SELF-EFFICACY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT OF PARENTS AS PREDICTORS OF CAREER DECISION MAKING IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

This research aimed to test the role of self-efficacy and parent social support to career decision making in senior high school. This research used a quantitative method. The samples analysis were 416 students of senior high school in Semarang. Sampling methods using cluster random sampling Instruments used in this research consist of three scales. Career decision scale (CDS) consisted 19 items statement with corrected item-total correlation coefficient range 0,325-0,597; internal consistency Alpha 0,887. Self efficacy scale consisted 28 items statement, with corrected item-total correlation coefficient range 0,335-0,428; internal consistency Alpha 0,851, and social support scale consisted of 40 items, with corrected item-total correlation coefficient range 0,335-0,428 and internal consistency Alpha 0,941. Data analysis using multiple regression analysis. The result showed a significant relationship between self-efficacy and social support of parents with career decision making in senior high school students with R = 0,664 and F = 163,172 with significant = 0,000 (p<0,01). The correlation between self-efficacy and career decision making obtained rx1y0,555, p = 0,000 (p<0,01), which means there is a significant correlation between self-efficacy with career decision making in senior high school students. Result of correlation between social support of parents with career decision making obtained rx2y = 0,572 p = 0,000 (p<0,01). The results showed a significant correlation between social support of parents and career decision making. Effective contribution of self-efficacy and social support of parents in this research was 44,1%. Keywords: career decision, self-efficacy and social support

Development of an Instrument to Assess Spirituality: Reliability and Validation of the Attitudes Related to Spirituality Scale (ARES)

Background: Several instruments that measure spirituality present overlaps with positive emotions, impacting the interpretation of their findings. In order to minimize these problems, we aimed to develop, assess the reliability and validate a new scale to evaluate spirituality.Methods: The instrument was designed using a theoretical framework minimizing tautological issues (i.e., Koenig’s framework), a qualitative study investigating the definitions of spirituality, the development of the first version of instrument by experts’ meetings and a qualitative cognitive debriefing. Then, the instrument was examined for its content validity by a multidisciplinary group of judges and was pilot-tested in two different groups – less religious (medical students – n = 85) and more religious (practicing religious members – n = 85). Finally, psychometric properties and validity were assessed.Results: The developed Attitudes Related to Spirituality Scale (ARES) is a self-report 11-item instrument using five-level Likert items. ARES presented appropriate psychometric properties revealing excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.98) and temporal stability (ICC = 0.98). Likewise, ARES was strongly correlated with other validated R/S instruments (i.e., Duke Religion Index and Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality) and was able to discriminate higher and lower religious groups. In the exploratory factor analysis, a unidimensional structure of the scale was described. Fit indices for the scale demonstrated good fit in the unidimensional model.Conclusion: The ARES is a reliable, valid and stable one-dimension instrument that is appropriate for use in the Portuguese-speaking population.Descriptors: Spirituality; Scale; Factorial Analysis; Instrument; Measure; Psychometrics.

Psychometric Evaluation of Two Short Versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale

Background Anxiety and depression are common in children and adolescents, which can be detected via self-report questionnaires in non-clinical settings like the school environment. Two short versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (i.e., RCADS-25 and RCADS-20) seem to be feasible for administering at schools. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 used as screening instruments for anxiety and depression in a general population of schoolchildren and adolescents. Methods The RCADS-25 was completed by 69,487 schoolchildren and adolescents aged 8 to 18. The RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 broad anxiety scales are equal (15 items), but there are two versions of the major depressive disorder (MDD) scale: the RCADS-25 MDD scale (10 items) and the RCADS-20 MDD scale (5 items). The three scales were assessed on structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and hypotheses for construct validity. Results The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.03, SRMR = 0.03), internal consistency (alpha = 0.82), test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73), criterion validity (AUC = 0.79), and all four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed. The RCADS-25 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient test-retest reliability (ICC=0.70) and three out of four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed, but its structural validity was suspect (CFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.09, SRMR = 0.06). The RCADS-20 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.04) and internal consistency (alpha = 0.72). Two out of four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed. The test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.60) was insufficient. Since both MDD scales showed shortcomings, the shortening of the RCADS-25 MDD scale was re-examined post hoc by principal component and reliability analyses. The result was an MDD scale with seven items. Conclusions The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale is valid and reliable for screening schoolchildren and adolescents, but the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 MDD scales showed shortcomings. An MDD scale of seven items showed acceptable psychometric properties.

