Coherent Construct Research Articles

Psychometric properties of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) anchored to one's own suicide attempt.

Emerging evidence indicates that a nontrivial proportion of suicide attempt (SA) survivors develop clinically significant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to their suicide attempt (SA-PTSD). However, SA-PTSD is rarely assessed in either clinical practice or research studies, due at least in part to a lack of research examining approaches to assessing SA-PTSD. This study examined the factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of scores on a version of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) specifically anchored to one's own SA (PCL-5-SA). We recruited a sample of 386 SA survivors who completed the PCL-5-SA and related self-report measures. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) that specified a 4-factor model consistent with the DSM-5 conceptualization of PTSD indicated that the PCL-5-SA had acceptable fit in our sample, χ²(161) = 758.03, RMSEA = 0.10, 90% CI =[0.09-0.11], CFI = 0.90, and SRMR = 0.06. The PCL-5-SA total and subfactor scores demonstrated good internal consistency (ωs = 0.88-0.95). Significant positive correlations of PCL-5-SA scores with anxiety sensitivity cognitive concerns, expressive suppression, depression symptoms, and negative affect provided evidence for concurrent validity (rs = .25-.62). Results suggest that SA-PTSD, when measured with a specific version of the PCL-5, is a conceptually coherent construct that operates consistent with the DSM-5 conceptualization of PTSD stemming from other traumatic events. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cognitive Underperformance in a Mixed Neuropsychiatric Sample at Diagnostic Evaluation of Adult ADHD.

(1) Background: The clinical assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood is known to show non-trivial base rates of noncredible performance and requires thorough validity assessment. (2) Objectives: The present study estimated base rates of noncredible performance in clinical evaluations of adult ADHD on one or more of 17 embedded validity indicators (EVIs). This study further examines the effect of the order of test administration on EVI failure rates, the association between cognitive underperformance and symptom overreporting, and the prediction of cognitive underperformance by clinical information. (3) Methods: A mixed neuropsychiatric sample (N = 464, ADHD = 227) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment battery on the Vienna Test System (VTS; CFADHD). Test performance allows the computation of 17 embedded performance validity indicators (PVTs) derived from eight different neuropsychological tests. Further, all participants completed several self- and other-report symptom rating scales assessing depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning. The Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II were administered to derive embedded symptom validity measures (SVTs). (4) Results and conclusion: Noncredible performance occurs in a sizeable proportion of about 10% up to 30% of individuals throughout the entire battery. Tests for attention and concentration appear to be the most adequate and sensitive for detecting underperformance. Cognitive underperformance represents a coherent construct and seems dissociable from symptom overreporting. These results emphasize the importance of performing multiple PVTs, at different time points, and promote more accurate calculation of the positive and negative predictive values of a given validity measure for noncredible performance during clinical assessments. Future studies should further examine whether and how the present results stand in other clinical populations, by implementing rigorous reference standards of noncredible performance, characterizing those failing PVT assessments, and differentiating between underlying motivations.

Cultural Models of the Body Parts Hand and Hair in Hungarian Archaic Prayers

Abstract Body part names are productive sources of metaphoric and metonymic expressions, which constitute coherent constructions in the languages. These cognitive cultural models are subconsciously known to all cultural community members (D’Andrade 1992). In the paper, I explore how culture influences the conceptualizations of body parts. The theoretical framework is Cultural Linguistics (Sharifian 2017), which investigates cultural conceptualizations in language. The data and analysis presented here consider the uses of ‘hand’ and ‘hair’ metaphors and metonymies in Hungarian archaic prayers, which represent a specific subculture mingling elements of the Christian religion with other (pagan or shamanistic) belief systems. The corpus of the study is Erdélyi’s collection of 321 archaic prayers (2013 [1976]), from which all representations of ‘hand’ and ‘hair’ are selected and conceptually analysed. The results show that 1) the figurative functions of the two body parts partly correspond to metaphors which are also found in secular Hungarian (e.g. hand for help, hand for care, hand for action); however, in the archaic prayers, they often take form in specific meanings (hand for help to get into heaven, hand for providence, hand for control); 2) their figurative uses strongly rely on cultural schemas which are attached to people and events. It is concluded that the body parts under consideration have fundamentally different cultural models in prayers than in secular usage.

