Internal Reliability Estimates Research Articles

A proof-of-concept study testing the factor structure of the Stop Signal Task: overlap with substance use and mental health symptoms

ABSTRACT Background: Research utilizing experimental tasks usually does not report estimates of internal reliability of measurement. However, modern measurement theories conceptualize reliability as sample dependent indicating that reliability should be empirically demonstrated in the samples used to make inferences. Objectives: Test whether confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) estimates of reliability can be applied to a commonly used task measuring response inhibition (the Stop Signal Task) to predict substance use (alcohol and cannabis) and mental health symptoms. Methods: Thirty-seven participants between the ages of 18–20 (72% female; 16% Asian, 3% Native American, 11% Black or African American, 59% White; 32% Latino/a/x) were recruited via social media advertisement and attended a laboratory visit. The Stop Signal Reaction Time (SSRT) was calculated as the outcome for three experimental blocks and used as indicators in a CFA. Results: CFA suggests the task yields reliable scores; factor loadings were statistically significant (p < .05) and substantial (standardized loadings ranged from .74 to .94). However, reliability increased across experimental blocks and error was non-trivial (ranging from 50% to 12% of the variance). The inhibition factor predicted higher maximum number of drinks consumed (β = .37, p < .05), higher frequency of cannabis use (β = .39, p < .05), and more cannabis use occasions within using days (β = .40, p < .05), as well as facets of mental health (anxious/depression, attention, and anxiety problems; all p’s < .05). Conclusion: Results support the utility of CFA to test for reliability of measurement, with the ability to inhibit dominant responses serving as a transdiagnostic correlate of substance use and mental health problems.

Validation of the Ukrainian caregiver-report version of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) in children and adolescents in Ukraine.

Emerging research indicates that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to an increased prevalence of war-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. The current study sought to test the psychometric properties of a Ukrainian-translated measure of PTSD for children and adolescents; the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS; Sachser et al., 2017). Participants were an opportunistic sample of N = 2,004 parents living in Ukraine who provided data on themselves and one target child in their household as part of The Mental Health of Parents and Children in Ukraine Study. The latent structure of the parent-reported CATS was tested using confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability estimates were estimated, and criterion validity was assessed. The latent structure of the parent-reported CATS was best reflected by a three-factor model and a four-factor model in the preschool and child and adolescent samples, respectively. Estimates of internal reliability were high for both samples. Criterion validity was supported through associations with external measures of internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems. Parent-report child milestone development delays and prior psychological or pharmacological support were associated with higher average scores on the CATS symptom scales. The prevalence of probable PTSD for the preschool sample was 15.4% (n = 77) and the prevalence of probable PTSD for the child and adolescent sample was 14.4% (n = 217). This study supports the psychometric properties of the Ukrainian parent-reported CATS which can be used routinely in clinical practice for the caregiver-rated assessment of PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD): Further validation of the parent-report version in a nationally representative U.S. sample of 10- to 17-year-olds.

The Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD; Salekin & Hare, 2016) is a new self-report and informant measure designed to assess psychopathic characteristic domains along with symptoms of conduct disorder in youth. Previous factor analytic studies on the PSCD have found that the items are accounted for by a four-factor model reflecting grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, daring-impulsive, and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms. The present study examined the factor structure, psychometric properties, and criterion-related validity of the parent-report version of the PSCD (PSCD-P) in a nationally representative U.S. sample of children and adolescents (N = 1,091, Mage = 13.39, SD = 2.20, range age = 10-17; 50.0% boys, 76% White). Confirmatory factor analyses for the full (24-item) and a shortened (13-item) PSCD-P revealed good internal reliability estimates and support for the four-factor model (grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, daring-impulsive, CD). Results also provided evidence for (a) measurement invariance of the PSCD-P items across sex, race/ethnicity, and age of the child; (b) convergent validity with CD/oppositional defiant disorder symptoms and discriminant validity with a measure of neuroticism; and (c) criterion-related validity with respect to prosociality, peer and family functioning, reactive and proactive aggression, delinquency, academic performance, and substance use. The prevalence for psychopathic personality propensity was found to be 2%. We discuss clinical and research implications regarding the use of the parent-report version of the PSCD for school-aged children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Validation of the Danish Translation of the Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) and Possible Impact of Setting, Dose and Intention

