Criterion-related Validity Analysis Research Articles

Utility of the CBCL DSM-oriented scales in assessing emotional disorders in youth with autism

BackgroundYouth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk for one or more emotional disorders (ED) including depressive and anxiety conditions. DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines indicate that co-occurring ED must be specified when present. While ED may be evaluated for during initial diagnostic assessment, routine monitoring and screening is needed to identify emerging ED in later childhood and adolescence, a period of high risk. MethodConfirmatory factor analysis, convergent and divergent validity analyses, criterion-related validity, and diagnostic accuracy analyses of the CBCL's Affective Problems and Anxiety Problems DSM-oriented scales was completed on 93 well-characterized youth, ages 6 to 18 years with ASD (6:1 M:F), with and without intellectual impairment. These youth were from predominately white, middle-class backgrounds. ResultsEach scale measured a single construct reliably (depressive and anxiety disorders), neither scale measured symptoms of ASD, and youth with a depressive disorder had other ED co-morbidities. ConclusionsFindings demonstrate the DSM-Oriented Affective and Anxiety Problem Scales can be used to screen for depression and anxiety in youth with ASD. Replication is needed with various subgroups representing gender, age, developmental level, autism, and mental health severity differences and with groups across a broader set of demographics.

Psychometric properties of sleep quality scale and sleep variables questionnaire in Turkish student sample

Sleep is a physiological need that affects physical and mental performances. However, the number of individuals who experience problems related directly or indirectly with sleep is increasing in many countries. Therefore, it is important to have a short, reliable and valid measure to assess both sleep quality and sleep related variables in school-age children. This study aims to carry out the validity and reliability studies for the Sleep Quality Scale and Sleep Variables Questionnaire (SQS-SVQ) used to determine sleep quality, parental control, total sleep time, mid-point of sleep and sleep efficiency and to adapt it into Turkish. The SQS-SVQ consists of seven scale items to measure sleep quality and eight questionnaire items. The validity and reliability studies of the instrument were carried out on data acquired from 4th-8th graders. Factorial validity for SQS and criterion related validity analyses were carried out for the validity of the SQS-SVQ and correlations ranged from 0.51 to 0.73. These analysis results put forth that the scale is a valid measurement tool. Internal consistency coefficient of the SQS was 0.72 and test-retest correlations of the SQS-SVQ ranged from 0.67 to 0.88. These acquired results indicated that the scale is reliable. Meanwhile, gender measurement invariance was tested for SQS and results indicated that gender measurement invariance was established. These results have shown that the SQS-SVQ can be used in social researches and especially in educational studies.

Reliability and validity of Chinese Version of the Male Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire in male osteoporosis

Objective To translated the Male Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire (OPAQTM) into Chinese and test the validity and reliability of it. Methods Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original OPAQTM was performed according to the published guidelines. A total of 122 male osteoporosis patients in Xi'an city were included in item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and criterion-related validity and reliability analysis of this Chinese version of OPAQTM. Results A 7-factor structure with 37 items was identified through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, which explained 73.943% of the total variance. The ratio of convergent validity of each dimension was exceeded 0.90 and exceeded 0.95 for discriminant validity. The Cronbach's α coefficient for the total OPAQTM score was 0.956. The split-half for the overall scale was 0.858. The test-retest reliability was 0.760 for the overall scale. In relation to criterion validity, the Spearman correlation coefficients ranged from 0.485 to 0.867 between the Chinese version of OPAQTM and the corresponding dimensions of 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-12), which were significantly correlated,P <0.01. Conclusions The Chinese version of OPAQTM appears to possess adequate validity and internal consistency. The newly translated Chinese version of OPAQTM may be used to assess the quality of life of male osteoporosis patients in China. Key words: Osteoporosis; Quality of life; Male; Reliability; Validity

Psychometric properties of the Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index: The Chinese version

