English-speaking Samples Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of a German Version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Short Form (ERQ-S)

Abstract: The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Short Form (ERQ-S) may offer a psychometrically sound and time-efficient alternative to the original ERQ. We analyzed data of 315 participants from the community, as well as of 153 patients (forensic inpatients, patients with schizophrenia, and patients with alcohol use disorder). Our results support the reliability, factorial validity, and concurrent validity of the ERQ-S. With an additional English-speaking sample, we found metric measurement invariance of the ERQ-S. This provides researchers in German-speaking countries with a new, more economical measure of emotion regulation.

A cross-cultural study of different facets of dissociation: Validity and relationship with childhood trauma

BackgroundDissociative symptoms are often conceptualized as a response to childhood trauma. However, most previous studies did not consider dissociation as a multidimensional phenomenon and only focused on English-speaking samples. ObjectivesTo establish the cross-cultural validity of dissociation and examine the relationship of childhood trauma with different specific dissociative symptoms across two different samples. Participants and settingData from two surveys were analyzed (N = 781 Chinese-speaking adults and N = 468 English-speaking adults). MethodsParticipants completed the Childhood Trauma Subsection of the Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey and the Multiscale Dissociation Inventory (MDI) in their respective languages. We first established the measurement invariance of the MDI across the samples. Then, we examined the correlations between childhood trauma and different dimensions of dissociation. ResultsThe six-factor structure of MDI achieved configural, metric and scalar invariance across the samples. In both samples, childhood trauma was significantly correlated with all facets of dissociation (rs = 0.227 to 0.450, p < .001), after controlling for age and gender. While depersonalization (r = 0.450) had the strongest correlation with childhood trauma in the Chinese-speaking sample, memory disturbance (r = 0.333) had the strongest correlation with childhood trauma in the English-speaking sample. ConclusionsDissociation is a valid, multidimensional construct associated with childhood trauma across cultures. Yet, social and cultural factors might influence this relationship. Further studies on the complex relationship between childhood trauma and different specific dissociative symptoms, as well as possible moderators, are needed.

Load reduction instruction: Exploring its applicability in a Chinese-speaking secondary school context

Load Reduction Instruction (LRI) is an instructional framework aimed at managing cognitive demands of learning. This study explored the applicability of LRI beyond English-language contexts in a Chinese-language sample of 1,166 secondary school students from 60 classrooms in Taiwan. Findings supported the viability of LRI and its component factors, correlations with engagement and achievement, and measurement invariance with an English-speaking sample. LRI thus appears to be an appropriate framework for considering instruction that seeks to ease cognitive burden on students in a Chinese-speaking educational context. Contributions and implications for future practice and research are discussed.

People’s beliefs about pronouns reflect both the language they speak and their ideologies.

People’s beliefs about pronouns reflect both the language they speak and their ideologies.

Validation of the Spanish version of the body image acceptance and action questionnaire (BI-AAQ-Spanish): Measurement invariance across cultures

The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ) and its recently developed 5-item version, the BI-AAQ-5. The BI-AAQ measures psychological flexibility/inflexibility regarding body image. A sample of Spanish adults (n = 938) completed the BI-AAQ and a battery of measures (including body mass index, psychological flexibility, exposure to and internalization of sociocultural body image expectations, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder symptoms). Measurement invariance was tested against a U.S. American adult sample (n = 866) that completed the English version of the BI-AAQ. The unidimensional factor structure of the BI-AAQ and BI-AAQ-5 was replicated in both samples using confirmatory factor analysis, with model fit indexes ranging from adequate (e.g., CFI = 0.95) to excellent (e.g., CFI = 0.99). Internal consistency was good for both instruments across samples (α = 0.90 to 0.97). Measurement invariance analyses confirmed full configural and metric invariance and scalar partial invariance. The Spanish BI-AAQ and BI-AAQ-5 showed clear evidence of convergent and incremental construct validity. Both instruments’ scores correlated substantively with theoretically related variables. In addition, the results of a conditional process analysis showed that body-image psychological flexibility measured with either instrument moderated the mediated effect of pressure to conform to cultural ideals of body image on disordered eating through internalization of body image ideals and body dissatisfaction. We concluded both instruments are likely suitable for conducting cross-cultural research with Spanish and English-speaking samples.