ABSTRACT Research suggests positive changes in both well-being and psychiatric symptoms following a psychedelic experience. One explanation may be the ability of psychedelic compounds to occasion mystical-type experiences. The Revised Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30) is designed to assess the intensity and quality of such experiences. We examined the validity, reliability, and factor structure of a Danish translation of the MEQ30 in one sample of healthy volunteers receiving psilocybin in a laboratory setting (N = 47) and two samples of recreative users of psychedelics, in which MEQ30 was reported retrospectively through an online survey based on their most recent experience with psilocybin (N = 834) or their most memorable experience with any psychedelic (N = 500). We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the previously suggested factor structures, calculated alpha and omega, and tested the associations between MEQ30 total score and setting, intention and dose. We found excellent internal reliability estimates across all samples, and confirmatory factor analysis showed that a four-factor structure, had the best, fair fit to the data. We further found that the MEQ30 total score was correlated with dose and a spiritual/religious intention, but not with setting. The Danish MEQ30 seems to be a valid tool for accessing mystical-type experiences among Danish-speaking individuals.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies questionnaire in French

Background: The Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies questionnaire (K-REC) stands out as one of the only quick, easy to administer, valid and reliable tests to measure respondents’ actual evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge. Such reliable and valid tools to assess actual EBP knowledge do not exist in French. Objective: The purpose of this study is to translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate the K-REC questionnaire to assess EBP knowledge in French languages. Methods: A committee of experts followed the five-step adaptation and validation process recommended in the guidelines to translate the K-REC from English to French. A preliminary psychometric test was conducted among 21 French physiotherapists (PT). Results: The respondents rated the instrument as being very clear (99% of the ratings). Members of the expert panel were in perfect agreement (Cohen’s kappa inter-rater coefficient equal to 1) in judging the instrument to be content valid (S-CVI/Ave = 1.00). Conclusion: The K-REC has been successfully adapted and validated in French. Pilot testing provided a preliminary description of internal reliability estimates and respondents’ scores. More complete descriptions of EBP among French health professions will be possible with this new instrument and contribute to the refinement of EBP training programs.

An Assessment of the Internal Structure of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Using Two Samples of High-Risk Adolescents

The purpose of this study is to test the internal structure of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment, a widely used assessment of behavioral health difficulties among youth. The dimensionality and internal consistency of the CANS was examined using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s coefficients. Data were drawn from two separate samples of adolescents (ages 11–17) who completed the CANS as part of a community-based intervention program. The use of two separate samples facilitated assessments of measurement invariance (Sample 1, n = 120; Sample 2, n = 170). Results did not provide strong support for the internal structure of the CANS. Item performance (i.e., standardized factor loadings), explained factor variance (R2), and internal reliability estimates (α) were inconsistent across CANS domains and samples. The implications of these findings for continued use of the CANS domains in jurisdictions across the country are discussed and key areas for future research are outlined.

Development of Adolescent Strengths Use Scale for Turkish adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to develop and validate a new measure- the Adolescent Strengths Use Scale- to assess school-based strength use among Turkish adolescents. Method The study group consisted 1209 Turkish students in grades 7–12. A 12-item pool was initially created in light of the relevant literature and content analysis of open-ended questions asked to the relevant stakeholders including students, parents, teachers and psychological counsellors. Then, 16 experts evaluated the items in terms of their scope, conformity with language, and compliance with measurement and evaluation principles. The expert evaluation resulted in 7 remaining items which were subsequently tested with a pilot study (n = 103 students). Results Exploratory factor analysis (n = 596 students) yielded a single factor structure that explained 49.4% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 376) provided a good model fit to the data: X 2/df = 2.52, p < .001, TLI = 0.96, CFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.97, and RMSEA = 0.06. Regarding criterion validity, the scale had a significant positive correlation with student subjective well-being and prosociality while it had negative significant correlations with symptoms of internalising and externalising behaviours. Furthermore, the scale produced strong internal reliability estimates (α = 0,82, Ω = 0,83).The test-retest result was also sufficient (r = 0,88). Conclusions The results suggest that the newly developed scale can be used as a reliable and valid assessment tool to measure adolescents’ strength use in school settings.