PurposeTo translate the Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index (BCLE-SEI) into Chinese language and evaluate its psychometric properties among breast cancer survivors with and without lymphedema in China. MethodsThe BCLE-SEI was translated from English to Chinese language using an integrative translation method. The Chinese version was then evaluated for its psychometric properties using a comparison-group and test-retest method. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 219 breast cancer survivors with and without lymphedema in Beijing, China. Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability were conducted to assess the reliability; discriminant validity, criterion-related validity and exploratory factor analysis were examined to assess the validity of the instrument. ResultsNo semantic modifications to items were needed in terms of comparability of language and similarity of interpretability. Feedback on the pretest of the Chinese version by 15 Chinese breast cancer patients resulted in one item modification. The Chinese version of the instrument demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.930–0.967) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.572–0.705, p < 0.001, n = 34). A significant difference was observed between the lymphedema group and non-lymphedema group (z = −7.127, p < 0.001). The criterion-related validity was supported by negative correlation with the Short-Form Health Survey (physical component summary, r = −0.612; mental component summary, r = −0.540). Factor analysis for symptom occurrence revealed 5 factors, which explained 66.1% of the total sample variance; 5 factors were also identified in symptom distress, which explained 70.6% of the total sample variance. ConclusionsThe Chinese BCLE-SEI is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate breast cancer-related lymphedema symptom experience for Chinese breast cancer survivors.

Development of the Children's Sport Locus of Control Scale

We developed the Children's Sport Locus of Control Scale (CSLCS) based on Rotter's (1954) social learning theory. Participants were 750 fifth- and sixth-grade elementary school students. We developed the scale through a series of analyses, including item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, simultaneous multigroup covariance analysis, and criterion-related validity analysis. The CSLCS comprises 12 items, of which 6 items measure ability and responsibility in the internal control dimension, and 6 items measure environment and chance in the external control dimension. The results of the analyses confirmed that this scale has good reliability, validity, and measurement invariance, and that it also satisfies all fit measures. The 6 measures of internal locus of control in the CSLCS are suited for measuring children's sport locus of control, and the measurement results will not differ across gender. Finally, we offer suggestions to future researchers.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish "Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation" questionnaire.

The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scale is a self-administered outcome questionnaire used to determine level of pain and disability in wrist problems. The scale includes pain (PRWE-P) and function (PRWE-F) subscales, the latter consisting of specific function (PRWE-SF) and usual (PRWE-UF) function. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish versionof the PRWE scale. Permission was sought and received from the original author of the PRWE for a Turkish translation for use in the study. The study included 110 patients (85 female and 25 male; mean age: 50.8±1.53 years; range: 18 to 85) with distal radius fracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist ganglion cyst, De Quervain syndrome, Kienböck disease, and connective lesions affecting the wrist, all of whom completed the Turkish version of both the PRWE (PRWE-T) and the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand scale (DASH). Reliability and validity of the PRWE-T scale were evaluated via an internal consistency analysis and a factor analysis respectively. The level of correlation between PRWE-T and DASH scores was also examined. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.86, 0.82 and 0.88 for PRWE-P, PRWE-F and PRWE-T respectively for the scale and all subscales. The PRWE-T scale was found to be highly reliable. A statistically significant correlation was found between PRWE-T and DASH in the criterion-related validity analysis (Spearman's rho=0.9). The PRWE-T was found to be valid and reliable. It is therefore suggested for use in evaluating patient-based pain and disability levels in routine clinical practice.

UCLA Yalnızlık ölçeği kısa formunun ergenler için Türkçe’ye uyarlanması

Objective: The purpose of this study is to adapt short form of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) to Turkish and investigate the validity and reliability of the scale for Turkish adolescents. Method: The participants in this study were 293 high school students aged between 14 and 19. Among the participants 110 (37.5%) were male, 183 (62.5%) were female and mean age was found to be 15.85 (SS=1.20). Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate the construct validity of the scale. In order to check criterion validity of Turkish version of the ULS-8 scale, the General Belongingness Scale, and the Life Satisfaction Scale were used. For reliability of Turkish version of the ULS-8, average variance extracted (AVE), composit reliability, Cronbach alpha level and test-retest correlation were computed. Results: The factor analysis resulted in one factor. Factor loadings of the items varied between 0.31 and 0.71. All of the fit indices indicated a good-fit model for the ULS-8. Criterion-related validity analysis revealed that there were significant relationships between loneliness and the general belongingness (r=-0.71), life satisfaction (r=-0.42). The results also showed that internal consistency coefficients of the factors were highly satisfactory for whole scale ?=0.74. Test-retest reliability scales was found to be (r=0.84, p

