Convergent Validity Research Articles

Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Propensity to Cheat Scale Validation in the Ethiopian Public Higher Education Institutions

Background This study was primarily intended to develop and validate a comprehensive and psychometrically acceptable measure of students’ propensity to cheat (PTC) behavior among undergraduate students in Ethiopian universities by assessing their engagement in different types of cheating behavior. Methods The present study employed an explanatory research design using a questionnaire based on the Propensity to Cheat Scale (PCS). The questionnaire was administered to 500 university students (male = 367 [73.4%]; female = 133 [26.6%]) selected from three Ethiopian public universities between November and January 2022. In order to measure the underlying variables of propensity towards cheating, a factor model is developed using exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to validate the students’ perceived PTC. The internal consistency of the PTC scale was assessed using reliability analysis, and validity evaluations were conducted to confirm the scale’s discriminant and convergent validity. Results Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results revealed a good fit to the data, and the internal consistency of the PCS was found to be strong, providing a reliable measure of students’ propensity for cheating. Validity evaluations, including discriminant validity and convergent validity, confirmed the validity of the scale. The average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability values also supported the scale’s convergent validity. The multidimensional concept of the PTC was supported by a four-factor solution consisting of 26 reliable and valid items. Conclusion The findings of the study demonstrate that the scale has also provided sufficient evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. By establishing discriminant and convergent validity, as well as reliability, through different validation procedures, the study has provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of the PCS as an instrument for determining whether university students are likely to engage in cheating behavior.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the empowerment scale for pregnant women.

Empowering pregnant women is a crucial process that healthcare providers should evaluate, as empowerment is a meaningful indicator that can reflect the impact of health promotion and education in antenatal care. The Empowerment Scale for Pregnant Women (ESPW) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring empowerment. The cross-sectional study was conducted to translate and validate the psychometric properties of the ESPW among 526 pregnant women in China. The forward-backward method was used to translate the English version of the ESPW into the Chinese version. Reliability was examined with the internal consistency and test-retest coefficients. Validity was analyzed with structural, dimensionality, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. The Cronbach's α value of 0.97 and the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], [0.96, 0.99]) demonstrated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that five factors with eigenvalues > 1 explained 68.41% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis verified an acceptable model that fit the data exceptionally. The Chinese-translated version of the ESPW (CV-ESPW) had acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. Concurrent validity was supported by the correlation between the total scores of the CV-ESPW and the Chinese version of the Patient Perceptions of the Empowerment Scale (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). The CV-ESPW is a valid and reliable assessment tool for measuring pregnant women's empowerment in China and can potentially contribute to evaluating the effectiveness of programs that empower pregnant women.

Validation of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) in a young adult Black sample in the U.S.: Evaluating the psychometric properties and associations with BMI

The Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) is an instrument developed in the UK and used to examine appetitive traits in adults. The AEBQ is divided into four Food Approach subscales, namely; Enjoyment of Food, Emotional Overeating, Food Responsiveness and Hunger, and four Food Avoidance subscales, namely; Emotional Undereating, Food Fussiness, Slowness in Eating, and Satiety Responsiveness. The instrument has been validated in a number of countries. However, there is limited evidence to show the validation of the AEBQ in predominantly Black populations. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to validate the AEBQ in a Black young adult sample in the U.S.A. Participants (n = 229) consisted of young adults with an average age (20.97 ± 4.31) attending a Central Virginia Historically Black University. Reliability Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted. Correlations, as well as multivariate multiple linear regression models were estimated. Food Avoidance subscales demonstrated more internal consistency than the Food Approach subscales. The CFA results indicated a 7-factor model in which the Hunger subscale was eliminated to fit the data better overall. The Food Approach subscales demonstrated more convergent validity than the Food Avoidance subscales. BMI significantly predicted both Emotion Overeating and Emotional Undereating, as well as Food Fussiness. Moreover, both sex and age significantly predicted Emotional Undereating, Food Responsiveness and Hunger. Further, sex significantly predicted Emotional Overeating and Satiety Responsiveness. Lastly, depression predicted Emotional Undereating. In conclusion, this study provided some evidence to support the use of the AEBQ as a reliable and valid measure of adult eating behavior.

