Four-factor Solution Research Articles

Unveiling the relationships between eco-anxiety, psychological symptoms and anthropocentric narcissism: The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Hogg eco-anxiety scale

Abstract The increasing number of losses and damages caused by the climate crisis has rendered the psychometric assessment of the climate crisis more important than ever, specifically in developing countries, such as Turkey. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13), using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) on the cross-sectional data collected from 445 adults (286 females and 159 males; Mage = 29.76, range 18–65). The results supported the four-factor solution of the original version in the Turkish sample. Further analysis confirmed the invariance of the HEAS-13 across genders. The results demonstrated significant correlations of the HEAS-13 subscales with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Anthropocentric Narcissism Scale (ANS), except for that between the behavioral symptoms subscale of the HEAS-13 and the ANS. Both the total and the subscale scores of the HEAS-13 were also found to be reliable, given the internal consistency and test–retest reliability values. The Turkish version of the HEAS-13 can expand the scientific understanding of eco-anxiety, which can help develop mental health services to mitigate the negative mental health impacts of the environmental crisis.

Turkish adaptation of the maternal cognition about infant sleep questionnaire

BackgroundExploring early childhood sleep problems requires a detailed understanding of parental beliefs and cognitions related to infant sleep. There is a need for validated measures to investigate the cognitions of Turkish mothers about infant sleep however no scale measuring parental perceptions related to infant sleep behaviors in Turkish is available. We aimed to culturally adapt the Maternal Cognitions about Infant Sleep Questionnaire (MCISQ) in Turkish. MethodsSubjects were recruited from an internet sample through social media. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was determined by Pearson's correlation test and paired t-test. For factorial validity, the principal component factor analysis was performed for the components of MCISQ. ResultsA total of 417 mothers, most aged between 25 and 29 years (47.8 %), participated in the study. Infants' age ranged between 6 and 18 months, with a mean of 10.5 ± 3.9 months. Factor analysis revealed four factors after removal of item 11: Anger, doubt, safety, limit setting. Cronbach's alpha was 0.85. A subgroup of 32 mothers completed MCISQ three weeks after the initial administration. Total mean scores showed a significantly strong correlation (p:<0.01, r:0.82). Higher scores were noted in both total and subscale scores in infants with maternally reported sleep problems (p:<0.01). ConclusionFindings suggest a four-factor solution for MCISQ in Turkish mothers with infants aged 6–18 months. The adapted Turkish version is composed of 19 items with good reliability. Factor structure and items included in the subscales differed from the original study, highlighting the cultural factors related to maternal perceptions about infant sleep.

THE ASSOCIATION OF CAREGIVER STRAIN AND NEEDS OF CAREGIVERS AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Caregivers play a vital part of dementia care management and are key to keeping people living with dementia at home. Providing this care can result in caregiver strain, especially among those who live in low or under resourced communities, such as rural or impoverished areas. One instrument for measuring caregiver strain among this population is the BRI caregiver strain instrument, which includes four dimensions of strain including caregiver mastery, relationship strain, health strain and social isolation. To date, little research assessing the validity of the instrument. We assessed the validity using confirmatory factor analysis in a cohort of 930 caregivers providing care to people undergoing assessment for dementia representing four diverse regions in Georgia (Atlanta, Albany, Augusta, and Macon). Then, we examined the associations of the lack of caregiver knowledge of dementia, care recipient function, and challenging behaviors using univariate and multivariate linear regression. We found that the four-factor solution showed good model fit and was appropriate for subsequent analysis with this population. In our regression models, we found that caregiver lack of understanding of dementia significantly predicted caregiver strain (β=2.09, P&amp;lt;.001). When controlling for care recipient function, lack of knowledge decreased in strength, but remained significant (β=1.86, P&amp;lt;.001). When adding challenging behaviors, lack of dementia knowledge lost significance and challenging behaviors became the strongest predictor of caregiver strain (β=2.03, P&amp;lt;.001). Caregiver strain is a multifactorial process and tools to reduce challenging behaviors and increase caregiver knowledge are promising points of intervention early in the diagnostic process.

Psychometric properties of the Gender Role Conflict – Short Form (GRC-SF) in straight and gay Greek men

The current study examined the reliability and validity of Gender Role Conflict Scale-Short Form (GRCS-SF) among Greek men, 753 straight and 437 gay men. A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the Greek version of the scale to validate the measurement model across the two groups. Findings revealed a well-fitting model with a stable factorial structure and partial measurement and scalar invariance. The four-factor solution matched the four theoretical GRC domains. However, factor loadings and scores differed between the two groups on almost all domains. Cronbach’s α reliabilities were satisfactory in both groups for both the overall scale and its subscales. Further, population and criterion validity were supported as higher GRC for both straight and gay men predicted lower relationship satisfaction. The Greek-language version of GRC-SF seems to be a valid and reliable tool for future studies.

Initial psychometric testing of the harm reduction self-efficacy scale

Abstinence self-efficacy, belief in one’s ability to abstain, has been identified as a predictor of substance use behavior change. Yet, many people who use substances do not want to abstain. Self-efficacy for achieving a range of goals (i.e. abstinence or harm reduction) would be more widely applicable and might also predict substance use behavior change. The current study reports on the development of the Harm Reduction Self-Efficacy Scale (HRSES), adapted from the Situational Confidence Questionnaire and other measures of behavioral regulation, to assess one’s self-efficacy to limit their substance use consistent with their own substance use goals. Participants were recruited from online support groups for individuals with varied personal goals for substance use. The current primary analyses included 226 individuals who completed the HRSES. Using exploratory factor analysis, we found support for a four-factor solution reflecting self-efficacy in different situations that might promote substance use: negative emotions and situations, positive social situations, low self-regulation, and pleasant emotions. Each subscale was generally negatively correlated with substance use and positively correlated with quality of life, indicating greater self-efficacy was associated with less substance use and greater quality of life. Additional work is needed to test the psychometric properties of the HRSES, particularly confirmation of the factor structure in larger and more racially and ethnically diverse samples. The HRSES has promising psychometric properties and high clinical utility with wider applicability to a range of substance use goals.

