisted reproduction. Then, we briefly examine whether MRTs can be justified as a reproductive option in the US and Mexico, after reassessing their legalization in the UK. We contend that morally inadequate and ineffective regulations regarding egg donation, PGD, and germline genetic modifications jeopardize the ethical acceptability of the implementation of MRTs, suggesting that MRTs are currently difficult to justify in the US and Mexico. In addition to relevant regulation, the initiation and appropriate use of MRTs in a country require a child-centered follow-up policy and more evidence for its safety.

scholarly journals Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of UK and European hand surgery units

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail V Shaw ◽  
David GW Holmes ◽  
Victoria Jansen ◽  
Christy L Fowler ◽  
Justin CR Wormald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reconstructive Surgery ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hand Surgeon ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
Made In

Abstract Hand surgery services had to rapidly adapt to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network #RSTNCOVID hand surgery survey was to document the changes made in the United Kingdom and Europe and consider which might persist.A survey developed by the Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network, in association with the British Association of Hand Therapists, was distributed to hand surgery units across the UK and Europe after the first wave of COVID-19. It was completed by one consultant hand surgeon at each of the 44 units that responded.Adult and paediatric trauma was maintained but elective services stopped. Consultations were increasingly virtual and surgery was more likely to be under local anaesthetic and in a lower resource setting.Many of the changes are viewed as being beneficial. However, it is important to establish that they are clinically and cost effective. These survey results will help prioritise and support future research initiatives.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document