15 Parent and Clinician Perspectives on Acceptability of Paediatric Autism Therapies

Abstract Background Autistic children and their families access services, such as occupational therapy (OT), speech language pathology (SLP) services, applied behaviour analysis (ABA)-based therapies and physiotherapy (PT). There are varying levels of evidence supporting the efficacy of these therapies, and some autistic-led advocacy is critical of the methods and aims of certain services. There is limited information about the perspectives of parents of autistic children, and clinicians, on the acceptability of these services. This work is part of a larger survey that also explored autistic individuals’ perspectives. Objectives This study explored how parents of autistic children, and clinicians, perceived the acceptability of OT, SLP services, ABA-based therapies, and PT. Design/Methods The survey was built using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA), with input from autistic people, parents, and clinicians, and shared online. Demographic data and perspectives were captured. An acceptability sub-score was produced for each therapy, ranging from 0 (least accepting) to 64 (most accepting). These sub-scores were combined into an overall acceptability score. Following the TFA, open-ended questions were qualitatively analyzed using deductive content analysis, and categories within the construct of intervention coherence are presented. Results 140 clinicians completed the survey, and their median (range) sub-scores were: OT 46 (16 – 59), SLP 47 (24 – 60), ABA 34 (9 – 60), PT 40 (14 – 60). 87 parents completed the survey, and their median (range) sub-scores were: OT 40 (16 – 60), SLP 41 (14 – 58), ABA 28 (7 – 54), PT 35 (25 – 57). The construct of intervention coherence reflects an individual’s understanding of a therapy, and respondents viewed goals as unacceptable or acceptable. Acceptable goals included those that are client and family-driven, inclusive of multi-modal communication, and support sensory needs. The goal of behaviour change was variably viewed as acceptable or unacceptable. Respondents who viewed this goal as acceptable identified that ABA could teach skills or decrease behaviours. Conversely, respondents who described the goal of behaviour change as unacceptable were often critical of the promotion of neurotypical behaviors. Conclusion For both groups, how they viewed therapy goals influenced their acceptability. ABA-based therapies have been critiqued elsewhere, and some respondents shared similar criticisms, often related to promoting neurotypical behaviour. However, many respondents viewed skill-building as an acceptable goal. This work contributes to the important conversation as to how therapies can meaningfully support autistic children. Notably, many respondents were wealthy, well-educated, and white. Future work should learn from more diverse samples of parents and clinicians. Potential competing interests Melanie Penner has received consulting fees from the province of Nova Scotia and Addis & Associates / Roche, and research grant funding from Autism Speaks.

Measurement of hard-life experiences through the psychological sense: the SEM approach

This paper aims to develop a scale for hard-life experiences through the psychological sense. Hardship in the past is a factor that has impacted the cognition, stress, or resilience of individuals, and could be applied in many research areas, such as psychology, health, behavior, and decision-making in organizations. Learning about hard-life experiences is one aspect of longitudinal studies on the historical life of key leaders, who are business owners, crucial managers, and entrepreneurs focusing on the traumatic feeling during lifetime living from childhood to adulthood. A total of 149 key leaders who are business owners, crucial managers, and entrepreneurs in Vietnam responded to a survey. Structural equation modeling investigated the validity and reliability of hard-life experience measurement scales with two coherent constructs. The findings of this research discovered two sub-scales chronic and acute hard-life experiences to measure key leaders’ hardship during their lifetime, equivalenting for the period of childhood up to adolescence, and the adult period of individual key leaders essentially. A major contribution of this study is that it adds a significant new benchmark to a growing body of literature on the experiences of business owners, crucial managers, and entrepreneurs. Scholars can later use this scale to investigate relationships between hard-life experience factors and others by quantitative methods.

