Cross-cultural Applicability Research Articles

Cross-cultural applicability of the Inventory of Problems–29 (IOP–29): a pre-registered German replication of Akca, Tepedelen, et al. (2023)

Assessing the credibility of psychological problems in forensic evaluations is crucial. The Inventory of Problems–29 (IOP–29) is becoming a valuable symptom validity test (SVT) worldwide and has been validated in over 15 languages. This study evaluates the German IOP–29 and fills a gap by replicating a study of Akca, Tepedelen, et al. We analysed 384 IOP–29 protocols from 128 German-speaking adults (range = 18–87 years) under three conditions: honest, random and feigned responses (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD; depression; schizophrenia). Statistical analyses showed that the False Disorder Probability Score (FDS) effectively discriminated between honest and feigned responses (Hedges g = 3.90), with a sensitivity of .91 and a specificity of .95 at an FDS cut-off value of ≥.50. A new index for detecting careless or random responses also showed promising results. This study confirms the utility of the IOP–29 in the German-speaking population and supports its cross-cultural applicability.

The Impact of Ideological and Political Education on Students' Mental Health: Insights into Educational Management and Policy Development

This study explores the critical role of Ideological and Political Education (IPE) in promoting students' mental health, focusing on the interplay between educational management and policy development. By integrating Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Constructivism, the study provides a theoretical framework to examine how IPE influences psychological well-being through enhanced value recognition, emotional regulation, and social adaptability. Empirical analysis based on diverse student groups demonstrates both the direct and indirect impacts of IPE on reducing anxiety and depression while fostering positive emotions and psychological resilience. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing policy support, including curriculum enhancement, participatory learning opportunities, and expanded mental health resources. However, the study acknowledges limitations such as the regional focus of the sample and the lack of longitudinal data. Future research should address cross-cultural applicability and leverage big data and AI technologies to refine mental health evaluation and intervention frameworks, thereby advancing the global understanding of the synergy between education and psychological well-being.

Psychometric Properties and Cultural Adaptation of the Persian Version of the Family Functioning Questionnaire in Rehabilitation (FFQR) in Parents of Children with Disabilities

Background: Children with special needs require extensive medical and rehabilitative interventions, which pose significant challenges for their families. The Family Functioning Questionnaire in Rehabilitation (FFQR) assesses family performance in this context. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, validity, and cultural adaptation of the Persian version of the FFQR among Iranian parents of children with special needs. Methods: This methodological study rigorously evaluated face and content validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. Participants included 250 parents of children aged 3 to 18 with special needs, recruited from rehabilitation facilities in Tehran province. Results: The translation process, along with assessments of face and content validity, led to adjustments in questionnaire items. The Persian version of the FFQR demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.946) and high test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.94). However, criterion validity with the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale-developmental disability was not established. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original factor structure of the FFQR, affirming its cross-cultural applicability. Model fit indices indicated reasonable fit, although the chi-square test suggested an imperfect fit (χ² = 2409.03, df = 1074, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The Persian FFQR proved to be a reliable and culturally relevant tool for assessing family functioning in the rehabilitation of Iranian children with special needs. These findings highlight the importance of employing culturally sensitive measurement tools in research and clinical applications.

Cognitive testing in 19 countries to refine WHO's Sexual Health Assessment of Practices and Experiences.

To refine a standard questionnaire on sexual practices, experiences and health-related outcomes to improve its cross-cultural applicability and interpretability. We aimed to explore participants' willingness and ability to answer the draft questionnaire items, and determine whether items were interpreted as intended across diverse geographic and cultural environments. We conducted cognitive interviews (n = 645) in three iterative waves of data collection across 19 countries during March 2022-March 2023, with participants of diverse sex, gender, age and geography. Interviewers used a semi-structured field guide to elicit narratives from participants about their questionnaire item interpretation and response processes. Local study teams completed data analysis frameworks, and we conducted joint analysis meetings between data collection waves to identify question failures. Overall, we observed that participants were willing to respond to even the most sensitive questionnaire items on sexual biography and practices. We identified issues with the original questionnaire that (i)affected the willingness (acceptability) and ability (knowledge barriers) of participants to respond fully; and/or (ii)prevented participants from interpreting the questions as intended, including poor wording (source question error), cultural portability and very rarely translation error. Our revisions included adjusting item order and wording, adding preambles and implementation guidance, and removing items with limited cultural portability. We have demonstrated that a questionnaire exploring sexual practices, experiences and health-related outcomes can be comprehensible and acceptable by the general population in diverse global contexts, and have highlighted the importance of rigorous processes for the translation and cognitive testing of such a questionnaire.

