Confirmatory Factor Analysis Research Articles

Indian Millennials’ continued usage intentions toward online dating apps: the interplay between trust and perceived autonomy

Purpose This study aims to empirically examine the role of privacy, security, trust and autonomy in Millennials’ continued use of online dating applications. Emerging markets have been famous for their rapid modernization, growth and cultural shifts. Yet, consumer worries about online dating consumption need to be addressed in the literature through a better understanding of their behavioural intentions. This study examines the interplay of the underlying variables by testing a conceptual framework grounded on the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the self-determination theory (SDT) and the information systems continuance theory (ISCT) with regard to an emerging market. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional and quantitative research design is adopted. Using a well-designed structured questionnaire adapted from established scales, data was collected through a survey featuring 332 substantive responses from actively involved Millennial users of online dating apps in India. The data was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) through IBM SPSS AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) 24.0 to provide evidence of the reliability and validity of constructs alongside testing the hypothesis in the proposed model. Furthermore, Preacher and Hayes’ (2004) approach is used to explore mediation effects. Findings The results show that autonomy and trust positively affect the continued use of online dating apps. The study further reveals that autonomous behaviour motivates Millennials to use online dating apps, overriding their concerns for privacy and security. Furthermore, the results indicate that trust fully mediates the relationship between concern for privacy, perceived security and continued usage intention. Therefore, trust affects users’ intentions to continue using online dating apps as it bridges the effect of users’ concern for privacy and the perceived security in the online dating platform, making these dimensions relevant as a whole. Research limitations/implications This study provides critical insights into the theory and practice. The findings demonstrate that autonomy is more significant in motivating Millennials to use online dating apps than concerns about privacy and perceptions of security. In addition, trust plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between these variables. Therefore, app developers, app marketers and app stores can use the findings to motivate Millennials to continue using their platforms by encouraging a sense of freedom and a better inner self, fostering engagement and conveying user trust. Originality/value Several studies have investigated the pre-adoption behaviour of users of online dating apps, and little attention has been paid to continuance usage. This study provides a unique theoretical research model and perspective for online dating apps that uncovers the role of concern for privacy, perceived security and trust that affect post-adoption behaviour by integrating the TRA, SDT and ISCT. This integration offers a more futuristic and refined perspective on human behaviour by considering both cognitive and motivational aspects. The study establishes that autonomy outweighs concern for privacy and perceived security.

Design and validation of the usability framework of learning management systems

Purpose This study aims to identify the most important factors affecting the usability of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and present these factors in the form of a comprehensive and practical framework and validate the framework. Design/methodology/approach In this research, a mixed research method and sequential exploratory research design were used. In the qualitative section, the qualitative meta-synthesis method was utilized to extract usability factors from the research literature and formulate the framework of factors, and in the quantitative section, the survey method was employed to validate the framework. In the qualitative section, the research field included the research available in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and the data collection tool included electronic and printed documents on the usability factors of LMSs. To validate the findings, in addition to citing research literature and theoretical foundations, the audit trail, consensual validity and expert peer review methods were used. Also, to analyze the data, the thematic analysis method and thematic network via MAXQDA 2020 software were used. In the quantitative section, the statistical population was students of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at Allameh Tabatabai University in Iran, and the sample included undergraduate students of this faculty with a volume of 200 people. The tool for collecting information was a researcher-made questionnaire that was provided to students in the first half of the academic year 2022–2023. To validate the findings, content-related validity through Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) and construct validity through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Convergent Validity were examined. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Composite Reliability (CR) were also used to check reliability. To analyze the data one-sample T-test via SPSS 27 software was used, and the PLS-SEM was utilized via SmartPLS 4 software to validate the framework proposed by the researcher. Findings The findings from the qualitative part of this research include basic themes and organizing themes related to the global theme of usability. Based on the findings from the qualitative part, it can be concluded that the factors in terms of frequency in the research literature have the following ranks: interaction (first rank), ease of use and usefulness (second rank), learnability (third rank), navigation (fourth rank), satisfaction and enjoyment, visual design and accessibility (fifth rank), help and assessment and feedback (sixth rank) and content, errors correction and privacy and security (seventh rank). The findings of the quantitative part include the external fit indexes of the framework and the internal fit index of the framework; based on the obtained values, it can be concluded that the framework of LMS usability factors has a good fit. Research limitations/implications This research is the first comprehensive study of all theories on the usability of LMSs, in which a framework is proposed that combines the important factors mentioned in the relevant theories and models for the first time. Additionally, practical and applicable suggestions are provided in this study to enhance each of the usability factors of LMS. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research presents a framework for the first time in which all important factors of usability theories and models are combined and prioritizes these factors based on their importance in relevant research. It also provides practical recommendations for enhancing these factors in LMSs for system developers and instructional designers.