Discourse competence across band scores: an analysis of speaking performance in the General English Proficiency Test

Abstract While discourse competence (DC) has been identified as the core competence in English as a foreign language (EFL) learning and communication, only a few empirical studies have focused on DC in speaking assessments. This study investigates the discourse features (i.e., cohesion and coherence) of Taiwanese candidates’ performances in an argumentative exposition task in the General English Proficiency Test (GEPT) by analyzing the construction of cohesion and coherence across four band scores (i.e., Bands 2, 3, 4, and 5). Cohesion analysis showed that all the three types of cohesion devices (i.e., grammatical, logical, and lexical) develop linearly with increasing band score levels. The higher-score test-takers (Bands 4 and 5) adopted grammatically and semantically more appropriate references to establish an accurate relation with the referents. They also tended to use a higher frequency of overall conjunctions (particularly additive) and repetition to promote logical and lexical cohesion. Coherence analysis found that high-score candidates were more equipped to produce a response that complies with the expected generic structure of argumentative tasks. While more complex theme-rheme patterns appeared more frequently in the discourse of higher-score candidates, theme reiteration patterns were only observed in Band 2. These results illustrate how Taiwanese EFL learners demonstrate DC with cohesive and coherence strategies in speaking test performance across band scores. Pedagogical implications for language teaching and learning are then discussed.

The Role of Stakeholder Heterogeneity in the Corporate Social Responsibility – Corporate Financial Performance Relationship

Empirical evidence on the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP) remains contentious in terms of both its direction and causality. The presented study explores the intervening roles of stakeholder heterogeneity and the time dimension in the CSR–CFP relationship. We posit that there is a positive relationship between CSR activities towards market stakeholders (employees, customers, competitors) and future CFP and a negative relationship between CSR activities towards non-market stakeholders (NGOs, society, natural environment) and future CFP. A conceptual model is analysed using a sample of 115 Croatian companies. Countering expectations, a positive relationship is observed for all stakeholder groups considered (market and non-market), showing that CSR is a coherent construct regardless of the stakeholder group being studied. The key managerial implication is that socially responsible action is also in a company's economic interest.

E-MARKETING AND DISTANCE EDUCATION PLATFORMS IN LIGHT OF VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES

Societies differ in their specificities and forms, and there are the real societies in which we live, as a group of individuals living in a specific geographical region, where a fabric of social relations arises, adhering to a single social order and sharing certain values and objectives. A realistic society, as is customary, is a coherent construction composed of interrelated parts that are functionally supportive, consisting of physical spaces and forming different entities and structured by the laws of gravity, space and time. There are also virtual societies in the form of digital information spaces that seek to globalize beyond the physiological world. These societies have imposed themselves in the light of contemporary social changes experienced by various countries of the world due to the coronavirus epidemic that has brought them into and expanded their spaces by attempting to bring down "traditional" concepts at the heart of the concepts of digital space consisting of virtual societies. It shows the simulation of the vocabulary of the physiological world. This resulted in several vocabulary, namely, e-education, virtual tourism, e-shopping, chat rooms, etc., which makes physical space content similar to information space content but from a different environment is real and the second is virtual. We will stand in this intervention: at both e-shopping vocabulary and chat rooms we will try to study their most important developments in virtual communities

A test of invariance of the construct of suicidal ideation across three diverse samples

BackgroundSuicide treatment research has placed major emphasis on preventing behavior, an observable phenomenon. Suicidal ideation (SI), however, is a distressing experience that annually impacts >15 million Americans; yet the construct validity of SI has not been well established, limiting empirical attention. MethodWe compared the coherence of three SI items (diminished wish to live, urge to die/controllability, suicide intent/expectations) and four related items across three adult samples (N = 314) that differed based on current SI severity and assessment time-scales (retrospective versus momentary). ResultsA measurement model with scalar invariance had acceptable fit (CFI = 0.969, RMSEA = 0.076), indicating that the SI items consistently loaded onto one construct across samples. The structural model with metric invariance also had acceptable fit (CFI = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.063) and three of four related items (burdensome, hopelessness, and fatigue, but not agitation) were associated with SI across samples. LimitationsUse of existing data limited the items considered. ConclusionsSuicidal ideation is a coherent construct independent of the items used to assess it, the assessment's time-scale (retrospective versus momentary), or the severity of thoughts, and is worthy of greater empirical, clinical, and policy attention.