Neurological Outcome Scale for Traumatic Brain Injury: III. Criterion-Related Validity and Sensitivity to Change in the NABIS Hypothermia-II Clinical Trial

The neurological outcome scale for traumatic brain injury (NOS-TBI) is a measure assessing neurological functioning in patients with TBI. We hypothesized that the NOS-TBI would exhibit adequate concurrent and predictive validity and demonstrate more sensitivity to change, compared with other well-established outcome measures. We analyzed data from the National Acute Brain Injury Study: Hypothermia-II clinical trial. Participants were 16-45 years of age with severe TBI assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury. For analysis of criterion-related validity (concurrent and predictive), Spearman's rank-order correlations were calculated between the NOS-TBI and the glasgow outcome scale (GOS), GOS-extended (GOS-E), disability rating scale (DRS), and neurobehavioral rating scale-revised (NRS-R). Concurrent validity was demonstrated through significant correlations between the NOS-TBI and GOS, GOS-E, DRS, and NRS-R measured contemporaneously at 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury (all p<0.0013). For prediction analyses, the multiplicity-adjusted p value using the false discovery rate was <0.015. The 1-month NOS-TBI score was a significant predictor of outcome in the GOS, GOS-E, and DRS at 3 and 6 months postinjury (all p<0.015). The 3-month NOS-TBI significantly predicted GOS, GOS-E, DRS, and NRS-R outcomes at 6 and 12 months postinjury (all p<0.0015). Sensitivity to change was analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed rank-sum test of subsamples demonstrating no change in the GOS or GOS-E between 3 and 6 months. The NOS-TBI demonstrated higher sensitivity to change, compared with the GOS (p<0.038) and GOS-E (p<0.016). In summary, the NOS-TBI demonstrated adequate concurrent and predictive validity as well as sensitivity to change, compared with gold-standard outcome measures. The NOS-TBI may enhance prediction of outcome in clinical practice and measurement of outcome in TBI research.

The Piper Fatigue Scale-Revised: translation and psychometric evaluation in Spanish-speaking breast cancer survivors

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common and distressing symptom reported by breast cancer survivors. The primary aim of this study was to translate and evaluate psychometrically for the first time a Spanish version of the Piper Fatigue Scale-Revised (S-PFS-R). One hundred and eleven women with stage I-IIIA breast cancer who had completed their primary cancer therapy in the previous 6 months with the exception of hormone therapy completed the S-PFS-R, the Profile of Mood States (POMS) Fatigue (POMS-F) and Vigor subscales (POMS-V), and bilateral force handgrip testing. Data analysis included test-retest reliability, construct validity, criterion-related validity, and exploratory factor analyses. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory (r > 0.86), and all subscales showed moderate to high construct validity estimates [corrected item-subscale correlations (Pearson r = ≥ 0.65)]. The exploratory factor analysis revealed four dimensions with 75.5% of the common variance explained. The S-PFS-R total score positively correlated with the POMS-F subscale (r = 0.50-0.78) and negatively with the POMS-V subscale (r = -0.13 to -0.44) confirming criterion-related validity. Negative correlations among force handgrip testing, subscales, and total scores were weak (r = -0.26 to -0.29). The Spanish version of PFS-R shows satisfactory psychometric properties in a sample of breast cancer survivors. This is the first study to translate the PFS-R into Spanish and further testing is warranted.