Building Trust through ESG: A Study on Consumer Behaviour in Sustainable Fashion

Background This study explores the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices on consumer purchasing decisions in the fashion industry. It examines how corporate image and word-of-mouth (WOM) mediate the relationship between ESG practices and consumer trust, impacting purchase intent. Methods A structured questionnaire was distributed online to 393 participants aware of ESG practices, targeting Generation Z consumers. The survey assessed demographics, ESG awareness, brand image, WOM, and purchasing decisions using a Likert scale across five constructs: ESG Practices, Corporate Image, WOM, Trust, and Purchase Intention. Data were analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in IBM AMOS, following a two-step process: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for validation and path analysis for hypothesis testing. Results The findings indicate that ESG practices significantly enhance corporate image and positive WOM, which, in turn, foster consumer trust. Corporate image has a substantial impact on consumer trust (p < .001), while WOM also contributes to trust (p < .001). Trust was found to be a strong predictor of purchase intention, demonstrating the mediating role of corporate image and WOM between ESG practices and purchasing behavior. Conclusions ESG practices are critical in shaping consumer perceptions and fostering loyalty in the fashion sector. By building a trustworthy corporate image and encouraging positive WOM, fashion brands can effectively influence consumer purchasing decisions. This study highlights the competitive advantage of implementing ESG practices, particularly in appealing to Generation Z consumers who value sustainability and ethical business practices.

Validation of the Arabic Version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-HSS Among Tunisian Medical Residents (A-MBI-MR): Factor Structure, Construct Validity, Reliability, and Gender Invariance

Background: Burnout is a major problem for physical and mental health of medical residents. The key for maintaining well-being and quality of care of residents is the assessing tool. The study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) among Tunisian medical residents by assessing its factor structure, construct validity, reliability, and gender invariance. Methods: A total of 552 residents, aged 27.01 ± 1.92, 219 males (39.7%) and 333 females (60.3%) completed the Arabic version of the A-MBI-MR. The exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor (CFA) analyses were performed to identify the factor structure, with assessments of internal consistency of the model, including gender measurement invariance. Results: The results indicate a high average variance extracted (AVE > 0.50) and factor loading of the scale, signifying robust construct validity and clearly suggesting that the items serve as essential indicators for assessing several dimensions of burnout. The reliability analysis demonstrates excellent and acceptable internal consistency across all areas of emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, and depersonalization (Cronbach’s α = 0.95, 0.98, and 0.871) respectively. The CFA confirmed the three-factor structure of the A-MBI-MR, with fit indices indicating an adequate model fit: CFI = 0.945, TLI = 0.938, GFI = 0.951, RMSEA = 0.074, RMSEA CI (0.066, 0.081), RMSEA p-value= 0.000, SRMR = 0.044. Results from the measurement invariance analysis of the MBI scale demonstrated robust invariance between male and female participants. Conclusions: The MBI-MR in Arabic for medical residents is reliable, valid, and effective for measuring burnout levels in Arabic-speaking regions.