Construction of Coherence in Narrative Comprehension: Studies on the Importance of Establishing Causal Connections, Gaps in Current Research, and Future Directions

Construction of Coherence in Narrative Comprehension: Studies on the Importance of Establishing Causal Connections, Gaps in Current Research, and Future Directions

Coherent construction of recovered γ-Al2O3 embedded N-doped activated carbon by supercritical-CO2 pathway: Robust hybrid electrode material for energy storage device

Electrochemical energy storage application is one of the most impressive solutions to the problem of fossil fuel depletion. However, the lower capacitance in electric double-layer capacitors and poor stability in pseudocapacitors remain significant challenges. State of an art, we demonstrated the fabrication of hybrid electrode material with aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) embedded in N-doped activated carbon (AC) by supercritical-CO2 approach. The N-doped activated carbon and Al2O3 NPs were prepared by Dracaena trifasciata biomass and the strategic recovery of domestic aluminium waste. The prepared materials were inspected through microscopic and various spectroscopic techniques. The morphological observation of Al2O3@DT-AC manifested well impregnation of Al2O3 NPs to DT-AC surface, resulting in a higher capacitance of 1031.6 F/g at 0.5 A/g than Al2O3 (258.5 F/g). Further, the respectable capacitance retention signifies that Al2O3@DT-AC are promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. The material preparation and processing techniques are eco-friendly and considered to be green processing.

Model simulations unveil the structure-function-dynamics relationship of the cerebellar cortical microcircuit

The cerebellar network is renowned for its regular architecture that has inspired foundational computational theories. However, the relationship between circuit structure, function and dynamics remains elusive. To tackle the issue, we developed an advanced computational modeling framework that allows us to reconstruct and simulate the structure and function of the mouse cerebellar cortex using morphologically realistic multi-compartmental neuron models. The cerebellar connectome is generated through appropriate connection rules, unifying a collection of scattered experimental data into a coherent construct and providing a new model-based ground-truth about circuit organization. Naturalistic background and sensory-burst stimulation are used for functional validation against recordings in vivo, monitoring the impact of cellular mechanisms on signal propagation, inhibitory control, and long-term synaptic plasticity. Our simulations show how mossy fibers entrain the local neuronal microcircuit, boosting the formation of columns of activity travelling from the granular to the molecular layer providing a new resource for the investigation of local microcircuit computation and of the neural correlates of behavior.

The Problem of Purity in Moral Psychology

Academic The idea of “purity” transformed moral psychology. Here, we provide the first systematic review of this concept. Although often discussed as one construct, we reveal ~9 understandings of purity, ranging from respecting God to not eating gross things. This striking heterogeneity arises because purity—unlike other moral constructs—is not understood by what it is but what it isn’t: obvious interpersonal harm. This poses many problems for moral psychology and explains why purity lacks convergent and divergent validity and why purity is confounded with politics, religion, weirdness, and perceived harm. Because purity is not a coherent construct, it cannot be a distinct basis of moral judgment or specially tied to disgust. Rather than a specific moral domain, purity is best understood as a loose set of themes in moral rhetoric. These themes are scaffolded on cultural understandings of harm—the broad, pluralistic harm outlined by the Theory of Dyadic Morality. Public People are fascinated by morality—how do people make moral judgments and why do liberals and conservatives seem to frequently disagree? “Purity” is one moral concept often discussed when talking about morality—it has been suggested to capture moral differences across politics and to demonstrate the evolutionary roots of morality, especially the role of disgust in moral judgment. However, despite the many books and articles that mention purity, there is no systematic analysis of purity. Here, we review all existing academic articles focused on purity in morality. We find that purity is an especially messy concept that lacks scientific validity. Because it is so poorly defined and inconsistently measured, it should not be invoked to explain our moral minds or political differences.