The development and psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the maternal attachment inventory

To develop the Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI) into Chinese and assess its psychometric properties. The MAI measures of maternal affectionate attachment. This scale displays the most appropriate indicators associated with attachment and has been widely adopted in different fields for measuring maternal-infant attachment. Cross-sectional survey design. The study was carried out in two clinics. From the accessible population of 507 samples, a simple random sampling method of selection was used to randomly choose 200 names of mothers at 4-8 months after delivery using a computer. One hundred and eighty-one mothers agreed to participate in the study. The Chinese version of the MAI (CMAI) was developed in five stages: translation, review, back-translation, a review by a panel of specialists and a pilot test. Regarding the reliability of the CMAI, a test of correlations between the subscales and the entire scale was performed consecutively. With respect to the validity of the MAI, exploratory factor analyses, a test of relationships between items and subscales, and an analysis of concurrent criterion-related validity were conducted. The CMAI contains four factors in its structure. The CMAI and its subscales possess good internal consistency; the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0·94. In addition, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient between the CMAI and the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Inventory (MFAI) and between the CMAI and the Maternal-Infant Attachment Inventory (MIAI) was 0·38 and 0·5, respectively. This suggests significant medium and high respective correlations between the CMAI and these two scales. One major limitation of this study is that participants were recruited from two clinics located in central Taiwan. The CMAI possesses acceptable reliability and validity for use in measuring the levels of attachment and affectional ties between mothers and their infants. The CMAI provides further evidence of the applicability of the CMAI in clinical maternity care services.

The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire

Clinical studies suggest that foot pain may be problematic in one-third of patients in early disease. The Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) was developed and validated to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative (orthoses, taping, stretching) and surgery interventions. Despite this fact, there are few validated instruments that measure foot health status in Spanish. Thus, the primary aim of the current study was to translate and evaluate psychometrically a Spanish version of FHSQ. A cross-sectional study was designed in a university community-based podiatric clinic located in south of Spain. All participants (n = 107) recruited consecutively completed a Spanish version of FHSQ and EuroQoL Health Questionnaire 5 dimensions, and 29 participants repeated these same measures 48 h later. Data analysis included test-retest reliability, construct and criterion-related validity and factor analyses. Construct validity was appropriate with moderate-to-high corrected item-subscale correlations (α = ≥0.739) for all subscales. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory (ICC > 0.932). Factor analysis revealed four dimensions with 86.6% of the common variance explained. The confirmatory factor analysis findings demonstrated that the proposed structure was well supported (comparative fit index = 0.92, standardized root mean square = 0.09). The Spanish EuroQoL 5D score negatively correlated with the FHSQ pain (r = -0.445) and positively with general foot health and function (r = 0.261-0.579), confirming criterion-related validity. The clinimetric properties of the Spanish version of FHSQ were satisfactory.

Assessing Empathy in Salvadoran High-Risk and Gang-Involved Adolescents and Young Adults

Empathy is considered a key construct in the empirical study of high-risk adolescent and young adult delinquency, crime, and violence. This study examined the psychometric properties and criterion-related validity of a Spanish adaptation of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), which is an important measure designed to capture both affective and cognitive empathy that has been validated in multiple languages but not in Spanish. The study's sample consisted of 208 high-risk and gang-involved adolescents and young adults in the Greater San Salvador Metropolitan Area. The original BES was reduced from its 20-item design to a more culturally appropriate 7-item design. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis and criterion-related validity analysis indicate that the adapted BES is a valid and reliable multidimensional measure of empathy for high-risk Salvadoran adolescents and young adults. Consistent with previous findings, females reported lower levels of empathy than males and delinquent/violent respondents reported lower levels of empathy than their nonoffender counterparts.