Assessment of the psychometric properties of the traditional Chinese version of the cancer survivors’ self-efficacy scale

BackgroundThe reliability and validity of the traditional Chinese version of the Cancer Survivors’ Self-Efficacy Scale (CS-SES-TC) has not been assessed.ObjectiveTo assess the psychometric properties of the Traditional Chinese version of the CS-SES-TC.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the outpatient departments of a hospital in Taiwan. A single questionnaire was administered to 300 genitourinary cancer survivors. The scales included in the initial questionnaire were the CS-SES-TC, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scale (FACT-G). Data obtained from 300 survivors were used to confirm the structure through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).ResultsThe CFA results indicate that the 11-item CS-SES-TC is consistent with the original scale. Furthermore, it was identified as a unidimensional scale, with the model showing acceptable goodness-of-fit (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.97). The factor loading of each item in the CS-SES-TC was above 0.6 and had convergent validity. Based on multiple-group CFA testing, the change (ΔCFI) between the unconstrained and constrained models was ≤ 0.01, indicating that measurement invariance holds for gender. The participants’ CS-SES-TC scores were positively correlated with their FACT-G scores and negatively correlated with their CES-D scores. The scales exhibited concurrent validity and discriminant validity. The CS-SES-TC had a Cronbach’s α in the range of .97–.98.ConclusionThe CS-SES-TC had acceptable reliability and validity. Healthcare workers can use this scale for ongoing assessment of the cancer-related self-efficacy of cancer survivors.

Development and validation of a novel method for assessing physical activity profiles after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: The Sports and Physical Activity scale

ObjectivesTo describe and evaluate the preliminary validity of a novel scoring system for assessing the physical activity of patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsThe Sports and Physical Activity (SPA) scale consists of thirty options of sports and physical activities, followed by four frequency options for each option selected. Factors used to develop the scoring system were frequency of participation and intensity of the sports or physical activities. Possible scores ranged from a low of 0 to a high of 24. The scale was assessed for validity and responsiveness. ResultsThe study cohort included 418 primary ACL reconstructed patients 2 years after surgery, and a subgroup of 183 patient 5 years after surgery. The mean and median SPA scores for the cohort were 12.35 ( ​± ​6.95) and 12, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the scores of men and women (U ​= ​21,541.0, p ​= ​0.921). The SPA scale had a small but statistically significant inverse correlation with age (rs ​= ​−0.2, p = <0.001), indicating divergent validity. Patients who had returned to sport had a statistically significantly higher score (U ​= ​21593.5, p = <0.001), and there was a statistically significant difference between scores of the three current sports status groups (H ​= ​19.99, p value = <0.001) indicating convergent validity. Construct validity was indicated with a statistically significant correlation with the Marx scale (rs ​= ​0.422, p value= <0.001). In a subgroup (n ​= ​183) of the patient sample, comparison between scores at 2-years (13.27 ​± ​7.02) and 5-years (12.11 ​± ​7.88) found a statistically significant decline (p= <0.001). However, this decline was smaller than the decline seen in the Marx score between 2 and 5 years (11.11 ​± ​4.07 and 9.30 ​± ​4.52 p= <0.001). ConclusionPreliminary validity was found for the SPA scale. Women and men were found to be participating in a similar amount of activity 2 years post ACL reconstruction, despite return to sport differences between men and women being well documented. The scores of the SPA scale showed a statistically significant decrease over time with a negligible effect size. Level of evidenceIII.

Developing an Index of National Research Capacity

Abstract We test the feasibility of incorporating broad social, political, and governance indicators with standard metrics as a way to enrich assessment of national research capacity. We factor analyze two sets of variables for 174 countries from 2012 to 2021, one being traditional measures associated with national science and technology capacity such spending, and a second being broader social, political and governance measures, such as academic freedom. As expected, two factors emerge, one for raw or “core” research capacity and the other indicating the wider governance context. Further analysis shows convergent validity within the two factors and divergent validity between them. The analysis also quantifies the contribution of each indicator to each factor. Nations rank differently for each factor and also when combined . Ranks vary as a function of the chosen aggregation method. As a test of the predictive validity of the capacity index, we find both factors to be associated with country level field weighted citation index. Policymakers and analysts may find useful feedback from this approach to quantifying national research strength. Peer Review https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1162/qss_a_00325

The revised Clinician-Administered PTSD scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5-R): Initial psychometric evaluation in a trauma-exposed community sample.