Psychometric Evaluation of Two Short Versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale

Background Anxiety and depression are common in children and adolescents, which can be detected via self-report questionnaires in non-clinical settings like the school environment. Two short versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (i.e., RCADS-25 and RCADS-20) seem to be feasible for administering at schools. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 used as screening instruments for anxiety and depression in a general population of schoolchildren and adolescents. Methods The RCADS-25 was completed by 69,487 schoolchildren and adolescents age 8 to 18 years. The RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 broad anxiety scales are equal (15 items), but there are two versions of the major depressive disorder (MDD) scale: the RCADS-25 MDD scale (10 items) and the RCADS-20 MDD scale (5 items). The three scales were assessed on structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and hypotheses about construct validity. Results The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.03, SRMR = 0.03), internal consistency (alpha = 0.82), test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73), criterion validity (AUC = 0.79), and all four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed. The RCADS-25 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient test-retest reliability (ICC=0.70), and three out of four hypotheses testing construct validity were confirmed. Its structural validity was suspect (CFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.09, SRMR = 0.06). The RCADS-20 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.04) and internal consistency (alpha = 0.72). Two out of four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed. The test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.60) was insufficient. Since both MDD scales showed shortcomings, the shortening of the RCADS-25 MDD scale was re-examined post hoc by principal component and reliability analyses. The result was an MDD scale with seven items. Conclusions The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale is valid and reliable for screening schoolchildren and adolescents, but the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 MDD scales showed shortcomings. An MDD scale of seven items showed acceptable psychometric properties.

Exploring Frankl’s Meaning, Purpose and Value of Life in Malaysian University Students

This study has been using the Logotherapy approach, a therapy introduced by Viktor Frankl that emphasizes the meaning, purpose and value of life. Frankl’s concept of purpose in life is based on a religious existential foundation which postulated that the essence of human motivation is the will to meaning. Frankl asserted that under any circumstance, there is a seed of meaning. (Frankl, 1997). The main purpose of this exploration study is to identify the meaning, purpose and value in life among university students in Malaysia. Based on Frankl’s (1953) theory of purpose in life, Crumbaugh and Maholick (1964) developed the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) to measure the degree a person experiences a sense of meaning, purpose and value in life. This Purpose in Life Test (PIL) was psychometrically analyzed using a total number of 2586 university students to quantify the existential concept of meaning, purpose and value in life. Analysis of the data presented evidence that the Purpose in Life (PIL) test could be a larger dimension as well as being a scale in itself. The PIL showed a good internal consistency (Alpha= 0.930) and factor analysis revealed three factors which were categorized as Excitement of Life, Contentedness with life and Purpose and Goals in Life.

Revisiting a Previously Validated Temperament Test in Shelter Dogs, Including an Examination of the Use of Fake Model Dogs to Assess Conspecific Sociability

This study assessed the feasibility and reproducibility of a previously validated temperament test (TT) for shelter dogs. The test was developed to measure dog behaviour in the kennel, and traits of sociability towards people and other dogs, docility to leash, playfulness, cognitive skills, and reactivity. We introduced the use of differently sized fake dogs to check their appropriateness in correctly assessing sociability to dogs to broaden its applicability (as the original study used real stimulus dogs). We hypothesised that dogs’ responses may be modulated by the body size of the stimulus dog presented. The reduction analysis of the TT scores extracted five main dimensions (explaining 70.8% of variance), with high internal consistency (alpha > 0.65) and being broadly consistent with existing research. Behavioural components that were extracted from the fake dog experiment showed that dogs are likely to show signs of anxiety and fear toward both the real and fake dog. Dogs’ responses towards a real vs. fake stimulus were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) and they were not affected by the size of the stimulus (p > 0.05). We discuss the importance of interpreting these data with caution and use behavioural tests as a partial screening tool to be used in conjunction with more extensive behavioural and welfare monitoring.