Incorporating New Technologies in Road Industry: Test Track in Antwerp, Belgium

Numerous factors may disrupt pavement construction including human errors and unforeseen changes in the environmental conditions. These incidents can shorten pavement life span. New technologies recently came to the aid of contractors and road agencies to detect and possibly mitigate undesirable impacts of unpredictable incidents during the asphalt paving process as well as monitoring pavement performance during pavements service life. In this study, several technologies including layer thickness assessment (using both MIT-scan device coupled with metal plates and conventional topographical technique), infrared thermal camera, intelligent roller compactors, and density gauge devices were utilized to develop a coherent construction system and improve the durability of asphalt pavements in Antwerp, Belgium. The data collected in situ were compared with the characterized cores in the laboratory. It was clear that several factors can influence the outcome of the employed devices. For instance, surface temperatures obtained from an infrared camera fluctuated when the camera tilted from the perpendicular axis. Such discrepancies may be associated with the changes in the distance and environmental condition that affect the refraction of the infrared spectra. It was also found that an elaborated data collection format is essential to clearly understand the correlations between the results of the employed technologies.

Structural validity of the Brazilian version of the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13) in oral health research: exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis

BackgroundThe Sense of Coherence (SOC) construct has been used worldwide in oral health research, but rigorous factor analyses of the scale are scarce. We aim to test the dimensional structure of the Brazilian short version of the SOC scale with 13 items.MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of four independent cross-sectional Brazilian studies on oral health, using the 13-items SOC scale. Sample 1 was conducted on 1760 mothers and 1771 adolescents. Sample 2 comprised 1100 adults. Sample 3 had 720 adults and older individuals. Sample 4 comprised 664 adolescent students. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted on sample 1 to compare two models: 3-factor versus 1-factor. Because they were refuted, Exploratory Factor Analysis was implemented in samples 2 and 3. Modified models were tested in sample 4 using CFA. All analyses were conducted with MPlus version 7.11.ResultsCFA of sample 1 resulted in an unacceptable fit (RMSEA = 0.12;CFI = 0.78; TLI = 0.73; and WRMR = 3.28) for 1-factor model and 3-factor (RMSEA = 0.10; CFI = 0.87; TLI = 0.84; and WRMR = 2.50). The EFA on samples 2 and 3 showed, respectively, two eigenvalues greater than 1 (4.11 and 1.56) and (4.32 and 1.42), but the scale items soc1, soc2 and soc3 formed an uninterpretable second factor. Another CFA, using sample 4, showed acceptable model fit after removing those three items and also soc11 (RMSEA = 0.05; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.99; and WRMR = 0.71).ConclusionThe results indicate that the SOC-13 scale needs further adjustments. The one-factor model with nine items showed a good statistical fit, but the implications of excluding items should be further investigated, considering the scale's content validity, cross-cultural adaptation and theoretical background.

“Tearing the Fabric” or “Weaving the Tapestry”? A Discursive Resources Approach to Identity-Implicating Organizational Events

How do organizational members discursively construct large-scale organizational events that have identity implications? Whereas previous studies have focused primarily on collectively construed organizational identity threats and, to a lesser degree, identity opportunities, we move beyond past work to examine how individual members construct a single organizational event in divergent and more nuanced ways. Taking a discursive resources approach to members’ discourse in response to a watershed event in the Episcopal Church, we find that members engage in organizational identity work processes as a means of constructing an identity-implicating event. Through their identity work, which involves the construction of (in)coherence among an organization’s multiple identities, members construct an event as aligned with some organizational identities yet misaligned with others. Our study has implications for research on organizational identity and identity work, organizational events, and discursive resources.

Personhood and aging: Exploring the written narratives of older adults as articulations of personhood in later life

Personhood is a complex concept in gerontological research. It is often used to explore the maintenance or reconstruction of self-identity. Narrative analysis has commonly explored how the stories that older individuals living with cognitive impairment(s) produce preserve the personhood that is perceived to be threatened by cognitive decline. This article moves beyond this exploration by focusing on the experiences of aging more generally to better understand how non-cognitively impaired older adults construct personhood through narrative writing. This article uses thematic narrative analysis and argues that older adults articulate personhood through written narratives by creating coherent constructions of self. Importantly, it demonstrates that older adults are concerned with maintaining a sense of self rather than embracing changed aspects of identity in accordance with popularized conceptualizations of personhood as well as ideals of coherence and consistency promoted in successful and active aging discourses.