Diagnosis of Schizophrenia and Psychosis in Māori People Using Speech Assay: A Natural Language Processing Approach

Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities worldwide have a higher incidence of psychosis, primarily schizophrenia. In New Zealand, Māori individuals experience greater rates of anxiety and depression compared to non-Māori, with a significantly higher incidence of mental illness among Māori. We propose natural language processing (NLP) trained on speech samples from Māori patients as a potential solution to the problem of culturally biased psychometric screening tools for psychosis and schizophrenia. This research examines NLP's ability to diagnose psychosis in Māori patients by analyzing speech and language abnormalities as indicators of severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Our research emphasizes the need for inclusive language models and investigates cross-cultural applicability. We employed a three-part method: conducting clinical interviews, pre-processing data with the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), and applying language classifiers. The study's results demonstrate the promise of NLP, but limited patient data necessitate further research, including standardizing datasets and integrating NLP with indigenous languages. This research represents a step towards improving diagnostic accuracy and support for Māori people suffering from psychosis, aligning with healthcare's goal of fair and culturally responsive mental health screening.

Application and Development of Behavioural Economics in Consumer Decision Making

Behavioural economics, as an interdisciplinary field integrating psychology and economics, offers new perspectives for understanding consumer decision-making. This paper provides an overview of the core theories of behavioural economics, its applications in consumer decision making, and its developments and challenges in market practice and policy making. First, behavioural economics challenges traditional economic assumptions about rational decision-making by revealing core concepts such as limited rationality, prospect theory and behavioural biases, providing a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour. Second, the paper explores the effectiveness of behavioural economics in practical applications, such as improving firms' market performance and policy implementation by optimising marketing strategies, utilising personalised recommendations and developing behavioural intervention policies. However, behavioural economics still faces challenges in terms of theoretical universality, cross-cultural applicability and dynamic adaptation. Future research directions include theoretical integration, cross-cultural validation, adaptation to technological developments, optimisation of policy practices and intersection studies with psychology. The review in this paper aims to provide reference for academic research and practical application, to promote the further development of behavioural economics, and to provide theoretical support for policy making and market strategies.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Painting Art Healing in Mental Health Problems in Different Populations

This study aims to systematically analyze the application effect of painting therapy in the treatment of mental health problems in different populations, and to explore its universality and specificity in different age groups, genders, cultural backgrounds, and mental health conditions. Through literature review, comparative research methods, and case study methods, the effectiveness of art therapy in elderly, adult, adolescent, and child populations was comprehensively evaluated. The results of the study show that art therapy can significantly promote emotional regulation, improve cognitive function, enhance social interaction, and develop self-identity, especially in alleviating emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, this study also found that there are certain deficiencies in the methodological quality, sample representativeness, and long-term effects research of art therapy. Future research should further focus on the standardization, long-term effectiveness, and cross-cultural applicability of interventions to promote the widespread application of art therapy in the field of mental health.