Developing a Xenophobia Scale for Healthcare Workers in Türkiye

This study proposes a psychometric measurement tool to determine the levelof xenophobia among healthcare workers. To this end, 312 healthcare workers serving in Istanbul were reached through convenience sampling and data was generated through face-to-face interviews. A preliminary scale comprising 33 items was initially created. Following expert opinions and pilot study phases, six items were removed from the draft scale, leaving 27 items. Exploratory factor analysis was initially applied to the data, resulting in the removal of nine more items from the scale, thus reducing the number of items to a final scale of 18. The final scale was grouped into three factors: “General Xenophobia,” “Occupational Xenophobia,” and “Cultural Xenophobia.” The items obtained following exploratory factor analysis were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. The analysis demonstrated that the model obtained fits the data perfectly. The Cronbach’s alpha value for the developed scale was found to be 0.905. In conclusion, the developed scale was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for the measurement of xenophobic attitudes among healthcare workers.

Spanish Validation of the Problem Area in Diabetes-Pediatric Version Survey and Its Weak Association with Metabolic Control Parameters in Pediatric Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in pediatric patients often leads to emotional distress, impacting self-management. The PAID-Peds survey measures diabetes-related emotional burden but lacks a validated Spanish version. This study aimed to validate the Spanish PAID-Peds survey in children and adolescents with T1DM and correlate it with diabetic metabolic control parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to December 2023, recruiting 636 patients aged 8–17 years from three Spanish hospitals. Psychometric properties were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha for reliability and confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity. Associations between PAID-Peds scores and clinical measures, such as HbA1c, were examined. Results: The final sample consisted of 538 participants (84.59% response rate). The PAID-Peds survey showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90). The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a satisfactory model fit (χ2 = 812.28, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.08). Weak correlations were found between PAID-Peds scores and HbA1c (r = 0.14, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Spanish PAID-Peds survey is a reliable tool for assessing emotional burden in pediatric T1DM patients. Integrating it into clinical practice may improve early identification of emotional distress, aiding in better diabetes management. Further research should explore its application over time and in intervention studies.

Urdu Translation and Psychometric Validation of Stigma Beliefs Scale

Purpose/Aim This study aims to translate and adapt the Personal and Perceived Public Stigma Beliefs Scale from the Eurobarometer into Urdu, subsequently modifying and evaluating its psychometric properties among Pakistani adolescents and young adults. Methods 1328 college students aged 15–24 from Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan participated in this cross-sectional study, using the stigma beliefs scale to measure attitudes toward mental illness. Results The Urdu version demonstrated good internal reliability (α = 0.76 for personal and 0.74 for perceived public stigma beliefs). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable indices, with loadings from 0.52 to 0.74 for personal and 0.46 to 0.71 for perceived public stigma beliefs. A significant positive correlation was found between personal and perceived public stigma beliefs and perceived public social distancing and services stigma. Conclusion The Urdu version of the modified Stigma Beliefs Scale has reliable psychometric characteristics for evaluating attitudes toward mental illness among Pakistani adolescents and young adults.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Parental Monitoring Short Scale

Psychometric properties of a revised version of a previously developed parental monitoring measure were examined. Previously, Stattin and Kerr developed an expanded measure of parental monitoring that included sources of parental knowledge. Their scales were shortened and simplified for reading ability and brevity. Data were obtained from 41 schools surveyed during the 2018 and 2019 school years. The schools were part of an ongoing study (Our Youth, Our Future) of substance use among American Indian students who attend schools on or near reservations. Students who self-identify as American Indian ( n = 3,673) or White ( n = 903) completed online surveys that included nine items related to sources of parental knowledge (parental control, child disclosure/parental solicitation) and four items that measure parental knowledge. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, tests of measurement invariance, and correlations between latent means and correlations with substance use measures were used to assess the scale. Factor analysis results confirmed a three-factor solution. These three factors (parental knowledge, parental control, parental solicitation/child disclosure) exhibited measurement invariance across sex, grade level, and ethnicity. Factor scales were reliable and negatively related to substance use. This revised scale of parental monitoring provides a useful measure to assess this construct across subgroups of youths. Further work among other ethnic groups of youths will determine the scale’s breadth of utility. The revised scale with improved readability will allow researchers to more quickly assess this important parent–child measure.