Investigating the interplay between gaming disorder and functional impairments in professional esports gaming

The relationship between Gaming Disorder (GD) and the experience of functional impairments has received considerable theoretical attention in the recent past and current diagnostic approaches underscore the centrality of functional impairments as a requirement for GD diagnosis. However, there is limited empirical evidence illuminating the interplay between GD and functional impairments, particularly among specific vulnerable groups. The present study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating an English-speaking sample (N = 5198) comprising an age- and gender-matched group of Professional Gamers (PG, n = 2599) and Non-Professional Gamers (NPG, n = 2599) sub-sampled from a larger sample of 192,260 individuals. The results revealed that PG were at a greater risk for GD compared to NPG as the prevalence rate of GD among PG (3.31%) was significantly higher and almost doubled that of NPG (1.73%), with PG further exhibiting higher overall GD symptom-load and weekly time spent gaming compared to NPG. Furthermore, PG reported experiencing significantly higher frequency of gaming-related functional impairments compared to NPG, with the in particular affected areas for both PG and NPG being ‘school and/or work’, ‘physical health’, and ‘family’, with other key differences emerging in relation to other outcomes. Overall, the present findings show that not only GD symptom-load but also some functional impairment is higher in PG compared to NPG which highlights the need to develop and support prevention and intervention strategies for this at-risk population.

Initial psychometric evaluation and cross-cultural generalization of the Resilience Evaluation Scale (RES) in college students

The Resilience Evaluation Scale (RES) is a newly developed measure of resilience written in both English and Dutch languages. To date, there have not been comprehensive psychometric evaluations of the RES’ performance, including validity for use in non-Western cultural populations and languages. In our attempt to address this void, we conducted a psychometric evaluation of the RES utilizing a Western, sample of U.S. college students and non-Western sample of Chinese college students. Our psychometric evaluation of the RES in a Western, English-speaking sample of U.S. college students indicated mixed results on the construct validity of the RES for measuring resilience. We also found that the factor structure of the RES lacked configural invariance across U.S. college student and Chinese college student samples. Results suggested that additional research is needed to assess whether the RES appropriately measures internal factors of resilience or requires modification. We also highlight the need for continued development of cross-culturally valid measures, and possibly different conceptualizations, of resilience across cultural and linguistic groups.

Measures of performance validity for Hispanic/Latin American adults: A PRISMA systematic review.

Use of performance validity tests (PVTs) to assess suboptimal performance has become a recommended feature in neuropsychological evaluations. However, most of the literature has examined the utility of PVTs in primarily non-Hispanic White, monolingual English-speaking samples. Given the continual growth of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations, especially Hispanic/Latin Americans (H/Ls), it is necessary to provide an updated review on the available literature involving the use of PVTs in H/L adults. We conducted a systematic review that examined the available literature surrounding use of performance validity measures in H/L adults. This review identified evidence for the utility of PVTs in assessing invalid performance in H/Ls and compiled psychometric properties related to these measures, specifically rates of specificity and sensitivity when available. We identified six standalone and four embedded performance validity measures that have been examined in H/Ls. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) was identified as the PVT most studied in various H/L heritage groups. Across the studies reviewed, adjustments to cutoff scores are generally recommended for the majority of PVTs discussed. Within H/Ls, specificity rates tend to be bolstered when sociocultural factors, like education, are considered. Recommended cutoff scores across the different PVTs reviewed are not typically suitable for use in heritage groups of H/L adults, especially in groups that include adults with lower levels of education and literacy. Therefore, education may need to be considered when applying cutoffs to these populations.

Validation of the Italian version of the Dark Tetrad at Work scale.

This study presents and validates the Italian adaptation of the Dark Tetrad at Work (DTW) scale, an instrument for assessing four socially aversive personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) in the context of the workplace. A total of 300 Italian-speaking participants (50% female, M age = 32 years ± 9.2) and 253 English-speaking participants (38% female, M age = 39 years ± 12.1) were recruited via an online survey platform. The Italian-speaking sample was used to test the factorial structure, reliability and criterion-related validity of the Italian version of the DTW, whereas the English-speaking sample was used to test cross-language measurement invariance. Results from confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original four-factor model provided the best fit to the data. The Italian DTW scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with reliability coefficients of ω = .77 for narcissism, ω = .80 for Machiavellianism, and ω = .81 for both psychopathy and sadism. Concurrent associations between the DTW scales and negative and positive workplace outcomes supported the criterion validity of the scale. Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism positively correlated with counterproductive work behaviors and workplace bullying, and negatively with organizational citizenship behaviors and affective organizational commitment. In contrast, narcissism exhibited a unique pattern: It correlated positively with positive workplace behaviors and negatively with counterproductive behaviors toward the organization, but it was also found to be a significant predictor of workplace bullying. This finding may reflect multidimensional nature of narcissism, but a note of caution is warranted in interpreting this result, as all measurements relied on self-report instruments, introducing the possibility of socially desirable associations influencing the outcomes. Finally, the comparison with the English sample established configural, full metric and partial scale invariance, allowing for valid cross-language comparisons between Italian and English-speaking populations in the future. Preliminary Italian normative data were provided to offer a benchmark for the interpretation of DTW values. This study provides a reliable and valid instrument tailored to the Italian workforce, enhancing our understanding of dark personality traits within organizational contexts and providing organizations with an effective means to address and manage dark personality traits for a healthier workplace culture.

