THE APPLICATION OF A FACTOR ANALYSIS TO VERIFY FACTOR STRUCTURE OF MODIFIED SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL FOR MEASURING STUDENTS ATTITUDES

AimsThe aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of attitudes towards psychiatry among medical students by using the ‘Attitude towards psychiatry-30’ (ATP-30) scale, which is one of the most widely used psychometric tools in assessing medical students’ attitudes regarding psychiatry. We also aimed to explore the possible existence of meaningful subscales in the ATP-30 scale.MethodSecondary data from a survey of 743 final-year medical students from nine medical schools in Sri Lanka were subjected to factor analysis. Models based on empirical evidence were tested with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for model fit using Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker Lewis Index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and Chi square. To explore the underlying latent structure of the scale, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with oblique (i.e. Promax) rotation was employed. Horn's parallel analysis and goodness-of-fit statistics for a series of EFA models tested with different numbers of factors were used in determining the number of factors to retain. Items conceptually external to the emerging factors or with factor loadings less than 0.4 were discarded. Gender invariance of the final model was tested by configural, metric and scalar invariance. Internal consistency of subscales was assessed using McDonald's omega (ω).ResultThree models based on literature (one-, five-, and eight- factor) were disproved by CFA. EFA revealed a six-factor solution, encompassing 18 out of the 30 items, to be the most theoretically meaningful factor structure. This six-factor model was affirmed by a CFA (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.036). These factors were, namely, ‘the image of psychiatrists’, ‘psychiatric patients and mental illness’, ‘efficacy of treatment’, ‘psychiatric teaching’, ‘career choice’, and ‘psychiatry as an evidence-based discipline’. This six-factor solution was invariant across gender. ‘The image of psychiatrists’ appeared to be the most salient factor, and formed the most consistent subscale (ω = 0.71). The internal consistencies of the other subscales were modest (ω = 0.55–0.67). The overall 18-item scale showed good internal consistency (ω = 0.78).ConclusionOur findings provide evidence of a multi-dimensional structure in medical students’ attitudes towards psychiatry, endorsing six meaningful subscales of the ATP-30. Future researchers and educators can utilize these subscales in identifying specific attitudinal domains which are more closely associated with students’ future choice of a career in psychiatry, and also in identifying specific areas where attitudes are more stigmatized, so that appropriate interventions can be incorporated into the undergraduate psychiatric curriculum.

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The Development of the Job Stressor Appraisal Scale as Part of the Job Stress Battery

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000103 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 147-153 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ilknur Özalp Türetgen ◽

Özlem Sertel Berk ◽

Gokce Basbug ◽

Pinar Unsal

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Job Stress ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Job Stressors ◽

Job Stressor

This study introduces the psychometric qualities of the Job Stressor Appraisal Scale (JSAS), a part of the Job Stress Battery, which comprehensively measures job stress in terms of job stressors, moderators, and strains. The JSAS measures employees’ appraisals of job stressors by considering both their frequency and intensity. To test its psychometric qualities, we administered the JSAS to a sample of 1,069 employees in Turkey. Factor analysis revealed a 5-factor structure, with 43 items explaining 46.1% of the variance. Cronbach’s α coefficients of the factors and the total scale varied between .66 and .93. In terms of construct and convergent validities, results generally showed significant correlations in the expected directions. These findings obtained on the validity and reliability of the scale imply good psychometric qualities.

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Development of the Teacher Attitudes Towards Self-Regulated Learning Scale

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000322 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 193-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Julia Steinbach ◽

Heidrun Stoeger

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Primary School ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Concurrent Validity ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Affective Component ◽