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) is a widely used, well-validated structured interview for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was recently revised to improve various aspects of administration and scoring. We conducted a psychometric evaluation of the revised version, known as the CAPS-5-R. Participants were 73 community residents with mixed trauma exposure (e.g., sexual assault, physical assault, transportation accident, the unnatural death of a loved one). CAPS-5-R PTSD diagnosis demonstrated good test-retest reliability, кs =.73-.79; excellent interrater reliability, кs =.86-.93; and good-to-excellent alternate forms reliability with the CAPS-5, кs =.79-.93. In addition, the CAPS-5-R total PTSD severity score demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) =.86; interrater reliability, ICC =.98; and alternate forms reliability with the CAPS-5, r =.95. Further, the CAPS-5-R demonstrated good convergent validity with other measures of PTSD and good discriminant validity with measures of other constructs (e.g., depression, anxiety, alcohol problems, somatic concerns, mania). Given its strong psychometric performance in this study, as well as its improvements in administration and scoring, the CAPS-5-R appears to be a valuable update of the current CAPS-5.

Florence Bullying-Victimization Scales: Validation Study and Victimization Associations With Well-Being and Social Self-Efficacy

This study provides a thorough psychometric evaluation of construct and criterion validity and measurement invariance of the promising Florence Bullying-Victimization Scales (FBVS). A special focus was devoted to the concurrent criterion validity of the victimization scale with regard to well-being and social self-efficacy. Exploratory and confirmatory multidimensional item response theory and structural equation modeling were applied to cross-sectional data retrieved from 3rd to 6th-grade Czech primary school students ( N = 1795; 49% female; M age = 10.42, SD = 1.25). The results supported the use of unidimensional factor structure that demonstrated acceptable model fit and measurement invariance across genders and grades. Moderate to high correlations of the FBVS scores with bullying and victimization measured by the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire and other instruments indicated very good convergent validity. Regarding criterion validity, higher victimization was associated with lower levels of well-being and social self-efficacy.

Validation of the dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D)

Hyperfocus (HF), or intense, deep concentration on a task, has gained significant research attention in recent years, particularly in regard to clinical populations such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The present work aims to provide validation of the 12-item dispositional adult hyperfocus questionnaire (AHQ-D) as a quantitative metric of HF in adults. We preregistered the study design and hypotheses. We administered the AHQ-D and several additional questionnaires to 347 adults (mean ± SD age: 33 ± 11 years; 47% female). Exploratory factor analysis revealed high factor loadings (0.57–0.81) on a single HF factor; item response theory analysis suggested that the questionnaire items had high discrimination and covered a wide range of responses; and we report strong internal consistency metrics (Cronbach’s alpha 0.93, mean split-half reliability 0.93). Replicating our previous work, HF was positively correlated with Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) scores (r(345) = 0.53), suggesting that HF may be related to ADHD traits (though in this sample we did not specifically recruit individuals with ADHD). The AHQ-D demonstrated the hypothesized convergent validity; HF on the AHQ-D was positively correlated with HF measured using a different HF scale (r(344) = 0.69), as well as flow (r(345) = 0.12) and mind wandering (r(345) = 0.39) scores. AHQ-D HF scores showed a weak negative correlation with grit (r(345) = − 0.29). Though there was a weak negative correlation between HF and social desirability response tendency (r(345) = − 0.24), suggesting that those who care more about what others think may report less HF, there was no relationship between HF and extrasensory perception beliefs (r(345) = 0.01), suggesting that participants were not simply biased in their response tendencies. Taken together, we demonstrate strong scale metrics for the AHQ-D, the expected convergent validity, and a general lack of response bias, in addition to replicating our previous association of HF with ADHD traits. We suggest that the AHQ-D can be confidently used in future work as a valid way to measure HF in adults.

The Influence of ZIS Literacy and Trust on The Decision to Channel ZIS Through Digital Payment at LAZISMU in Makassar City

Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS) not only constitute an obligation for Muslims but also play a crucial role as an alternative source of state financing, capable of stimulating economic activities and enhancing individual purchasing power. The distribution of ZIS acts as a balancing instrument in the financial economic sector of society, referred to as al-maliyah al-ijtima'iyah, which supports communal welfare. This study aims to examine the influence of ZIS literacy and trust levels on the use of digital payment methods for the distribution of ZIS. A quantitative approach is employed, with respondents comprising mustahik from Lazismu Makassar, as well as muzakki and munfiq who utilize digital payments. Data is gathered through questionnaires and analyzed using tests for convergent validity, discriminant validity, composite reliability, and structural model evaluation. The findings indicate that ZIS literacy has a positive and significant effect on the decision of muzakki and munfiq to channel ZIS through digital payments, with an original sample value of 0.325 and a P-value of 0.000. Trust is also found to have a positive and significant impact on the use of digital payment for ZIS distribution, with an original sample value of 0.647 and a P-value of 0.000. Both trust and ZIS literacy play essential roles in enhancing the use of digital payments, facilitating the distribution process, and strengthening the effectiveness of ZIS collection. The study concludes that improving ZIS literacy and trust in zakat management institutions can encourage more muzakki and munfiq to adopt digital payment methods, thereby supporting efficient ZIS management and maximizing the positive impact on community welfare.