Psychometric Validation of the Dating Violence Questionnaire (DVQ-R) in Ecuadorians

Gender-based violence among young people is a pressing global problem, causing injury and disability to women and posing physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health risks. This study aimed to psychometrically validate the Dating Violence Questionnaire—Revised (DVQ-R) in a sample of 340 Ecuadorian university students. The study included 340 male and female students from two universities in Ecuador. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were rigorously assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, which revealed a four-factor model as the most parsimonious solution (RMSEA = 0.012). The factors were labelled as follows: ‘emotional neglect and contempt’, ‘physical violence and aggression’, ‘coercion and control’, and ‘emotional manipulation and testing’. The validated scale yielded a Cronbach’s alpha (α) of 0.839, with individual alpha values of 0.872, 0.764, 0.849, and 0.729 for each dimension. Convergent validity was established, as the mean variance extracted per factor exceeded 0.4. Divergent validity was confirmed, as the variance retained by each factor was greater than the variance shared between them (mean variance extracted per factor > ϕ2). These results indicate that the DVQ-R is a valid and reliable instrument to assess dating violence among Spanish-speaking young adults, which supports future research and prevention programmes.

Exploring the psychometric properties of the Persian Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for Youth (DASS-Y): factor structure and reliability in Iranian children and adolescents

BackgroundThe Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for Youth (DASS-Y) is a self-report instrument recently developed to evaluate negative emotional states in children and adolescents. However, the Persian version’s factor structure and psychometric properties have yet to be investigated in Iranian youth. The study aimed to assess the factor structure and reliability of the Persian DASS-Y in a sample of Iranian children and adolescents.MethodsThe study recruited 1,277 children and adolescents, 703 (55.1%) being girls and 574 (44.9%) being boys (aged 7–18 years), from schools in Tehran, Iran. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate structural validity and test the fit of three-factor models. Internal consistency reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients for the DASS-Y total and subscale items. Convergent and discriminant validity were also assessed.ResultsThe CFA results supported the original 3-factor structure of the DASS-Y, consisting of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress subscales in both groups of Iranian children and adolescents. Subsequently, the Pearson correlation coefficient assessed the scale’s convergent and discriminant validity, which was relatively appropriate. Also, the DASS-Y’s internal consistency reliability was satisfactory.ConclusionThe Persian DASS-Y is a reliable and valid Instrument for measuring depression, anxiety, and stress in Iranian children and adolescents. It can be helpful for both research and clinical work, helping to assess psychological distress in children and adolescents.

Introducing the Fundamental User Needs (FUN) Scales: Assessing Need Satisfaction and Frustration in Design-Mediated Interactions

This paper introduces the Fundamental User Needs (FUN) Scales, tailored to measure need satisfaction and frustration in design-mediated interactions. The development and initial validation process included a preparation phase and four studies. Adopting a deductive approach, we generated a pool of 780 items and distilled them into the first version of the FUN Scales: a 52-item Need Satisfaction Scale and a 52-item Need Frustration Scale. Content validity was assessed by nine experts, leading to a refined second version. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with 502 participants examined the scales’ factorial structure, reliability, and validity, resulting in a finalized version with 39 items per scale. Finally, we proposed two scoring approaches to facilitate scale application. The FUN Scales can serve as a robust diagnostic tool for quantifying the psychological impact of design and technology through the lens of need fulfillment, offering structure and inspiration for human-centered design research and practice.