An international field study for the reliability and validity of the EORTC communication questionnaire EORTC QLQ-COMU26

BackgroundThe EORTC Quality of Life Group has developed a questionnaire to evaluate cancer patients’ perception of their communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs): the EORTC QLQ-COMU26. In this study we test the validity and reliability of this novel measure in an international and culturally diverse sample of cancer patients.MethodsCancer patients completed the following EORTC questionnaires at two time points (before and during treatment): the QLQ-COMU26 (including a debriefing questionnaire), the QLQ-C30, and specific IN-PATSAT32 scales. These data were used to assess: the cross-cultural applicability, acceptability, scale structure, reliability, convergent/divergent validity, known-groups validity, and responsiveness to change of the QLQ-COMU26.ResultsData were collected from 498 patients with various cancer diagnoses in 10 European countries, Japan, Jordan and India (overall 5 cultural regions). At most, only 3% of patients identified an item as confusing and 0.6% as upsetting, which indicates that the questionnaire was clear and did not trigger negative emotional responses. Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-trait scaling confirmed the hypothesised QLQ-COMU26 scale structure comprising six multi-item scales and four single items (RMSEA = 0.025). Reliability was good for all scales (internal consistency > 0.70; test–retest reliability > 0.85). Convergent validity was supported by correlations of ≥ 0.50 with related scales of the IN-PATSAT32 and correlations < 0.30 with unrelated QLQ-C30 scales. Known-groups validity was shown according to sex, education, levels of anxiety and depression, satisfaction with communication, disease stage and treatment intention, professional evaluated, and having a companion during the visit. The QLQ-COMU26 captured changes over time in groups that were defined based on changes in the item of satisfaction with communication.ConclusionThe EORTC QLQ-COMU26 is a reliable and valid measure of patients’ perceptions of their communication with HCPs. The EORTC QLQ-COMU26 can be used in daily clinical practice and research and in various cancer patient groups from different cultures. This questionnaire can help to improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Investigating the adoption of smart local government services: the impact of service quality, trust, and social influence

PurposeThis study aims to examine the factors that influence the adoption of public services through the latest smart apps designed to provide maximum services within urban local government.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a thorough literature review, expert advice on public service delivery and four complementary theories. An empirical survey used a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from citizens in Indian local governments. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and SmartPLS version 4 to assess the measurement and structural models.FindingsThe study confirmed that service quality, trust, effort expectancy and social influence are key factors for adopting smart app services. Trust and intention are mediators, while performance expectations do not impact the decision to use smart app services.Research limitations/implicationsThe study includes a moderate sample size and a focus on a single developing country, which restricts its cross-cultural applicability. This research investigated the factors influencing individual adoption and use of local government services delivered through smart apps.Practical implicationsThe study has significant implications for policymakers, researchers and implementers. It provides insights for developing strategies to increase the use of smart services, thereby enhancing local governance's efficiency, transparency and accountability.Originality/valueThis study enhances existing knowledge by adding service quality, trust and adoption to the model, which helps examine the factors affecting adoption. With limited research on local smart service app adoption, this study provides valuable insights.

Comparison between Thai and Indian Adolescents' Self-Figure Drawing as Child Abuse Art-Based Assessment.

The current study compared Self-Figure drawings from Thai and Indian adolescents to assess the cross-cultural applicability of a child abuse assessment tool. The research aims to understand the extent to which distinctions or similarities arise in Self-Figure drawings among adolescents from two culturally similar yet distinct backgrounds characterized by differences in religious affiliations, socioeconomic contexts, and political environments. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized quantitative measures, including the Traumatic Events Checklist (TEQ-5) and Medical Somatic Dissociation Questionnaire (MSDQ), alongside a qualitative analysis of Self-Figure drawings. Ethical approval was obtained with waived informed consent, and a convenience sample of 386 adolescents aged 13-18 years (193 from Thailand [M = 14.8, SD = 1.73; 135 females (69.9%) and 58 males (30.1%)], and 193 from India [M = 15.2, SD = 1.64; 135 females (69.9%) and 58 males (30.1%)]), who reported experiencing child abuse, participated in the study by completing questionnaires and drawing themselves. The analysis revealed that Thai adolescents had higher MSDQ scores, while Indian adolescents exhibited more prominent pictorial indicators. Indian participants reported experiencing a broader range of event types, whereas Thai adolescents predominantly depicted verbal or emotional abuse. Variations in pictorial indicators were found significant, except for hair, cheek or chin, omitted legs or feet, and omitted eyes. These findings contribute to the understanding of how cultural factors influence adolescents' self-representations through drawing. The differences in pictorial indicators highlight the nuanced variations within similar cultures, emphasizing the cultural specificity of self-expression.