Self Regulated Learning ◽

Regulated Learning ◽

Teachers Attitudes ◽

Development And Validation

Abstract. We describe the development and validation of an instrument for measuring the affective component of primary school teachers’ attitudes towards self-regulated learning. The questionnaire assesses the affective component towards those cognitive and metacognitive strategies that are especially effective in primary school. In a first study (n = 230), the factor structure was verified via an exploratory factor analysis. A confirmatory factor analysis with data from a second study (n = 400) indicated that the theoretical factor structure is appropriate. A comparison with four alternative models identified the theoretically derived factor structure as the most appropriate. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by correlations with a scale that measures the degree to which teachers create learning environments that enable students to self-regulate their learning. Retrospective validity was demonstrated by correlations with a scale that measures teachers’ experiences with self-regulated learning. In a third study (n = 47), the scale’s concurrent validity was tested with scales measuring teachers’ evaluation of the desirability of different aspects of self-regulated learning in class. Additionally, predictive validity was demonstrated via a binary logistic regression, with teachers attitudes as predictor on their registration for a workshop on self-regulated learning and their willingness to implement a seven-week training program on self-regulated learning.

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Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Long and Short Forms of the Worry Domains Questionnaire

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.25.4.239 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 239-243

Author(s):

Roberto Nuevo ◽

Andrés Losada ◽

María Márquez-González ◽

Cecilia Peñacoba

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Factorial Validity ◽

Fit Indices ◽

Short Forms ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Positive Correlations ◽

Future Work

The Worry Domains Questionnaire was proposed as a measure of both pathological and nonpathological worry, and assesses the frequency of worrying about five different domains: relationships, lack of confidence, aimless future, work, and financial. The present study analyzed the factor structure of the long and short forms of the WDQ (WDQ and WDQ-SF, respectively) through confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 262 students (M age = 21.8; SD = 2.6; 86.3% females). While the goodness-of-fit indices did not provide support for the WDQ, good fit indices were found for the WDQ-SF. Furthermore, no source of misspecification was identified, thus, supporting the factorial validity of the WDQ-SF scale. Significant positive correlations between the WDQ-SF and its subscales with worry (PSWQ), anxiety (STAI-T), and depression (BDI) were found. The internal consistency was good for the total scale and for the subscales. This work provides support for the use of the WDQ-SF, and potential uses for research and clinical purposes are discussed.

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Factorial Structure of the Therapist Adherence Measure-Revised (TAM-R) Within Multisystemic Therapy

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000505 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 427-431

Author(s):

Aurelie M. C. Lange ◽

Marc J. M. H. Delsing ◽

Ron H. J. Scholte ◽

Rachel E. A. van der Rijken

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Factor Model ◽

Multisystemic Therapy ◽

Model Fit ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Adherence Measure ◽

Therapist Adherence ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

The Us

Abstract. The Therapist Adherence Measure (TAM-R) is a central assessment within the quality-assurance system of Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Studies into the validity and reliability of the TAM in the US have found varying numbers of latent factors. The current study aimed to reexamine its factor structure using two independent samples of families participating in MST in the Netherlands. The factor structure was explored using an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in Sample 1 ( N = 580). This resulted in a two-factor solution. The factors were labeled “therapist adherence” and “client–therapist alliance.” Four cross-loading items were dropped. Reliability of the resulting factors was good. This two-factor model showed good model fit in a subsequent Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in Sample 2 ( N = 723). The current finding of an alliance component corroborates previous studies and fits with the focus of the MST treatment model on creating engagement.

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The Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Resiliency Scale in Chinese Undergraduates

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000023 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 162-171 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Lixia Cui ◽

Xiujie Teng ◽

Xupei Li ◽

Tian P.S. Oei

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Concurrent Validity ◽

Higher Order ◽

Criterion Variable ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

High Level ◽

Chinese Undergraduates

The current study examined the factor structure and the psychometric properties of Sandra Prince-Embury’s Resiliency Scale for Adolescents (RESA) in Chinese undergraduates. A total of 726 undergraduate students were randomly divided into two subsamples: Sample A was used for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Sample B was used for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA revealed that 56 items and a model of 10 factors with 3 higher order factors (as described by Sandra) were to be retained; CFA with Sample B confirmed this result. The overall scale and the subscales of the Chinese-RESA demonstrated a high level of internal consistency. Furthermore, concurrent validity was demonstrated by the correlation of the scale with other instruments such as the PANAS and the CSS, and the predictive validity was confirmed via three multiple regression analyses using the PANAS as a criterion variable: one for the 10 subscales of the C-RESA, one for the 3 higher order scales, and one for the total C-RESA. We concluded that the C-RESA may be used for research into Chinese undergraduates’ adaptive behaviors.