Predictive Validity and Sensitivity to Change of the Neurological Outcome Scale for Traumatic Brain Injury (S49.002)

Objective: The Neurological Outcome Scale for Traumatic Brain Injury (NOS-TBI) is a measure designed to assess neurological functioning in traumatic brain injury (TBI) across the spectrum of recovery. We hypothesized the NOS-TBI would demonstrate predictive validity and be more sensitive to change than other well-established measures. Background Clinical trials in TBI frequently rely on a single global outcome measure. Available tools do not provide an assessment of neurological functioning, per se. We recently developed a measure of neurological functioning in TBI, the NOS-TBI. While the NOS-TBI has been validated in patients with TBI undergoing rehabilitation up to 18 months post-injury, its performance in TBI-related clinical trials and its sensitivity to change over time are unknown. Design/Methods: We analyzed data from the National Acute Brain Injury Study: Hypothermia-II (NABIS:H-II) clinical trial. Patients were 16-45 years with severe TBI, assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury. A subset was assessed at 1 month. For analysis of criterion-related validity, Spearman correlations were performed comparing the NOS-TBI to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), GOS-Extended (GOS-E), Disability Rating Scale (DRS), and Marshall CT classification. Sensitivity to change was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test. Results: Significant correlation was observed between the NOS-TBI and the GOS, GOS-E, DRS, and NRS-R total scores, demonstrating the concurrent validity of these tools. The GCS, Marshall CT classification, and lesion volume demonstrated overall limited ability to predict outcome at 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury. In contrast, the NOS-TBI total score at both 1 and 3-months post-injury demonstrated a significant ability to predict outcome at 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury. Trial subjects whose recovery appeared to have stabilized based on GOS and GOS-E scores, demonstrated significant changes in their level of neurologic recovery using the NOS-TBI. Conclusions: The NOS-TBI demonstrated significantly better outcome prediction and sensitivity to change compared with well-established outcome measures. Supported by: In part by grant NS 43353 from the NIH/NINDS, Guy L. Clifton, Principal Investigator. Disclosure: Dr. Moretti has nothing to disclose. Dr. McCauley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wilde has nothing to disclose. Dr. Levin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Clifton has nothing to disclose.

Use of the “Mental Health Inventory – 5” with Portuguese 10-15 Years Old

The present study describes the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Mental Health Inventory-5 for use with young adolescents. A sample of 367 Portuguese students (aged 10-15 years) completed the Portuguese-language versions of Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5; Berwick et al., 1991), Children's Hope Scale (CHS; Snyder et al., 1997), Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS; Huebner, 1991a), and Global Self-Worth Sub-scale (Harter, 1985). Analysis of readability, reliability (internal consistency and 1-year stability), factor structure, and criterion-related validity suggested that the MHI-5 can be appropriately used in this age group. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Observed Ward Behavior Strongly Associated with Independent Living Skills: An Analysis of Convergent and Criterion-Related Validity of the NOSIE and the ILSI

Ratings of ward behavior and skill acquisition are important criteria for monitoring an individual’s recovery trajectory during inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation. This study compared data from the Nurses’ Observational Scale for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE) and the Independent Living Skills Inventory (ILSI) to identify relationships between ward behaviors and independent living skills and to support the convergent validity of these instruments. The criterion-related validity of the instruments in their relationships with time in program (TIP) and number of previous hospitalizations (#HOSP) was also investigated. NOSIE “positive” subscales were more strongly related to living skills than NOSIE “negative” subscales. The NOSIE and the ILSI predicted TIP and postdicted #HOSP equally well. Implications for assessment and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Elbow Position Affects Handgrip Strength in Adolescents: Validity and Reliability of Jamar, DynEx, and TKK Dynamometers

We examined whether elbow position affects the handgrip strength in adolescents. The criterion-related validity and reliability of the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers were also analyzed. A total of 66 adolescents aged 12 to16 years performed the handgrip strength test with the elbow extended and flexed at 90 degrees . The validity and reliability of the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers was analysed by using known weights. The highest score was obtained when the test was performed with the elbow in full extension and when using the TKK dynamometer. The criterion-related validity analyses showed a systematic bias of -1.92, -1.43, and 0.49 kg for the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers, respectively (all p < 0.05). The reliability analyses revealed a systematic bias of 0.23, 0.26, and 0.02 kg in the Jamar, DynEx, and TKK dynamometers, respectively (all p > 0.05). Performing the handgrip strength test with the elbow extended appears the most appropriate protocol to evaluate maximal handgrip strength in adolescents when using the TKK. In addition, the TKK dynamometer appears to provide the highest criterion-related validity and reliability. The present study provides useful and relevant information indicating which elbow position, and which type of dynamometer, yield maximal handgrip strength in adolescents.