Abstract 16663: Psychometric Summary of the Heart Failure Symptom Survey

Introduction: The Heart Failure Symptom Survey (HFSS) was adapted from the Cardiac Symptom Survey to measure common symptoms experienced by heart failure (HF) patients. The HFSS assesses four components (frequency, severity, interference with physical activity and enjoyment of life) for 14 symptoms including shortness of breath at rest, with activity or when lying down or during the night; extremities swelling; bloating; fatigue; chest pressure; irregular heartbeat; worsening cough; dizziness; difficulty sleeping; forgetfulness; and feeling down. To date the formal psychometric analysis and validation of the HFSS has not been published. Hypothesis: Determine reliability and validity of the HFSS using baseline data from multiple HF studies. Methods: Data were merged from several HF studies from four research universities. The HFSS items were summed to compute scores for symptom frequency, severity, interference with physical activity, interference with enjoyment of life, and a total score of all 4 components. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha for reliability as well as computing the number of factors from exploratory factor analysis Scree test. Initial external validity was explored by comparing New York Heart Association (NYHA) class to the four component and overall total scores. Results: For the 623 patients in the merged dataset, ages ranged from 22 to 99 with a mean of 65.0 +/- 13.8; 61.0% were male; 69.0% were White, 28.9% were African American; 88.4% had reduced ejection fraction &amp;lt=40%; 41.0% were NYHA class II and 33.3% were class III. Internal reliability estimates for each component were: frequency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.892), severity (alpha=0.913), interference with physical activity (alpha=0.915), and interference with enjoyment of life (alpha=0.921) and overall total (alpha=0.976). For each component and the total scale, a single factor was indicated by the Scree test. The four component and total scores were all correlated moderately with NYHA class (Spearman’s rho, 0.337 to 0.352). Conclusions: The HFSS showed high reliability across multiple HF samples and positive association with NYHA class reflecting validity in relation to heart failure clinical severity useful for tailoring symptom management.

The International Grief Questionnaire (IGQ): A new measure of ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder.

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is included in the 11th version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). This study sought to test the validity and reliability of a new brief measure to screen for ICD-11 PGD-the International Grief Questionnaire (IGQ). The psychometric properties of the IGQ were tested using data collected from two bereaved samples of adults from the United Kingdom (n = 1,012) and Ireland (n = 1,011). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that a correlated two-factor model best captured the latent dimensionality of the IGQ in both samples. Estimates of internal reliability were high, whereas the convergent and concurrent validity of the scale were supported through strong associations with external measures. Measurement invariance and differential item functioning testing showed no statistically significant difference in the latent structure of the IGQ nor the functioning of the IGQ items by age, sex, and nationality. For participants who were bereaved for more than 6 months, the rates of probable PGD derived from the IGQ were 10.9% and 15.3% for the Irish and U.K. samples, respectively. The IGQ is a brief, easy-to-use, self-report screening measure that captures all diagnostic criteria of PGD set forth in the ICD-11. Findings from this study provide initial support for the validity, measurement invariance, and reliability of the IGQ among two national samples.

Reliability (or lack thereof) of smartphone ecological momentary assessment of visual dot probe attention bias toward threat indices