Validity, reliability, and the factorial structure of bangla version depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) among Bangladeshi healthcare professionals

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the validity, reliability, and factorial structure of the Bengali-translated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale—21 (DASS-21) among Bangladeshi health professionals.MethodsThis study incorporated the cross-sectional study design, conducted among 312 health professionals from 28 health facilities in 18 districts across Bangladesh. The internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficient of the DASS-21 was assessed. The confirmatory factor analyses was done to assess the fitness of different structural models of DASS-21. The concurrent validity was estimated by using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales.ResultsIn total, 258 healthcare professionals (82.7%) out of 312 completed the whole survey questionnaire and were included in the study. The internal consistency of the DASS-21 exhibited satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.93) and ICC = 0.92). The conventional three-factor model appeared to best fit the Bengali-translated DASS-21 scale. The discriminant validity has been affirmed by strong evidence. The convergent validity of Bengali DASS-21 was confirmed by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales.ConclusionsThis study found good validity, reliability, and suitability of the DASS-21 used among the Bangladeshi healthcare professionals. We warrant future research to explore the validity of this tool in other cohorts in Bangladesh.

Clinical Utility of the CORE-OM and CORE-10

This study explores the clinical utility of the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation–Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), and the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation–10 (CORE-10). This is an exploratory, naturalistic longitudinal study conducted in two psychotherapy services that offer training for psychology students in Ecuador. These services provide affordable and free short-term psychotherapy based on a constructivist approach. In total, 259 adult clients presenting non-severe mental disorders and symptoms and/or relational problems were included, 147 were women (57%); ages ranged from 18 to 66 with mean 28.70 years. At first contact we collected socio-demographic data and responses to the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation- Outcome Measure, Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 and the Schwartz Outcome Scale-10-E. Data were analyzed with statistical estimation using bootstrap 95% confidence intervals to assess clinical utility and psychometric adequacy of the measures for similar services and clients. The measures showed good acceptability and adequate internal consistency, similar to findings from the United Kingdom and Spain. There were strong correlations between all scale scores of the CORE-OM except for risk. Adequate convergent validity was found for the CORE-OM with the other two measures. There were no significant gender, age, or education effects for initial scores. Comparing help-seeking and non-help-seeking populations, large effect sizes were found for the CORE-OM total, non-risk, and risk scores, and medium effect size for the CORE-10 scores. Cut-off scores for the CORE-OM and CORE-10 were 1.26 and 1.51, respectively. The measures showed sensitivity to change with large effect sizes for all scores, except for risk, which shows a medium effect size. The CORE-OM and CORE-10 are suitable for clinimetric use, the former for broad assessment of psychological state and the latter for tracking changes in psychotherapy. Recommendations are made for assessment structure designs and data interpretation for routine use particularly in Latin America.

Evaluating the two-item measure of engagement at work for Japan Self-Defense Forces: A cross-sectional study.

Work engagement is critical in both occupational and mental health contexts. However, no studies have compared the usefulness of the nine-, three-, and two-item measures from the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Therefore, this study aimed to examine the internal consistency and convergent validity of the two-item measure and compare its usefulness with the nine-item and three-item versions for assessing engagement at work among Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) personnel. This cross-sectional study included 229,383 participants who underwent an annual mental health check between October 19 and December 17, 2021. To test the internal consistency of the scales, Cronbach's alpha was used. To test the convergent validity, Pearson's correlation coefficients were examined for each item corresponding to job resources, job satisfaction, stress reactions, and job demands assessed by the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Most participants were men (89.8%). Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the nine-, three-, and two-item scales were 0.95, 0.85, and 0.80, respectively. All three versions showed significant and positive correlations with each of the items corresponding to job resources and job satisfaction. The correlation coefficients of the two-item scale were not inferior to those of the nine-item and three-item scales for job resources and job satisfaction items. Our results showed the internal consistency and convergent validity for the two-item measure of engagement at work among JSDF personnel. The two-item measure may be useful for briefly and efficiently assessing the actual state of workers' engagement at work.