Construction and Psychometric Properties of the Loneliness Scale in Adults

The development procedure and the psychometric properties of the Buenos Aires Loneliness Scale (BALS) are presented. An initial set of 40 items was analyzed by means of the expert judgment method. After that, the 16 selected items were administered to a convenience sample comprised of 509 adult participants (53 % of which were female). The Argentine version of the UCLA-LS (University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale), the Argentine version of the Balanced Inventory of Socially Desirable Responding, and loneliness self-perception questions were applied in conjunction with the BALS. Exploratory factor analysis showed evidence of unidimensionality, with an adequate internal consistency (alpha=.80, ordinal alpha=.87), and seven items were kept. Correlations with the criterion measures yielded the expected results and no gender-based differential item functioning was found. Conclusions were reached about the adequate psychometric properties of the BALS, the limitations of the present study, and the goals for future research.

Gambaran Perilaku Asertif Mahasiswa Semester Pertama Perguruan Tinggi X

Assertiveness manifests itself as spontaneous behaviour with a freely expressestheir feelings, aspirations, thoughts and express of speech. This study aims to findout the description of the students assertive behavior. The population in this studywere all students first grade at University X in Palembang, with samples of 67students which is male was 10 students (14.9%) and female 57 students (85.1%). Inthis research used purposive sampling techniques and the methods for collectingdata in this study used questionnaire. The instrument was constructed by Sutantri(2014) used Theory Alberty and Emmons. The format items using likert scale withscore 1 disagree strongly; 2 disagree; 3 agree and 4 agree strongly. Reliabilitycalculation used internal consistency, Alpha Cronbach With α 0.797. Thetechniques for analyzing the data were percentage descriptive analysis andIndependent Sample t test. The result of the analysis shows that mean empiric was2,97 and mean hipotetic was 2.50 (2.97>2.50). The result of the data shows that 63(94%) students of high level category assertive behavior and 4 students (6%) of lowlevel category assertive behavior. It means that the assertive behavior of studentsin first grade at university X of high level category. In this research also assessedthe difference between assertive behavior and gender used Mann Whitney U test.The result shows that Mean Rank 66.30 (Male) and 62.17 (Female) with p valueswas 0.726 > 0.05. It means that there is no difference between assertive behaviorand gender.

Adaptation and validation of a Self-Efficacy Scale for Physical Activity Practice – SESBC Scale

The present study aimed to perform the translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and construct validation of the Self-Efficacy Scale based on the Stages of Behavior Change for Physical Activity Practice (SESBC), and also to test its internal consistency and reproducibility. The scale, composed of 20 items, was adapted to the Brazilian reality using the technique of back-translation. In empirical terms, construct validation and the internal consistency of the instrument were tested in 281 state public servant technicians of both sexes, older than 18 years, while reproducibility was tested in 91 university students. In the exploratory factor analysis, the 19 items loaded onto one single factor, and factor loadings varied from 0.41 to 0.88, explaining 52.7% of the total variance of the subjects’ responses. e SESBC showed good reliability in terms of internal consistency (alpha of 0.94) and good reproducibility in terms of test and re-test (ICC < 0.40-0.80) after two weeks. Of the 19 items, 17 presented ICC > 0.60. Therefore, the SESBC reached adequate levels of validity, internal consistency and reproducibility and can be used to measure self-efficacy for physical activity practice.

Vjerovanja u (ne)pravedan svijet i centralnost pravde: relacije s osjećajem koherentnosti i generaliziranim očekivanjima u pogledu budućnosti

The aim of this study was to examine the construct validity and utility of the separate measures of the belief in a just world (BJW), the belief in an unjust world (BUW) and the centrality of justice in predicting a sense of coherence, optimism and pessimism. The choice of these particular criteria was based on the assumption that the justice related beliefs are adaptive in the degree to which they provide to an individual a sense of security, personal control, expectancy of positive future outcomes, and thus contribute to the perception of one’s world as an ordered, predictable, meaningful and benevolent place. The study was performed on a group of 70 students at the Faculty of Science and Arts in Zadar. The mentioned constructs were assessed using the General BJW scale (Dalbert et al., 1987), the Personal BJW scale (Dalbert, 1993), the Centrality of Justice scale (Dalbert et al., 1987), the Sense of Coherence scale (Antonovsky, 1987), and adapted versions of Chang’ s scales of optimism and pessimism (Lacković-Grgin et al., 1998). The BUW was assessed using a ten-item scale that was construed for the purpose of this study. All instruments showed satisfactory high internal consistency (alpha coefficients were .74 or higher).