Background and objectivesCognitive bias theories posit that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are entwined with attention bias toward threats, commonly indexed by faster response time (RT) on threat-congruent (vs. threat-incongruent) trials on the visual dot probe. Moreover, although smartphone ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of the visual dot probe has been developed, their psychometric properties are understudied. This study thus aimed to assess the reliability of 8 smartphone-delivered visual dot probe attention bias and related indices in persons with and without GAD and SAD. MethodsCommunity-dwelling adults (n = 819; GAD: 64%; SAD: 49%; Mixed GAD and SAD: 37%; Non-GAD/SAD Controls: 24%) completed a five-trial smartphone-delivered visual dot probe for a median of 60 trials (12 sessions x 5 trials/session) and an average of 100 trials (20 sessions x 5 trials/session). ResultsAs hypothesized, Global Attention Bias Index, Disengagement Effect, and Facilitation Bias had low-reliability estimates. However, retest-reliability and internal reliability were good for Trial-Level Bias Scores (TLBS) (Bias Toward Treat: intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) = 0.626–0.644; split-half r = 0.640–0.670; Attention Bias Variability: ICCs = 0.507–0.567; split-half r = 0.520–0.580) and (In)congruent RTs. Poor retest-reliability and internal reliability estimates were consistently observed for all traditional attention bias and related indices but not TLBS. LimitationsOur visual dot probe EMA should have administered ≥320 trials to match best-practice guidelines based on similar laboratory studies. ConclusionsFuture research should strive to examine attention bias paradigms beyond the dot-probe task that evidenced meaningful test-retest reliability properties in laboratory and real-world naturalistic settings.

Embracing life's challenges: Developing a tool for assessing resilient mindset in second wave positive Psychology

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the Resilient Mindset Scale (RMS), a brief tool designed to measure resilient mindset among Turkish individuals. Additionally, the study aims to explore the relationship between resilient mindset and mental well-being among adolescents and young adults, providing further evidence in this domain. The exploratory factor analysis, conducted with a sample of 327 participants, revealed that the RMS has a unidimensional structure consisting of six items that effectively measure core indicators of a resilient mindset. Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis, conducted with a sample of 338 participants, confirmed the one-factor structure, demonstrating a good-data model fit with strong factor loadings and internal reliability estimates. Further analyses demonstrated moderate to strong correlations between resilient mindset and mental well-being indicators. Moreover, the latent variables path model revealed that the measurement model had a moderate to strong predictive effect on positive academic functioning, psychological well-being, and psychological distress. These findings establish the psychometric reliability and validity of the RMS as a measurement tool for assessing a resilient mindset among adolescents and young adults. Mental health providers can integrate the concept of a resilient mindset into therapeutic approaches and interventions to foster resilience and enhance mental well-being.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) in a sample of community adults

BackgroundThere is a growing attention on intuitive eating (IE) styles in the Western world that has not yet reached Arab countries, which is likely due to the lack of psychometrically sound measures of the IE construct for Arabic-speaking people. The current study aims to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the most widely used measure of IE—the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), in an Arabic-speaking community population from Lebanon.MethodsTwo samples of Arabic-speaking community adults from Lebanon (sample 1: n = 359, 59.9% females, age 22.75 ± 7.04 years; sample 2: n = 444, 72.7% females, age 27.25 ± 9.53 years) were recruited through online convenience sampling. The translation and back-translation method was applied to the IES-2 for linguistic validation. Factorial validity was investigated using an Exploratory Factor Analysis & Confirmatory Factor Analysis strategy. Composite reliability and sex invariance were examined. We also tested convergent and criterion-related validity through correlations with other theoretically plausible constructs.ResultsNine out of the original 23 items were removed because they either loaded below 0.40 and/or cross-loaded too highly on multiple factors. This resulted in four domains (Unconditional Permission to Eat, Eating for Physical Rather than Emotional Reasons, Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cues, and Body-Food Choice Congruence) and 14 items retained. Internal reliability estimates were excellent, with McDonald’s ω values ranging from 0.828 to 0.923 for the four factors. Multigroup analysis established configural, thresholds, metric, scalar, strict invariance across gender. Finally, higher IES-2 total scores were significantly correlated with lower body dissatisfaction scores and more positive eating attitudes, thus attesting to convergent and criterion-related validity of the scale.ConclusionsThe current findings provide preliminary evidence for the appropriate psychometric qualities of the Arabic 14-item, four-factor structure IES-2; thereby supporting its use at least among Arabic-speaking community adults.