Children’s color trails test: Greek normative data and clinical validity in children with traumatic brain injury and attention deficit - Hyperactivity disorder

The Children’s Color Trail Test (CCTT) is considered a culture fair equivalent of the Trail Making Test for the assessment of cognitive flexibility in pediatric populations, while others emphasize its additional validity as a measure of attention, perceptual tracking, processing speed, susceptibility to interference and inhibition. The need for standardized neuropsychological tests in Greece, especially for the pediatric population is significant. In the present study, considering the relatively good psychometric properties of the CCTT and its wide cross-cultural application, we decided that such a tool would be useful to Greek clinicians and researchers, and therefore developed norms for the Greek child and adolescent population. Additionally, we examined the clinical validity of the test, administering it to two groups of patients (children with Traumatic Brain Injury and Attention Deficit - Hyperactivity Disorder). We administered the test to 417 native healthy Greek children 6-15 years, recruited primarily from Southwestern Greece from several public schools. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant influence of age on completion time in both parts of the CCTT, whereas sex did not influence time to completion. Older children consistently completed the test faster than younger children, whereas girls and boys performed similarly on both conditions. In addition, CCTT differentiated the performance of children who have had a TBI and those diagnosed with ADHD from the performances of their typically developing peers. This study provides much needed performance and clinical utility data for the pediatric population in Greece on a promising neuropsychological tool for use in clinical and research settings.

The Cross-Cultural Applicability of the Inventory of Problems – 29 (IOP-29): A Replication of Akca et al. (2023) Using a Serbian Sample

The Cross-Cultural Applicability of the Inventory of Problems – 29 (IOP-29): A Replication of Akca et al. (2023) Using a Serbian Sample

Comparing Static-99R and STABLE-2007 profiles of people convicted of sexual offences in Hong Kong to Western normative data

ABSTRACT This study investigates cross-cultural applications of Static-99R and STABLE-2007 in assessing sexual recidivism risk in Hong Kong. Comparing scores of 249 incarcerated individuals convicted of sexual offences in Hong Kong with Western norms, results show greater cultural similarities in STABLE-2007 than Static-99R items. Hong Kong offenders exhibit higher total risk scores than those reported in Western validation samples. Notably, they appeared to ‘specialise’ in non-contact offences like taking up-skirt pictures, were less criminally involved, and had more non-male strangers or non-family members victims compared to Western validation samples. These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive risk assessment tools in diverse contexts. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT In response to recent calls to examine the cross-cultural application of western-developed risk assessment tools, the present study examined the applicability of the Static-99R and STABLE-2007 among a sample of persons who had sexually offended in Hong Kong (HK). The research supported the Evaluation and Treatment Unit’s recent attempts to strengthen seamless continuation of care from custody and community, as the sentences of these individuals typically last for only a few weeks.

Optimizing clinical outcomes with stellate ganglion block and trauma-informed care: A review article.

For decades, thousands of active-duty service members have sought treatment for trauma exposure. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a fast-acting nerve block documented in medical literature for nearly a century that has shown promise as a potentially life-altering treatment for post-traumatic stress (PTS). This review aims to answer the practical questions of those who support individuals suffering from trauma: (1) SGB's safety profile (2) efficacy data (3) potential advantages and limitations, (4) a cross-cultural application example, (5) and the use of SGB in combination with talk therapy to optimize clinical outcomes. The current body of literature, to include several large case series, meta-analyses, and a sufficiently powered randomized controlled trial, were reviewed, and presented to describe the history of SGB for emotional trauma symptoms and address the objectives of this review. Critical consideration is given to the safety and efficacy data on SGB and the evolution in safety-related technologies. Advantages such as decreased barriers to care, rapid onset, and decreased dropout and limitations such as treatment non-response, potential adverse effects, and misconceptions about the treatment are then described. Finally, the cross-cultural application of SGB is explored based on the deployment of SGB in Israel. SGB is associated with level 1B evidence and a reassuring safety profile. Evolving the model of care through the combined use of effective biological treatments like SGB with trauma informed talk therapy offers a hopeful path forward for supporting those who suffer from post-traumatic stress.