Measuring psychological well-being in a danish pregnancy cohort using the self-reported WHO-5 index

BackgroundReduced well-being and depressive episodes frequently complicate pregnancy and can result in serious adverse outcomes for both mother and infant if left untreated. This study aimed to assess the psychometric validity of the 5-item World Health Organization index (WHO-5), and to evaluate if the WHO-5 index can serve as a proxy for two items of core depressive symptoms from the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), identified as MDI-2. Additionally, the paper aimed to assess well-being and detect risk factors of reduced well-being using the WHO-5 index.MethodsUsing the WHO-5 index, this study analyzed the psychological well-being of a population of 37,129 women in their first trimester of pregnancy. The psychometric validity of the WHO-5 index was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory. Furthermore, cut-off scores of the WHO-5 index previously associated with mental distress, ≤ 50 and ≤ 28, were evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive- and negative predictive values compared to the MDI-2 in a subsample of n = 1001 women.ResultsLower mean score on the WHO-5 index was seen among pregnant women ≤ 25 years old, with lower educational level, who were unemployed, nulliparous, did not understand Danish language, were not cohabitating, were smokers, and women who did not exercise prior to pregnancy. The WHO-5 index was found to be a valid psychometric instrument, however, scores could not be pooled or compared across women who understood Danish and women who did not understand Danish. The sensitivity and specificity of cut-off score of ≤ 50 on the WHO-5 index with a for predicting the presence of one core symptom from the MDI-2 was 0.81 and 0.82, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity using a cut-off of ≤ 28 was 0.32 and 0.98, respectively.ConclusionsThe WHO-5 index had high degree of acceptability and identified well-known risk factors of mental distress in a pregnant population. The WHO-5 index was found to be a valid psychometric instrument in pregnancy, however, our analysis indicated low predictive value of the investigated cut-off scores on the WHO-5 index in identification of MDI-2 core symptoms.

Comparative study of teachers’ attitudes, self-efficacy and job satisfaction when teaching gifted students in Ethiopia and Kenya

ABSTRACT In sub-Saharan Africa, the literature is scarce on teachers’ preparedness to support gifted education in classrooms. Thus, attempts have been made to understand the association between teachers’ attitudes, self-efficacy and job satisfaction when teaching gifted students in classrooms. Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour was operationalised as a framework to estimate attitudes and self-efficacy’s effects on variance in job satisfaction. Altogether, 308 teachers were recruited from Ethiopia and Kenya. The data were subjected to structural equation modelling, confirmatory factor analysis, path and moderation analyses, and two-way analysis of variance. A strong correlation was found between attitudes and self-efficacy, but both variables did not predict job satisfaction. The study recommends developing teacher training programmes to help improve teachers’ attitudes and self-efficacy.

The role of emotional styles in information avoidance regarding negative news

Introduction. This study explores the influence of emotional styles on students’ information avoidance behaviour, particularly about negative news. Method. Using a sample of participants, we employed the Emotional Styles Questionnaire (ESQ) to measure emotional styles, alongside an information avoidance questionnaire to assess participants' tendencies to avoid distressing news. Cronbach’s Alpha for both questionnaires indicated good reliability. Analysis. Data analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression analysis to validate the instruments and explore the relationships between emotional styles and information avoidance. Results. Results demonstrated that higher resilience and greater sensitivity to context are significantly associated with increased information avoidance among students. Conclusion. These findings suggest that students with resilience and sensitivity to context emotional styles engage in strategic information avoidance to manage their emotional well-being. The study's implications highlight the need for tailored interventions to enhance emotional resilience and adaptive coping strategies, offering insights for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers. Future research should investigate cultural differences and longitudinal changes to further understand the dynamics of information avoidance. This research underscores the importance of considering emotional dispositions in information-seeking behaviours, contributing to the broader theoretical framework of emotional regulation.