Coping with COVID-19: Measuring self-efficacy, collective efficacy and proxy efficacy beliefs

Investigating efficacy beliefs for coping with COVID-19 can be helpful when proposing interventions that contribute to mitigate the disease. Six scales of efficacy beliefs for coping with COVID-19 were built: self-efficacy; family and community collective efficacy; and proxy efficacy to the municipal, state and federal governments. To obtain evidence of validity based on the internal structure and reliability estimates of these measures, 518 participants completed an online form. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that all scales had a unidimensional structure. Cronbach's alphas ranged from .819 to .968. Although positive correlations predominated between the scores of the six scales, the magnitudes were, in general, weak or moderate, showing that they were distinct constructs. These scores differed from each other, with levels of efficacy decreasing as individual control over the actions necessary to mitigate COVID-19 decreased. Thus, the six scales initially presented satisfactory psychometric properties. Study-related limitations, implications and recommendations are also presented.

Questionário de Adaptação ao Ensino Superior Remoto: Adaptação e Estudo Psicométrico com Universitários

Abstract Due to the need to understand the academic adaptation in the temporary transition from the in-person to the virtual modality, the general objective of this research is to adapt the Academic Adaptation to Higher Education Questionnaire for remote teaching. The specific objectives are to investigate their evidence of content validity and internal structure-based validity and reliability estimates. The questionnaire was adapted for remote teaching in the first stage of the research. The questionnaire was, then, evaluated by three judges and 12 students, whose results evidenced the content validity. Subsequently, 319 students answered the questionnaire. With confirmatory factor analysis, a plausible model was identified, containing five factors (Institutional, Social, Study, Personal-Emotional, and Career Planning), indicating validity based on the internal structure. Additionally, the questionnaire showed adequate accuracy indices (ω &gt;.85). The practical implications are traced, and we also suggest for the questionnaire to be adjusted for the hybrid teaching modality.

The development and initial validation of self-report measures of ICD-11 depressive episode and generalized anxiety disorder: The International Depression Questionnaire (IDQ) and the International Anxiety Questionnaire (IAQ).

The new International Classification of Diseases came into effect in 2022 (ICD-11; World Health Organization, 2022) and included updated descriptions and diagnostic rules for "Depressive Episode" and "Generalized Anxiety Disorder."No self-report measures align with these disorders so this study reports the development and initial validation of the "International Depression Questionnaire" (IDQ) and "International Anxiety Questionnaire" (IAQ). Items were developed that aligned to the ICD-11 descriptions and their performance was assessed using data from a community sample (N = 2058) that was representative of the United Kingdom adult population. Item response theory models indicated that the two scales were unidimensional, and the items performed well in terms of difficulty and discrimination. Estimates of internal reliability were high. Based on ICD-11 derived diagnostic algorithms, 7.4% met requirements for ICD-11 Depressive Episode and 7.1% for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The IDQ and the IAQ are short, easy to use, self-report measures aligned to the new and updated ICD-11 diagnostic descriptions. This study provides initial evidence that the scales produce scores that are reliable and valid.

The Factor Structure of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale Adapted for Korean Preschool Teacher Candidates During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has remarkably challenged preschool teacher candidates, triggering concerns for their psychological well-being and mental health. Valid and reliable instruments to assess elements of mental health are thus required. The self-rating Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale demonstrates promise as an instrument for the identification and quantification of the states of anxiety and depression in non-psychiatric patients. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale is widely applied in both clinical and research contexts. However, no psychometric evaluations have been performed for this instrument with non-clinical samples such as preschool teacher candidates in South Korea. This study purposed to establish the factor structure of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and to validate its Korean version and was conducted online with a sample of preschool teacher candidates during the peak of the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown. Data were collected from 359 undergraduates currently enrolled in a 4-year early childhood education degree program at a private university in Korea. The sample was randomly split to perform exploratory factor analysis and then confirmatory factor analysis respectively to test competing models hypothesized to reflect the factor structure of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Supplemental revisions based on confirmatory factor analysis modification indices demonstrated that a correlated 2-factor model with 1 cross-loaded item offered the best fit to the data with adequate internal reliability estimates. Overall, this study confirms the validity and factor structure of the Korean version of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, which is deemed an acceptable instrument that can be used to measure the symptoms of depression and anxiety in Korean preschool teacher candidates.