Development of a novel tool to investigate human laughter behaviour and experience

We present a questionnaire exploring everyday laughter experience. We developed a 30-item questionnaire in English and collected data on an English-speaking sample (N = 823). Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we identified four dimensions which accounted for variations in people’s experiences of laughter: laughter frequency (‘Frequency’), social usage of laughter (‘Usage’), understanding of other people’s laughter (‘Understanding’), and feelings towards laughter (‘Liking’). Reliability and validity of the LPPQ were assessed. To explore potential similarities and differences based on culture and language, we collected data with Mandarin Chinese-speaking population (N = 574). A PCA suggested the extraction of the same four dimensions, with some item differences between English and Chinese versions. The Laughter Production and Perception Questionnaire (LPPQ) will advance research into the experience of human laughter, which has a potentially crucial role in everyday life.

German translation of the Four-Item Mentalising Index (FIMI-G)

Mentalising can be defined as the social-cognitive ability to understand and infer the mental non-emotional states of oneself and others. Recently, the Four-Item Mentalising Index (FIMI), a self-report scale, was developed to efficiently measure mentalising ability in English-speaking samples. This study presents a German translation of the FIMI—namely, the Four-Item Mentalising Index-German (FIMI-G). To assess the usefulness of the translation, initial evidence for the psychometric properties of the FIMI-G was gathered in a German-speaking sample from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland (N = 283). As expected, the corrected item-total correlations, the confirmatory factor analysis, and the inner consistency estimation indicated a homogenous, unidimensional measure which corresponds to the English original. In addition, the FIMI-G scores were related to the validation criteria as expected. Socially desirable responding did not undermine the validity. It is concluded that the German FIMI translation is a useful measure.

Assessing pragmatic language difficulties using the Revised Children's Communication Checklist-2. Exploratory structural equation modeling and associations with restricted and repetitive behaviors.

In this paper, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Child Communication Checklist-Revised (CCC-R) for the first time with an English-speaking sample. We used a confirmatory application of exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to re-evaluate the CCC-R's psychometric properties. We found strong support for its use as an assessment for pragmatic and structural language. Our second main aim was to explore associations between pragmatic and structural language and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs), two hallmark characteristics of autism. We used the CCC-R and Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire (RBQ-2) to investigate these associations in a diverse non-clinical sample of children, taking a transdiagnostic approach. We intentionally excluded autism and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses to test, (1) the CCC-R in a broad sample and (2) the association between pragmatic language and RRB in children not already selected for that association. The sample comprised two groups of children, one was community sampled (n = 123) and the other (n = 143) included children with non-specific behavioral, emotional and/or cognitive difficulties referred to an assessment unit by schools. We found clear associations between pragmatic language difficulties and RRBs in both groups. Regression analysis showed that pragmatic language was the only significant contributor to RRBs even after Grammatical-Semantic score, age, sex, and socioeconomic status were controlled. The pattern was the same for both recruitment groups. However, the effects were stronger for the school-referred group which also had more pragmatic difficulties, grammatical-semantic difficulties and RRBs. A robust link between pragmatic language and RRBs, established in autism, has continuity across the broader non-clinical population.

Psychometric analysis of the German version of the management standards indicator tool (MSIT-D)

PurposeThis study aims to develop a reliable and valid German/Deutsch version of the management standards indicator tool (MSIT-D) to broaden the pool of instruments available to practitioners and to support international collaborations regarding this workplace management issue.Design/methodology/approachThe MSIT-D was translated from English to German, then its psychometric properties examined using data from British employees (n = 321) and German employees (n = 358). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were used to evaluate the internal structure and measurement invariance, and Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Comparisons were made with the German language risk assessment tool Fragebogen zur Gefährdungsbeurteilung psychischer Belastungen (FGBU) to examine concurrent and incremental validity. Criterion validity was checked using established measures of work-related health.FindingsThe MSIT-D has an equivalent seven-factor structure (demands, control, managerial support, peer support, relationships, role and change) as the original; the analyses confirmed configural and metric measurement invariance with the original scale. The internal consistency of the scales ranged from 0.82 to 0.91. Regarding criterion validity, the MSIT-D was positively correlated with emotional exhaustion and psychosomatic complaints and negatively correlated with work engagement and workability. The analyses yielded meaningful correlations between the MSIT-D dimensions and the FGBU.Originality/valueThis is the first study to develop a German version of the MSIT and confirm metric measurement invariance. This will allow a comparison of MSIT scores with related constructs between German- and English-speaking samples. As a reliable and valid instrument for assessing work-related stressors, the outcome of this study presents opportunities for developing a unified surveillance system for work-related stress at the European level.