Cross-cultural adaptation and evidence of validity of the interprofessional collaboration scale (IPC-BR) for Brazil

ABSTRACT We aimed to perform cross-cultural adaptation of the Interprofessional Collaboration Scale (IPC-BR) and to evaluate evidence of its validity for the Brazilian hospital context. The research consisted of six steps: translation of the instrument into the new language, synthesis of the translated versions, back-translation, synthesis of the versions in the original language, evaluation of the syntheses by an expert committee, and pilot testing or pretesting and validation of the internal structure of the items of the instrument. The pilot testing involved 4 translators, 14 judges, and 30 healthcare professionals; the validation of the internal structure involved 686 professionals including nurses, physicians and physiotherapists. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation revealed no significant changes or discrepancies in meaning from the original model. Exploratory, confirmatory, and parallel factor analyses confirmed that the Brazilian scale is unidimensional. We found unidimensional characteristics and satisfactory factor loadings, with good levels of reliability, which makes the instrument provide consistent and reliable internal evidence for measuring the construct. Thus, the possibility of using it to assess interprofessional collaboration among different target groups in the Brazilian scenario was confirmed.

A study of Filipina migrant workers’ subjective health in Hong Kong and an assessment of eight scoring methods for the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)

ObjectivesThe SF-12 version 2 is a survey instrument for collecting data on subjective health. The US-based scoring method is the recommended standard for measuring subjective health with data collected with this instrument. The inadequacy of the US-based scoring method of the SF-12 version 2 instrument for non-US populations is widely documented. However, few studies systematically assessed relative performance of alternative scoring methods against the US-based method, our main objective in this paper. Through this investigation, we also intend to shed light on Filipina migrant workers’ subjective health in Hong Kong, our case study.MethodsThis study investigates the feasibility of eight such scoring methods—six latent-variable models, the raw score index, and the US-based method—for analyzing an SF-12 version 2 instrument via a range of bootstrapped samples of varying sizes and an empirical study of the original 2017 Hong Kong Domestic Workers survey data with a set of covariates associated with Filipina migrant domestic workers’ subjective mental and physical health in Hong Kong.FindingsOur analyses favor the latent-variable factor model with the normal distribution and the identity link for analyzing the SF-12 version 2 type of data. Our empirical study of the survey data provides evidence for the beneficial effects of education, social support, and positive working conditions on migrant domestic workers’ subjective physical health and especially subjective mental health, with these two types of health analyzed jointly on the same measurement scale.ConclusionFor studying non-US populations with the SF-12 version 2 instrument, we recommend using the latent confirmatory factor analysis model that assumes a normal distribution and an identity link function for analyzing the MCS and PCS dimensions simultaneously.

Psychometric assessment of the Beck anxiety inventory and key anxiety determinants among Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic

IntroductionThe full-scale Russian war has caused Ukrainian female refugees to experience many stressful events which may have an adverse impact on their mental health. Understanding the prevalence and determinants associated with anxiety is essential for psychosocial support. The study aimed: to evaluate the psychometric validity of the Ukrainian version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) among Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic, to determine the prevalence of anxiety, and to identify key determinants for anxiety in this population.MethodsAnxiety was measured by BAI, which was validated by applying confirmatory factor analysis. Linear regressions were run to understand associations between social, physical and mental health determinants and anxiety, adjusted by socio-demographics.ResultsThe BAI had a high level of internal consistency. External consistency was confirmed through: structural validity via CFA, indicating that a four-factor model, including cognitive, autonomic, neuromotor, and panic factors, were the most appropriate for the Ukrainian version of BAI; and convergent validity, shown by significant correlations between the total scores of the BAI and coping strategies, perceived stress, depression as well as self-reported physical and mental health. The study revealed that more than half of the participants had moderate to concerning symptoms of anxiety. The analysis indicated that poor perceived health, ineffective coping strategies, high perceived stress, and hampered daily activities due to health issues, are significant predictors of increased anxiety. Conversely, positive or stable social relations with relatives, neighbors, and locals, and the absence of discrimination, were shown to be crucial in reducing anxiety levels.