Active movement measurements of the shoulder girdle in healthy subjects with goniometer and tape measure techniques: A study on reliability and validity

In response to the current need to develop objective measurement techniques for active movements of the shoulder girdle, this study had two goals: 1) to evaluate the reliability of the active range of motion (AROM) of shoulder girdle in elevation, protraction, and retraction with use of a goniometer and a tape measure and 2) to present the criterion-related validity of the reliable movements. Thirty healthy subjects performed two trials of each shoulder girdle AROM. They were assessed by two physical therapists, who used both evaluation techniques on two occasions. The generalizability theory was used to compute intratester (test-retest) and intertester reliability using dependability coefficients (ϕ) and standard errors of measurement (SEMs). The shoulder girdle movements were then evaluated with a movement analysis system (Optotrak 3020). The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) and paired t-tests were used to compare the results of clinical measurements with those of the movement analysis system. Overall, the reliability with the tape measure was good (ϕ = 0.78–0.91; SEM's = 0.7–1.1 cm) for the elevation motion. The goniometer was only reliable for intratester measures (ϕ = 0.78–0.79; SEM = 2.7°) for the elevation motion. Retraction was reliable with the tape measure alone (ϕ = 0.76–0.84; SEM's = 0.5–0.7 cm). The criterion-related validity analysis revealed that measuring shoulder girdle elevation with the tape measure and goniometer, and retraction with the tape measure were not valid when evaluated against a gold standard, thus, both techniques have limitations in assessing true elevation and retraction measurements.

Criterion-related validity, self-other agreement, and longitudinal analyses for the Iowa personality questionnaire: A short alternative to the MPQ

The 42-item Iowa Personality Questionnaire (IPQ) was designed to briefly assess the same dimensions of personality measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ; Tellegen, 1982). Results from three studies indicate that the IPQ can be used as a reasonable alternative to the MPQ when time constraints place limits on the length of questionnaires. For example, correlations between self-reports on the IPQ and the MPQ were .67 for Constraint, .75 for Negative Emotionality, and .77 for Positive Emotionality and the IPQ and MPQ demonstrate similar criterion-related validity (Study 1). Importantly, Study 3 illustrates how the IPQ can be used to address the substantive issue of the rank-order consistency of personality traits across time. Specifically, longitudinal results indicated that scores on the MPQ assessed in 1994 forecast scores on the IPQ in 2001. These findings provide further evidence for the continuity of individual differences across time.

Development and Initial Validation of the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire

Evaluation of suicide-related behaviors and thoughts about suicide with a newly developed self-report instrument is described. The Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire (SHBQ; Gutierrez, 1998) generates detailed clinical information from an easy to administer and score self-report form. A sample of 342 participants were drawn from university undergraduate students enrolled in various psychology courses. Participants were then divided into a severe suicidal ideation group (n = 20) and a nonsuicidal control group (n = 20) to conduct subgroup and criterion-related validity analyses. Preliminary analyses indicate this new questionnaire is both valid and reliable when used with young adults drawn from a nonclinical population. The questionnaire should be of use to both clinicians and researchers due to the flexibility of the data generated.

Evaluation of a Measure of Engagement for Group Work

Objective This study examines the psychometric properties of a measure of engagement for group work, the Groupwork Engagement Measure (GEM). Method The measure's properties were tested at two different points of group development, early and late group. The closed-ended groups were led by 13 graduate social work students and consisted of 86 student peers. Results The measure had excellent reliability at both administrations, with coefficient alphas of .97 and low Standard Error of Measurements. The construct- and criterion-related validity analyses were generally favorable. Conclusions: The GEM is a promising tool for social group workers interested in monitoring and improving their service.