You are exactly my type! The traits of a good doctor: a factor analysis study on public's perspectives

BackgroundA multiplicity of qualities and behaviours are considered essential in a good doctor and are identified in various medical profession frameworks. However, there is no consensus as to their meaning or even agreement on fundamental qualities. The authors wanted to examine the importance placed by the Austrian public on the professional and personal traits of ideal physicians. Competencies were used to create different types of ‘good doctor’ and then examined to discover how these can be integrated into existing medical professionalism frameworks.MethodsA 69-item Likert scale-based questionnaire was developed and administered via telephone interview to 1,000 subjects. Computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) were carried out by the Austrian GALLUP-Institute. An explorative factor analysis with promax rotation was undertaken to summarise the interrelationships among variables.ResultsFactor analysis identified six interpretable factors which we define as six different types of doctors: the dutiful doctor, the online health-celebrity, the medical expert, the service physician, the medical altruist, and the ethical agent. The items perceived as most important were ‘takes time’, ‘listens’, and ‘makes correct diagnoses’. Outcome measures of internal consistency and reliability estimates (Cronbach´s alpha, 0.69–0.86) for each element.ConclusionsThe six types of physicians may be a step toward recognizing the professional behaviour of all physicians, their actions as healers, and their commitment to moral concepts, values, and needs of their patients, and society. According to our results, the public has expectations of good doctors that go beyond the scope within the medical professionalism frameworks. Therefore, these guidelines should be adapted in light of the changing expectations and needs of the general population.

Tragic Optimism as a Buffer Against COVID-19 Suffering and the Psychometric Properties of a Brief Version of the Life Attitudes Scale.

The Life Attitudes Scale (LAS) was designed to measure tragic optimism (TO)—a distinct type of optimism that could generate hopeless hope even in dire situations according to existential positive psychology (PP 2.0). This study explains why only a faith-based TO could serve as a buffer against suffering at the Nazi death camps as well as the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In study 1, the results showed that the factorial structure of a 15-item LAS-Brief (LAS-B), which is a short measure of TO, replicated the original structure of the 32-item long version. The five factors (i.e., affirmation, acceptance, courage, faith, and self-transcendence) provided a good data model fit statistics for LAS-B; the measure had adequate-to-strong internal and latent construct reliability estimates. In study 2, the buffering effect of TO on the association between suffering experiences during COVID-19 and life satisfaction in adults was examined. The results of the studies were consistent with our hypothesis that TO as measured by LAS-B serves as a buffer against the impact of COVID-19 suffering on life satisfaction.

Development and initial validation of the Subjective Academic Wellbeing Measure: A new tool of youth wellbeing in school

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the preliminary development and validation of the Subjective Academic Wellbeing Measure (SAWM), which is a six-item self-report rating measure intended for use as a screening tool to assess the positive academic functioning of young people within the elementary and high school context. Exploratory factor analysis was performed with Sample 1 (N= 161), indicating that the SAWM was characterized by a unidimensional measurement model and had strong factor loadings. Results from confirmatory factor analysis, which was carried out with Sample 2 (N= 199), confirmed the measurement model by yielding good data-model fit statistics that were characterized by strong latent construct and internal reliability estimates. Further analyses showed that the scale had good convergent validity considering scores from several self-reported scales of student mental health problems and positive school functioning. Further analyses also showed that configural, metric, and scalar measurement invariance were observed across gender groups. These results provide initial evidence suggesting that the SAWM is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to assess the positive academic functioning of students within the school context. Implications are discussed, and some suggestions are provided for future research and practice

Internal Reliability Estimates of the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric Among New-to-Practice Nurses in a Simulated Setting.

Clinical judgment among new-to-practice nurses is critical for safe patient care. The Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) is a known instrument in undergraduate nursing education research. This study evaluated the internal consistency reliability and changes in the LCJR in a sample of 17 new-to-practice nurses in a simulated setting across four measurements. Cronbach's alpha reliability for the LCJR was .90. Effect sizes (η2) ranged from .01 to .45, with only the reflecting subscale demonstrating an effect. Study team and study participants' self-ratings on the LCJR were compared; team members' ratings were significantly lower than participants' self-ratings.