Cultivating Psychological Resilience of Israeli Medical Directors of COVID-19 Divisions: The Dynamic Spheres of Salutogenics.

PurposeThere are a few qualitative studies on the psychological resilience of COVID-19 medical directors upon outbreaks of pandemics. Psychological resilience is essential to providing quality care through the pandemic.Materials and MethodsWe conducted narrative interviews with 14 out of 21 medical directors of COVID-19 divisions in Israeli public hospitals upon the outbreak of the pandemic and through its first wave. We adopted the Salutogenic paradigm to identify personal and organizational resources that both deterred and promoted resilience of front-line medical directors. Thematic analysis was performed based on the Sense of coherence construct, an anchor of Salutogenics.ResultsLow comprehensibility was compensated by ethical boundaries and managerial experience. A few organizational and personal resources promoted manageability. The hospital management both deterred and promoted resilience. In contrast to Salutogenics theory, meaningfulness was driven by the occupational calling rather than by comprehensibility and manageability. Gaps in personal resources inhibited resilience.ConclusionsOur study adds to the scant qualitative research performed upon the outbreak of the pandemic and extends the Salutogenic paradigm suggesting that the three axes of sense of coherence are multi-layered, intertwined, and evolving. We introduce the dynamic spheres model that we adopted from Physics to illustrate the findings. We propose interventions to build resilience in front-line medical directors.

Organizing Information Obtained From Literature Reviews – A Framework for Information System Area Researchers

Aim/Purpose: A literature review is often criticized for the absence of coherent construction, synthesis of topics, and well-reasoned analysis. A framework is needed for novice researchers to organize and present information obtained from the literature review. Background: Information and communication technologies advancement have yielded overwhelming information. The massive availability of information poses several challenges, including storage, processing, meaningful organization, and presentation for future consumption. Information System Researchers have developed frameworks, guidelines, and tools for gathering, filtering, processing, storing, and organizing information. Interestingly, information system researchers have vast information that needs meaningful organization and presentation to the research fraternity while conducting a literature review on a research topic. Methodology: This paper describes a framework called LACTiC (Location, Author, Continuum, Time, and Category) that we adapted from another framework called LATCH (Location, Alphabetical, Time, Category, and Hierarchy). LATCH was used to organize and present information on e-commerce websites for seamless navigation. We evaluated the LACTiC framework. Contribution: Information System Researchers can use the LACTiC framework to organize information obtained from literature review. Findings: The evaluation reveals that most researchers from information systems organize information obtained from the literature review category-wise, followed by continuum, author, time, and location. Recommendation for Researchers: Overall, the framework works well and can be helpful for researchers for an initial idea for organizing information obtained from the literature review. Future Research: To conceptualize the framework, the study was carried out using Information Systems related literature. To generalize the proposed framework, we may suggest that the study can be extended to other areas of business management, such as marketing, finance, operation, decision sciences, accounting, and economics.

Weak central coherence - construct conception, development, research methods.

Central coherence allows for integration of different stimuli into a coherent whole. It also enables context-dependent information processing. This term was coined in an effort to arrange multiple observations of cognitive functioning of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Weak central coherence, which is characteristic of ASD, is understood as adivergent cognitive style with a tendency to process incoming information locally. This allows us to describe central coherence as a continuous trait. Despite manifold research programs, a conclusive conceptualization of the construct is still lacking. The open question is whether weak central coherence constitutes alimited ability to integrate stimuli or rather an increased ability to focus on details. An important postulate concerns the establishment of a standard for measuring central coherence and its individual dimensions. Studies of central coherence outside of ASD context are scarce and deal predominantly with eating disorders. The following work is an overview of the current state of knowledge about central coherence construct and methods of research.