The breadth of animacy in memory: New evidence from prospective memory

Studies using retrospective memory tasks have revealed that animates/living beings are better remembered than are inanimates/nonliving things (the animacy effect). However, considering that memory is foremost future oriented, we hypothesized that the animacy effect would also occur in prospective memory (i.e., memory for future intentions). Using standard prospective memory (PM) procedures, we explored this hypothesis by manipulating the animacy status of the PM targets. Study 1a reports data collected from an American sample; these results were then replicated with a Portuguese sample (Study 1b). Study 2 employed a new procedure, and data were collected from a broader English-speaking sample. In these three studies, animate (vs. inanimate) targets consistently led to a better PM performance, revealing, for the first time, that the animacy advantage extends to PM. These results strengthen the adaptive approach to memory and stress the need to consider animacy as an important variable in memory studies.

Mandarin Chinese translation of the Artificial-Social-Agent questionnaire instrument for evaluating human-agent interaction

The Artificial-Social-Agent (ASA) questionnaire is an instrument for evaluating human-ASA interaction. It consists of 19 constructs and related dimensions measured by either 24 questionnaire items (short version) or 90 questionnaire items (long version). The questionnaire was built and validated by a research community effort to make evaluation results more comparable between agents and findings more generalizable. The current questionnaire is in English, which limits its use to only a population with an adequate command of the English language. Translating the questionnaire into more languages allows for the inclusion of other populations and the possibility of comparing them. Therefore, this paper presents a Mandarin Chinese translation of the questionnaire. After three construction cycles that included forward and backward translation, we gave both the final version of the translated and original English questionnaire to 242 bilingual crowd-workers to evaluate 14 ASAs. Results show on average a good level of correlation on the construct/dimension level (ICC M = 0.79, SD = 0.09, range [0.61, 0.95]) and on the item level (ICC M = 0.62, SD = 0.14, range [0.19, 0.92]) between the two languages for the long version, and for the short version (ICC M = 0.66, SD = 0.12, range [0.41, 0.92]). The analysis also established correction values for converting questionnaire item scores between Chinese and English questionnaires. Moreover, we also found systematic differences in English questionnaire scores between the bilingual sample and a previously collected mixed-international English-speaking sample. We hope this and the Chinese questionnaire translation will motivate researchers to study human-ASA interaction among a Chinese literate population and to study cultural similarities and differences in this area.

Secret-keeping in therapy by clients who are sexually attracted to children

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the reasons why pedohebephilic clients disclose their sexual attraction to children in therapy and the experiences associated with this decision among English-speaking samples. Method: The pre-registered online survey combined (1) quantitative correlational data of self-reported improvement, alliance, therapist reaction to disclosure, and the belief that mandatory reporting laws were in place, and (2) qualitative data about reasons for disclosure or no disclosure as well as perceived consequences. The sample consisted of pedohebephilic people who have been clients in therapy and have disclosed (n = 96) or not disclosed (n = 40). Results: While the disclosure and no disclosure groups did not differ in improvement or beliefs about mandatory reporting, those who had disclosed reported a stronger alliance. Clients who did not perceive the therapist’s reaction as supportive reported less improvement than the no disclosure group. Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified three themes concerning motives for disclosing or not disclosing and a fourth regarding differential impacts of disclosure. Discussion: This study indicates that disclosing pedohebephilia does not in and of itself lead to improvement but is contingent on a therapist’s reaction.