Italian adaptation and psychometric analysis of the moral foundations questionnaire 2

Abstract Within the framework of Moral Foundations Theory (MFT; Haidt & Graham, Social Justice Research, 20(1), 98–116, 2007; Haidt & Joseph, Daedalus, 133(4), 55–66, 2004), the aim of the present study is to adapt and discuss the psychometric features of the Moral Foundations Questionnaire 2 (MFQ-2; Atari et al., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2023) in the Italian context. Utilizing a sample of 947 Italian adults, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted, which confirmed the six-factor solution initially proposed for the MFQ-2. Each moral foundation demonstrated acceptable reliability, underscoring the robustness of the questionnaire’s internal consistency. Correlation analyses between the MFQ-2 and MFQ-1 dimensions indicate a significant consistency across the dimensions of both versions, affirming the convergent validity of the MFQ-2. Additionally, Multi-Group Confirmatory Analyses (MGCFAs) indicated that the MFQ-2 exhibits configural invariance across genders. Despite several limitations, this study provides precious insights into the adaptation process of the MFQ-2 for the Italian cultural context, contributing to a broader understanding of the MFT in Italy.

Talent development environments in sport in selected African countries as perceived by young elite football players

ABSTRACT Most African football nations need to strengthen their talent development environments (TDEs) in sport in order to nurture young elite players at the level of global competitiveness. However, despite the established importance of the environment to the striving and thriving of athletes, studies on TDEs in African football academies are scarce. This study’s objectives were twofold: (a) to test the reliability of the French version of the TDEQ-5 across three representative French-speaking African countries: Morocco (North Africa), Cameroon (Central Africa) and Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa), and (b) to assess and compare the quality of their TDEs in football. A sample from the three African countries selected consisted of 504 male academy footballers aged between 10 and 23, who completed the French version of the TDEQ-5. Confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency analysis revealed a fair model fit of the TDEQ-5, therefore allowing its use in this context. However, the TDEQ-5’s factor of social support network was omitted in the comparisons because of low internal consistency. For the remaining four TDEQ-5 features, Moroccan players had the most favourable perception, while Cameroonian and Ivoirian players shared similar and less favorable perceptions of their TDEs. Across the selected countries, long-term development focus and holistic quality preparation were a strength and an area of improvement respectively. These findings suggest that the TDEQ-5 tends to validate differences and similarities in TDEs in sport between North, Central, and West African countries. It thus emerges as a reliable instrument to monitor and support the talent development journey of African academy footballers.

Development and Validation of Child Observation Checklist for Early Screening of Young Children with Special Needs

Background: Families with young children with developmental disabilities often express concerns about delays in the identification of these and extended waiting times for obtaining assessments, learning support, and rehabilitation services. The identification process must and can be enhanced if preschool teachers have instrumental measures to detect early-stage developmental disabilities and adjustment difficulties in preschool children and, if necessary, to provide these children with prompt and effective support services. Aims: The aim with this study was to develop and validate a screening checklist for teachers to detect developmental delays and adjustment difficulties in Chinese preschool children in Hong Kong. Methods: The participants included 1085 children aged two to six years (including 365 children who were receiving rehabilitation services at the time of the study) and their preschool teachers. The teachers were requested to complete the screening checklist and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: The results of the Rasch and Confirmatory Factor Analyses supported the unidimensionality of the checklist, with the validated version consisting of fifteen items and five factors. The checklist score was negatively correlated with children’s behavioral problems and effectively differentiated children of different ages and between children receiving and not receiving rehabilitation services. The reliability estimates (internal consistency and test–retest) of this revised checklist were above 0.70. Conclusions: The 15-item checklist is a promising screening instrument for the identification of developmental disabilities and adjustment problems among Chinese preschool children. The use of the checklist has accelerated access to rehabilitation services for children and family caregivers.