Perceived school service quality and vocational students' learning satisfaction: Mediating role of conceptions of vocational education.

This study examined the relationships among vocational students' perceptions of school service quality, their learning satisfaction, and their conceptions of vocational education in Chinese secondary vocational schools. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 10,721 students through multistage sampling. Perceived school service quality was assessed using the five-factor SERVPERF instrument, learning satisfaction was measured with the one-factor SSwLA scale, and conceptions of vocational education were evaluated using the one-factor SCoVE scale. These instruments were subjected to internal, convergent, discriminant, and construct validity tests, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzed the relationships among the constructs. Additionally, mediation analysis was employed to explore the mediating role of students' conceptions of vocational education in the relationship between perceived school service quality and learning satisfaction. Results indicated that learning satisfaction was positively influenced by students' perceptions of school service quality, particularly responsiveness, assurance, reliability, and empathy, but negatively by tangibles. Furthermore, the association between students' perceived school service quality and learning satisfaction was mediated by their conceptions of vocational education, highlighting the complex interaction between perceived service quality and students' learning satisfaction. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and educators seeking to enhance effectiveness and satisfaction within vocational education settings.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a new domain-specific coparenting measure: Coparenting Children's Emotion Scale.

Caregivers play an integral role in supporting children's development, not only through their individual parenting practices but also how they work together as coparents. The literature on coparenting is extensive; however, most of the research has relied on global measures to assess the quality and functioning of the coparenting relationship. Examining the coparenting relationship with domain-specific measures enables a deeper understanding of this complex family process. One domain of particular interest is emotion socialization given the vast and long-term consequences emotion socialization has on children's emotional, social, behavioral, and psychological functioning. Emotion socialization literature would benefit from a domain-specific coparenting measure, as researchers have rarely explored how coparents work together when responding to their children's emotions (i.e., coparenting children's emotions). As such, an emotion-focused coparenting measure could address gaps in both coparenting and emotion socialization literature. This study outlines the development and psychometric evaluation of a domain-specific measure of coparenting, the Coparenting Children's Emotion Scale (CCES), which assesses how parents work together when responding to their children's emotions. In the current study, the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the CCES were examined in an Australian sample. Findings from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that the CCES comprises two subscales that capture coparents' levels of support/cooperation and undermining. In the current sample, both CCES subscales demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency, and good convergent and concurrent validity. The CCES will provide researchers and practitioners with a domain-specific measure to use in exploratory and intervention research.

Investigating the contribution of student engagement and foreign language enjoyment to English majors’ TEM4-related positive emotions: A positive reinforcement perspective

With the rise of Positive Psychology, there have been abundant studies concerning positive emotions in English teaching and learning. However, the attention paid to positive emotions related to large-scale English tests as well as the influential factors of such emotions has been scarce. To this end, the present study, from the perspective of Positive Reinforcement, investigated to what extent Student Engagement (SE) and Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE), as reinforcers, contribute to positive emotions related to Test for English Majors-Band 4 (TEM4). Altogether 580 English majors from universities across China were invited to complete three questionnaires as research instruments. Confirmative Factor Analysis was conducted with AMOS 24.0 to guarantee the construct, discriminant and convergent validity of each instrument, after which structural equation modeling and regression analysis were conducted to explore the contribution of SE and FLE to English majors’ TEM4-related positive emotions. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that both SE and FLE contribute significantly to TEM4-related positive emotions, respectively explaining 44.8 % and 51.8 % of the variance. The results of the present study were discussed, and some implications were offered at the end, concerning efforts that need to be made to promote SE and FLE, which ultimately foster English majors’ TEM4-related positive emotions.

Psychometric evaluation of the affiliate stigma scale for caregivers of people with mental illness in Uganda