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An investigation into the factor structure of the Cognitive Therapy Scale – Revised (CTS-R) in a CBT training sample

Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1017/s1352465820000983 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Sarah Beale ◽

Silia Vitoratou ◽

Sheena Liness

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽

Cognitive Therapy ◽

Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Factor Model ◽

Single Factor ◽

Behaviour Therapy ◽

Cognitive Behaviour ◽

Confirmatory Factor

Abstract Background: Effective monitoring of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) competence depends on psychometrically robust assessment methods. While the UK Cognitive Therapy Scale – Revised (CTS-R; Blackburn et al., 2001) has become a widely used competence measure in CBT training, practice and research, its underlying factor structure has never been investigated. Aims: This study aimed to present the first investigation into the factor structure of the CTS-R based on a large sample of postgraduate CBT trainee recordings. Method: Trainees (n = 382) provided 746 mid-treatment audio recordings for depression (n = 373) and anxiety (n = 373) cases scored on the CTS-R by expert markers. Tapes were split into two equal samples counterbalanced by diagnosis and with one tape per trainee. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The suggested factor structure and a widely used theoretical two-factor model were tested with confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance was assessed by diagnostic group (depression versus anxiety). Results: Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single-factor solution (98.68% explained variance), which was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. All 12 CTS-R items were found to contribute to this single factor. The univariate model demonstrated full metric invariance and partial scalar invariance by diagnosis, with one item (item 10 – Conceptual Integration) demonstrating scalar non-invariance. Conclusions: Findings indicate that the CTS-R is a robust homogenous measure and do not support division into the widely used theoretical generic versus CBT-specific competency subscales. Investigation into the CTS-R factor structure in other populations is warranted.

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Factors of Dementia Caregiver Burden Differentially Contribute to Desire to Institutionalize

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology ◽

10.1177/08919887211036183 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089198872110361

Author(s):

John T. Martin ◽

Kimberly R. Chapman ◽

Christopher Was ◽

Mary Beth Spitznagel

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Caregiver Burden ◽

Living Arrangements ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Loved One ◽

Dementia Caregiver ◽

Future Work ◽

Made In

The experience of dementia caregiver burden is multidimensional. Little is known about how different aspects of burden contribute to the consideration of moving a loved one to a structured living facility. In the present study, caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview; ZBI) and consideration of structured living arrangements (Desire to Institutionalize Scale; DIS) were self-reported by 339 caregivers. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the ZBI factor structure; these factors were then examined via hierarchical linear regression for prediction of DIS. Factor analysis indicated a 4-factor ZBI solution: Impact on Life, Guilt, Embarrassment/Frustration, and Escape/Uncertainty. Regression analyses indicated that only Escape/Uncertainty ( p < .001) was associated with DIS. Of the 4 identified factors of caregiver burden, desire to escape the caregiving role was most related to consideration of structured living arrangements. Future work should explore longitudinal contribution of this factor to determine its role in actual changes made in living arrangements.

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Development and Validation of the Ableist Microaggression Impact Questionnaire

Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin ◽

10.1177/00343552211014259 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003435522110142

Author(s):

Deniz Aydemir-Döke ◽

James T. Herbert

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Internal Consistency Reliability ◽

Mechanical Turk ◽

Rehabilitation Counselor ◽

Research And Practice ◽

Amazon's Mechanical Turk ◽

Development And Validation ◽

Three Factor

Microaggressions are daily insults to minority individuals such as people with disabilities (PWD) that communicate messages of exclusion, inferiority, and abnormality. In this study, we developed a new scale, the Ableist Microaggressions Impact Questionnaire (AMIQ), which assesses ableist microaggression experiences of PWD. Data from 245 PWD were collected using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) platform. An exploratory factor analysis of the 25-item AMIQ revealed a three-factor structure with internal consistency reliability ranging between .87 and .92. As a more economical and psychometrically sound instrument assessing microaggression impact as it pertains to disability, the AMIQ offers promise for rehabilitation counselor research and practice.

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