The Chinese version of the multidimensional psychological flexibility inventory short form (MPFI-24): Assessment of psychometric properties using classical test theory and network analysis

The purpose of this study was to validate the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (C-MPFI-24) for use in China, taking into account cultural differences, using classical test theory and network analysis. Participants were Chinese university students, middle school students, university teachers, and medical professionals, totaling 3568 valid respondents from an initial pool of 3800. A retest was conducted one month later with 350 university students. The inventory was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, linear regression, and network analysis. Results showed that the two higher-order factors of the C-MPFI-24, psychological flexibility and inflexibility, fit well (χ2 = 1726.36, df = 239, CFI = 0.936, RMSEA = 0.067), with a significant negative correlation between them (−0.72). Correlation with related scales confirmed good convergent validity, and network analysis supported the robustness of the model. Linear regression indicated that the subscales of the C-MPFI-24 significantly explained variance in well-being and distress beyond that of the AAQ-II. The inventory demonstrated good reliability, test-retest stability, and measurement invariance across groups and genders, establishing its reliability and applicability for assessing psychological flexibility and inflexibility in a Chinese context. Further research is encouraged to examine its cross-cultural stability and applicability.

Cross-cultural application of the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC-CoDE): Cognitive phenotypes in people with temporal lobe epilepsy in India.

Efforts to understand the global variability in cognitive profiles in patients with epilepsy have been stymied by the lack of a standardized diagnostic system. This study examined the cross-cultural applicability of the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC-CoDE) in a cohort of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in India that was diverse in language, education, and cultural background. A cohort of 548 adults with TLE from Mumbai completed a presurgical comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. The IC-CoDE taxonomy was applied to derive cognitive phenotypes in the sample. Analyses of variance were conducted to examine differences in demographic and clinical characteristics across the phenotypes, and chi-squared tests were used to determine whether the phenotype distribution differed between the Mumbai sample and published data from a multicenter US sample. Using the IC-CoDE criteria, 47% of our cohort showed an intact cognitive profile, 31% a single-domain impairment, 16% a bidomain impairment, and 6% a generalized impairment profile. The distribution of cognitive phenotypes was similar between the Indian and US cohorts for the intact and bidomain phenotypes, but differed for the single and generalized domains. There was a larger proportion of patients with single-domain impairment in the Indian cohort and a larger proportion with generalized impairment in the US cohort. Among patients with single-domain impairment, a greater proportion exhibited memory impairment in the Indian cohort, whereas a greater proportion showed language impairment in the US sample, likely reflecting differences in language administration procedures and sample characteristics including a higher rate of mesial temporal sclerosis in the Indian sample. Our results demonstrate the applicability of IC-CoDE in a group of culturally and linguistically diverse patients from India. This approach enhances our understanding of cognitive variability across cultures and enables harmonized and inclusive research into the neuropsychological aspects of epilepsy.

Optimizing process-based therapy: A Boruta-driven approach to Identifying key clinical outcomes in a Swedish validation of the process-based assessment tool (PBAT)

