Univariate and Multivariate Base Rates of Score Elevations, Reliable Change, and Inter-Rater Discrepancies in the BRIEF-A Standardization Samples

The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A) is a standardized rating scale of subjective executive functioning. We provide univariate and multivariate base rates (BRs) for scale/index scores in the clinical range ( T scores ≥65), reliable change, and inter-rater information not included in the Professional Manual. Participants were adults (ages = 18–90 years) from the BRIEF-A self-report ( N = 1,050) and informant report ( N = 1,200) standardization samples, as well as test–retest ( n = 50 for self, n = 44 for informant) and inter-rater ( n = 180) samples. Univariate BRs of elevated T scores were low (self-report = 3.3%–15.4%, informant report = 4.5%–16.3%). Multivariate BRs revealed the common occurrence of obtaining at least one elevated T-score across scales (self-report = 26.5%–37.3%, informant report = 22.7%–30.3%), whereas virtually none had elevated scores on all scales. Test–retest scores were highly correlated (self = .82–.94; informant = .91–.96). Inter-rater correlations ranged from .44 to .68. Significant ( p < .05) test–retest T-score differences ranged from 7 to 12 for self-report, from 6 to 8 for informant report, and from 16 to 21 points for inter-rater T-score differences. Applications of these findings are discussed.

Examining changes in personality following shamanic ceremonial use of ayahuasca

The present study examines the association between the ceremonial use of ayahuasca—a decoction combining the Banistereopsis caapi vine and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine-containing plants—and changes in personality traits as conceived by the Five-Factor model (FFM). We also examine the degree to which demographic characteristics, baseline personality, and acute post-ayahuasca experiences affect personality change. Participants recruited from three ayahuasca healing and spiritual centers in South and Central America (N = 256) completed self-report measures of personality at three timepoints (Baseline, Post, 3-month Follow-up). Informant-report measures of the FFM were also obtained (N = 110). Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in personality and the moderation of those changes by covariates. The most pronounced change was a reduction in Neuroticism dzself-reportT1–T2 = − 1.00; dzself-reportT1–T3 = − .85; dzinformant-reportT1–T3 = − .62), reflected in self- and informant-report data. Moderation of personality change by baseline personality, acute experiences, and purgative experiences was also observed.

Examining Changes in Personality Following Shamanic Ceremonial Use of Ayahuasca

The present study examines the association between the ceremonial use of ayahuasca – a decoction combining the Banistereopsis caapi vine and N,N Dimethyltryptamine-containing plants – and changes in personality traits as conceived by the Five-Factor model (FFM); as well as the degree to which demographic characteristics, baseline personality, and acute post-ayahuasca experiences affect personality change. Method: Participants recruited from three ayahuasca healing and spiritual centers in South and Central America (N=256) completed self-report measures of personality at three timepoints (Baseline, Post, 3-Month Follow-up). Informant-report measures of the FFM were also obtained (N=110). Results: Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in personality and the moderation of those changes by covariates. The most pronounced change was a reduction in Neuroticism dself-reportT1-T2=1.00; dself-reportT1-T3=.85; dinformant-reportT1-T3=.62), reflected in self- and informant-report data. Moderation of personality change by baseline personality, acute experiences, and purgative experiences was also observed.

A-240 Enhanced Interpretation of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A)

Objective The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function®—Adult Version (BRIEF-A) is a standardized measure that captures an adult’s executive functions in his or her everyday environment. The current study provides additional statistical evidence to support interpretation of BRIEF-A scores across raters and over time. Method Participants were adults, ages 18 to 90 years, from the BRIEF-A Self-Report (N = 1,050) and Informant-Report (N = 1,200) standardization samples, as well as an interrater sample (n = 180) and test–retest samples (n = 50 for Self, n = 44 for Informant). Interrater correlations, base rates of interrater differences, and score differences required for statistical significance were examined. Test–retest correlations and score differences required for statistical significance were examined. Base rates of elevated T scores (≥ 65) were calculated for the standardization samples across age groups. Results Interrater correlations ranged from .44 to .68 with an interrater difference of 17–20 T-score points considered significant at p &lt; .05. Approximately 55–73% of raters reported scores within 10 T-score points. Test–retest scores were highly correlated (Self: r = .82–.94; Informant: r = .91–.96), with a between-test difference of 7–11 T-score points considered significant at p &lt; .05. Base rates of elevated T- scores ranged from 3.3% to 15.4% for the Self-Report Form and 4.5% to 16.3% for the Informant-Report Form across the scales/indexes. Conclusions These data allow clinicians to interpret BRIEF-A scores across raters and over time by determining the statistical significance of BRIEF-A score differences, as well as quantifying the frequency of the observed differences.

A Preliminary Study for the Development of Informant-Report Scale on Cognitive-Linguistic Abilities of the Elderly: Focused on Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

Purpose: Subjective cognitive-linguistic test is used to supplement various objective tests and increase a diagnostic accuracy. The purpose of this preliminary study was to develop and standardize the Informant-report Scale on Cognitive-Linguistic abilities of the Elderly (ISCOLE), and investigate the correlation between ISCOLE and objective test in individuals with neurological disease. Methods: People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 30) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (n = 32) completed the objective cognitive-linguistic test. Informants of these patients (n = 62) and controls (n = 35) provided ratings of ISCOLE. Results: The main findings were as follows. Firstly, there was a significant difference among three groups in all subdomains and total score of ISCOLE. Secondly, several domains like attention, higher-order cognition, and language of ISCOLE were significantly associated with the objective performances in tow groups. Thirdly, memory, language, and total score of ISCOLE were a predictor of memory in MCI group. AD’s higher-order cognition was also predicted by attention, language and higher-order cognition of ISCOLE. Conclusion: This study is expected to help confirm the overall correlations between ISCOLE and objective test, and present the predictors of objective cognitive-linguistic performances in MCI and AD. The findings have implications for the use of ISCOLE in clinical settings. We also showed evidence that the ISCOLE is an informant-based measure of cognitive-linguistic decline providing a relevant contribution to the diagnostic and prognostic investigation of patients with MCI and AD.