BackgroundAffiliate stigma is common among caregivers of people with mental illness and impacts negatively on the caregivers’ quality of life and their ability to care for the patients. Although there is evidence of affiliate stigma in sub-Saharan Africa, the psychometric properties of commonly used tools are not available in the African context. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the factor structure of the affiliate stigma scale among caregivers of people with mental illness in southwestern Uganda. Having a validated method to assess affiliate stigma in the Ugandan setting helps to appropriately evaluate affiliate stigma among caregivers of people with mental illnesses, which could inform the development of interventions to support such caregivers.MethodA total of 385 caregivers of people with mental illness attending outpatient psychiatry clinics in selected tertiary hospitals in southwestern Uganda were enrolled in the study. The affiliate stigma and depression were assessed using the affiliate stigma scale and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) respectively. We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to determine the factor structure, reliability and validity of the affiliate stigma scale. We also evaluated the convergent validity of the affiliate stigma scale by determining the correlation between affiliate stigma scale scores and the PHQ-9.ResultMore than half of participants were male (55.06%) and majority of caregivers were living in rural areas (80.26%). The sample size was adequate, as evidenced by the KMO of 0.91 and the inter-correlation was sufficient to conduct the factor analysis, according to the Bartlett test. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed four factors and all 22 items were retained as all of them had a factor loading > 0.4. The internal consistency of the total scale was excellent (alpha = 0.92). The affiliate stigma score correlated with depression which has been hypothesized to be associated with the stigma of mental illness.ConclusionThe study findings show the affiliate stigma scale as a valid measure of affiliate stigma among the caregivers of patients with mental illness in southwestern Uganda. Therefore, this scale provides an opportunity to mental health care providers to assess affiliate stigma and develop interventions aimed at prevention stigma among caregivers and improve outcomes among people with mental illness.

The Norwegian traumatic grief inventory-self report plus (TGI-SR+): a psychometric evaluation in traumatically bereaved people

ABSTRACT Background: Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has been added to the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR. The Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) assesses self-rated PGD intensity as defined in ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR. The TGI-SR + is available in multiple languages, but has not been validated yet in Norwegian. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian TGI-SR + . Method: Bereaved adults (N = 307) whose child or sibling died ≥6 months ago due to a sudden or violent loss completed the TGI-SR + and measures for posttraumatic stress, depression, and precursor PGD symptoms. We examined the factor structure and internal consistency of the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD items. Convergent validity and known-groups validity was evaluated. Probable PGD cases, pair-wise agreement between diagnostic scoring rules for both PGD criteria-sets, and cut-off scores were calculated. Results: The 1-factor model for ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD showed the best fit and demonstrated good internal consistency. Convergent validity was supported by strong associations between summed ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD scores and summed posttraumatic stress, depression, and precursor prolonged grief scores. Known-groups validity was supported by PGD intensity being related to educational level and time since loss. The perfect pair-wise agreement was reached using the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD diagnostic scoring rules. The optimal cut-off score for detecting probable PGD cases, when summing all TGI-SR + items, was ≥73. Conclusions: The Norwegian TGI-SR + seems a valid and reliable instrument to assess ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR PGD intensity after losing a child or sibling under traumatic circumstances.

Assessing childhood community experiences

AimsCommunity-level childhood experiences make up important aspects of early life that are associated with long-term health outcomes. However, to date, there have been no validated measures that assess community-level experiences during childhood. Thus, we aimed to develop and validate a measure that would assess community-level experiences associated with both risk and resilience. MethodsData were collected from 577 undergraduate participants (68.7% female). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic strategies were used to examine the factor structure of the Childhood Community Experiences Scale (CCES) comprised of the Community Risk Scale and the Community Protective Scale. Convergent validity and predictive utility of the CCES with existing measures of individual risk and resilience and adult psychosocial functioning were also examined. ResultsResults indicated a 5-factor solution for the Community Risk Scale and a 6-factor solution for the Community Protective Scale to fit the data best. Further, results suggest the convergent validity and predictive utility of the CCES with measures of adult psychosocial functioning.This measure allows for a brief, self-report assessment that can be used to assess childhood community-level risk and protective factors.

The mediating role of attitude and environmental awareness in the influence of green advertising and eco-labels on green purchasing behaviors

Purpose This study aims to identify whether green advertising and eco-labels influence the purchasing behaviors of organic products or whether the influence of such behaviors is presented through the mediating effect of the attitude and environmental awareness of millennials. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional design. A total of 430 millennials participated in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, distributed across five variables. It was applied to people outside shopping centers in the city of Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador. The results were subjected to statistical tests to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. The convergent and discriminant validity of the research model was verified through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. SPSS 20 and AMOS 24 were used for statistical analyses. Findings The study identified that attitude and environmental awareness mediate the relationship between green advertising and green purchasing behaviors, as well as the relationship between eco-labels and green purchasing behaviors. Furthermore, it has been proven that green advertising directly influences the green purchasing behaviors of organic products among millennials, whereas eco-labels do not. Originality/value This study is among the initial investigations to delineate the connection between elements of green marketing and the buying patterns of organic goods among millennials in an emerging economy. The study provides answers to earlier scholarly inquiries that proposed examining the correlation among the constituents of the theorized framework.