BackgroundThe Process-Based Assessment Tool (PBAT), is an item pool showing promising results in assessing psychological processes of change relevant for both psychotherapy and research in its original English version. However, further research focusing on translation and validation in other languages is needed for broader applicability. This study aims to translate and validate the PBAT in Swedish, and to examine the relationship with common clinical outcome variables. MethodsThe PBAT and STOP-D were translated and culturally adapted to Swedish. The study included 427 Swedish-speaking participants recruited online, with a mean age of 48. The PHQ-4 and Single Item Stress Scale were used as criterion variables. Correlational analyses and the Boruta feature selection algorithm were employed for data analysis. ResultsThe translated PBAT demonstrated significant correlations with clinical outcomes, indicating its effectiveness in a Swedish context. Positive PBAT items correlated with higher vitality and health, while negative items were predictive of sadness, anxiety, and stress. The Boruta analysis highlighted the importance of specific PBAT items to different clinical outcomes, underscoring the tool's validity. ConclusionThe Swedish version of the PBAT shows strong validity and reliability in assessing psychological health. This study contributes to the cross-cultural applicability of the PBAT, offering a valuable tool for psychological assessment in the Swedish context.

Homeownership and household risky asset holdings: Moderating role of social security and the mediating role of subjective well-being

In the context of China's evolving urban landscape, this study examines the relationship between homeownership and the propensity for households to engage in risky financial investments, while considering the moderating role of social security and the mediating influence of subjective well-being. Leveraging data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) and employing quantitative analysis, the findings reveal that homeownership positively correlates with riskier investment behaviors, a relationship nuanced by social security provisions and mediated by the homeowners' sense of well-being. These insights challenge traditional financial behavior theories by highlighting the complex interplay of socio-economic factors and personal well-being in investment decisions, suggesting significant implications for policymakers and financial advisors. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating psychological and economic security in understanding financial behaviors, opening avenues for further research into the impact of technological advancements and cross-cultural applicability.

Development of an International Standard Set of Outcomes and Measurement Methods for Routine Practice for Adults with Epilepsy: The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Consensus Recommendations.

At present, there is no internationally accepted set of core outcomes or measurement methods for epilepsy clinical practice. Therefore, the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) convened an international working group of experts in epilepsy, people with epilepsy and their representatives to develop minimum sets of standardized outcomes and outcomes measurement methods for clinical practice that support patient-clinician decision-making and quality improvement. Consensus methods identified 20 core outcomes. Measurement tools were recommended based on their evidence of strong clinical measurement properties, feasibility, and cross-cultural applicability. The essential outcomes included many non-seizure outcomes: anxiety, depression, suicidality, memory and attention, sleep quality, functional status, and the social impact of epilepsy. The proposed set will facilitate the implementation of the use of patient-centered outcomes in daily practice, ensuring holistic care. They also encourage harmonization of outcome measurement, and if widely implemented should reduce the heterogeneity of outcome measurement, accelerate comparative research, and facilitate quality improvement efforts.

Investigating psychometric properties of short versions of the depressive experiences questionnaire: Findings from a representative large sample of Chinese adolescents

BackgroundAdolescence involves a period of swift change, including the development of personality vulnerabilities (i.e., dependency and self-criticism) that act as transdiagnostic factors to psychopathology. Over the past several decades, numerous short revisions have condensed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) into more efficient measures of personality vulnerability. Prior research has investigated the psychometric properties of the short DEQs in adult and clinical samples. However, there has been insufficient exploration within adolescents, who are in addition marked by fluctuating personality vulnerabilities. MethodA representative large sample of adolescents and emerging adults in China aged 10 to 25 (N = 23,953) was administered five short DEQs, including the Revised DEQ (RevDEQ), Reconstructed DEQ (RecDEQ), Theoretical DEQ-21/12 (TDEQ-21/12) and adolescent DEQ (DEQ-A). The data was evaluated for internal consistency and criterion-related validity, while factor structure and measurement invariances across gender and age groups were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A subset of the original sample (N = 2874) was retested after six months and analyzed for test-retest reliability and cross-time invariance. ResultCFA of the TDEQ-21/12 and RecDEQ supported the intended two-factor model. Good criterion-related validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability for these three versions were found. Satisfying measurement invariances across gender, time, and age groups were established. LimitationThe study's scope was confined to non-clinical adolescent populations within China, highlighting a gap in cross-cultural and clinical applicability. ConclusionThe present study supports the use of the TDEQ-21/12 and RecDEQ as valid and concise instruments for measuring Chinese adolescent personality vulnerability.