Beyond Social Class – Psychometric Properties of the Spanish-Language Version of the Personal Relative Deprivation Scale and Its Associations With Intra- and Interpersonal Outcomes

Abstract: The Personal Relative Deprivation Scale (PRDS; Callan et al., 2008 , 2011 ) captures feelings of dissatisfaction and resentment deriving from the judgment that one is deprived of personally relevant outcomes compared to what other (similar) individuals have. Despite its good psychometric properties in Western English-speaking samples, recent investigations on the generalization of the PRDS to other cultural contexts have shown inconsistencies in reproducing the unidimensional latent structure and high internal consistency of its scores. Using expert evaluations and empirical data from seven community samples ( NTOTAL = 1,985), this multi-study investigation developed and validated the Spanish-language version of the PRDS (SP-PRDS). Our instrument first demonstrated robust unidimensionality, invariance across gender and age groups, and high internal and temporal consistency. Furthermore, our investigation found that this measure exhibits a coherent network of correlates with intra- and interpersonal psychological outcomes. SP-PRDS scores were connected with reduced subjective and psychological well-being. They were also more strongly related to broader affective manifestations (high envy, anger, and hostility) than to more concrete behaviors (physical/verbal aggression, prosocial behaviors, and online trolling). Notably, these associations were independent of individuals’ social class. The SP-PRDS represents a promising tool for measuring PRD in Spain and, potentially, in other Spanish-speaking populations worldwide.

Intersex people’s experiences of medical interventions, sex education, and physical intimacy

ABSTRACT The study reported in this paper explores the experiences of 95 people with intersex variations constituting an international English-speaking sample who completed a mixed methods survey comprises questions designed by the authors to explore 1) genital variations and medical interventions (and pressures to undertake them), 2) experiences with sex education, and 3) experience of physical intimacy, including use of safer sex devices and sexually transmitted infections. Surgeries on minors were common and typically not consensual, often resulting in the need for revisions. Pressures for surgeries most commonly were made by doctors. Experiences of sex education often failed to be inclusive of intersex bodies, with information about menstruation and hygiene rarely provided, and many participants having to learn on their own. Participants had a diversity of experiences of physical intimacy beyond penetration. For those who had experienced penetration, vaginal intercourse was enjoyable for some, but many found it painful. Conversely, anal intercourse was enjoyed by many and rarely found to be painful. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of an intersex-specific approach to sexual health for this population.

Development of a clinical questionnaire to support contraception decisions in an adolescent reproductive health clinic in Colorado.

Adolescents need support to make informed decisions about contraception. Few clinical questionnaires exist to help adolescents and their healthcare providers align contraception decisions with patient needs and preferences. Our mixed-methods study involved a convenience sample of English-speaking, female patients aged 13-19 seeking contraception services at an adolescent reproductive health clinic in Colorado, USA. Qualitative interviews informed development of clinical questionnaire items. The questionnaire elicited demographic characteristics, pregnancy and contraception use history, preferred contraception attributes, peer and family involvement, healthcare information and support needs, motivations for contraceptive use, and barriers to contraceptive services. We identified key decision-making factors and reduced the number of questionnaire items through principal components analysis. Using multivariable analyses, we examined the correlation between questionnaire responses and current contraceptive method. Twenty individuals participated in interviews and 373 individuals completed the preliminary questionnaire with 63 candidate items. We identified five contraceptive decision-making factors: side-effect avoidance (eight items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.84), preferred method attributes (six items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.67), parental involvement (three items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.67), life goals prior to parenting (four items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.88), and access to a contraceptive provider (two items, Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and nine stand-alone items. In multivariable analyses, we found that questionnaire responses for decision-making factors varied among participants using different contraceptive methods. Multiple priorities may influence adolescent contraceptive decisions. This clinical questionnaire can elicit these priorities before or during a healthcare encounter. Future studies should assess generalizability of the questionnaire and examine impact on method choice, continuation, satisfaction, and reproductive health outcomes.

Cross-National Generalizability of WISC-V and CHC Broad Ability Constructs across France, Spain, and the US.

The Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model is based on psychometric cognitive ability research and is the most empirically supported model of cognitive ability constructs. This study is one in a series of cross-national comparisons investigating the equivalence and generalizability of psychological constructs which align with the CHC model. Previous research exploring the cross-cultural generalizability of cognitive ability measures concluded that the factor analytic models of cognitive abilities generalize across cultures and are compatible with well-established CHC constructs. The equivalence of the psychological constructs, as measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V), has been established across English-speaking samples. However, few studies have explored the equivalence of psychological constructs across non-English speaking, nationally representative samples. This study explored the equivalence of the WISC-V five-factor model across standardization samples from France, Spain, and the US. The five-factor scoring model demonstrated excellent fit across the three samples independently. Factorial invariance was investigated and the results demonstrated strict factorial invariance across France, Spain, and the US. The results provide further support for the generalizability of CHC constructs across Western cultural populations that speak different languages and support the continued use and development of the CHC model as a common nomenclature and blueprint for cognitive ability researchers and test developers. Suggestions for future research on the CHC model of intelligence are discussed.