Romanian Version of the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS): A Preliminary Validation on a Non-clinical Sample

Low frustration tolerance is one of the key concepts in rational emotional behavior therapy (REBT). The purpose of this study is to explore the factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the Romanian version of the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS), developed by Harrington (Clin Psychol Psychother 12(5):374–387, 2005b. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.465), within a non-clinical sample (N = 308) of Romanian teachers. For validation purposes, participants also completed several measures such as the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ) (Chamberlain and Haaga in J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther 19(3):163–176, 2001. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011189416600), Attitudes and Belief Scale 2 (ABS2) (DiGiuseppe et al. J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther 36(1):47–79, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-017-0273-3), Teacher Irrational Belief Scale (TIBS) (Bernard Teacher irrationality and teacher stress, 24th international congress of psychology, Sydney, Australia, 1988), and Pupil Control Ideology Scale (PCI) (Willower et al. The school and pupil control, The Pennsylvania State University, 1967). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggests that the initial four-factor solution from the scale development study received similar support to the one-factor solution found in some previous studies. Patterns of correlations linking the FDS total sum score versus the FDS 4-factor scale scores with other variables provide some support for the one-factor solution, mainly because it is a more parsimonious solution. Differentiating between several subcomponents of FDS does not bring discriminant validity in our non-clinical sample. Based on current preliminary validation, the FDS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing frustration discomfort in a Romanian-speaking population as a single-factor construct. Our results do not exclude the possibility that future discriminant validity endeavors could support the utility of treating low frustration tolerance as a multidimensional construct since using a non-clinical sample is likely to impact the factorial structure of the FDS.

The Perth Empathy Scale: Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version and Its Mental Health Correlates.

The Perth Empathy Scale (PES) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire that assesses people's ability to recognize emotions in others (i.e., cognitive empathy) and vicariously experience other's emotions (i.e., affective empathy), across positive and negative emotions. Originally developed in English, the aim of our study was to introduce the first Polish version of the PES and test its psychometric performance. Our sample was 318 people (184 females, 134 males) with ages ranging from 18 to 77. The factor structure was verified with confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was tested in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. To explore convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity, we examined relationships between the PES and measures of depression, anxiety, and emotional intelligence. It was shown that the scale was characterized by the intended four-factor solution, thus supporting factorial validity. The internal consistency reliability was also good and test-retest reliability was moderate. The convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity were strong. The clinical importance of assessing affective empathy across both positive and negative emotions was supported. Overall, our results therefore suggest that the Polish version of the PES has strong psychometric performance and clinical relevance as a measure of the multidimensional empathy construct.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the supportive care needs survey short-form questionnaire (SCNS-SF34-Pt) and the breast cancer supplementary module (SCNS-BR8-Pt)

Objective This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Portuguese Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form-34 (SCNS-SF34-Pt) and its breast cancer-specific complementary module (SCNS-BR8-Pt). A further aim was to characterize Portuguese Breast Cancer Survivors’ (BCS) unmet supportive care needs, using these measures. Methods A convenient sample of BCS was recruited from five hospitals in Portugal and invited to complete SCNS-SF34-Pt and SCNS-BR8-Pt, EORTCQLQC30 and QLQBR23, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and the Patient Health-Questionnaire. The validity (i.e. convergent, discriminant and convergent validity) and reliability of SCNS-SF34-Pt and SCNS-BR8-Pt were statistically evaluated. BCS’ unmet supportive care needs were descriptively assessed. Findings 336 BCS participated in the study. A four-factor solution was produced for SCNS-SF34-Pt. This solution included the Physical and daily living needs, Psychological needs, Sexuality needs, and Health system, information, and patient support needs dimensions (73% of the total variance; Cronbach’s alpha=.82 to .97). SCNS-SF34-Pt demonstrated good convergent validity. It could also discriminate between known-groups regarding age, disease staging, treatment performed, and ECOG performance status. SCNS-BR8-Pt revealed a single-factor structure (62% of the total variance; Cronbach’s alpha=.91). Portuguese BCS’ most prevalent unmet supportive care needs were associated with the Psychological, and Physical and daily living domains. Fear of cancer spreading, the inability to do things as usual, and lack of energy/tiredness were perceived as issues requiring further supportive care. Conclusions SCNS-SF34-Pt and the SCNS-BR8-Pt are valid and reliable tools to assess Portuguese BCS’ unmet supportive care needs. Fear of cancer spreading and lack of energy/tiredness concerns should be a target of supportive care services.

Comparison between the brief seven-item and full eating disorder examination-questionnaire (EDE-Q) in clinical and non-clinical female Norwegian samples

BackgroundThe Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is among the most widely used self-report measures of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. There is a need for brief versions of the EDE-Q that can be used for general assessment and screening purposes. A three-factor 7-item version (EDE-Q7) seems particularly promising but there is a need for more well-powered studies to establish the psychometric properties in both patient and community samples. Moreover, comparing the EDE-Q7 with the full EDE-Q would be beneficial in determining its utility. In the present study, we provide a psychometric comparison between the brief EDE-Q7 and the full EDE-Q in a large sample of both patients and community comparisons.MethodsWe pooled available datasets collected in Norway to amass a large female sample comprising both patients (n = 1954, Mage = 28 years) and community comparisons (n = 2430, Mage = 31 years). We investigated the psychometric properties of both versions, including their internal consistency, factor structure, and ability to discriminate between patients and community comparisons.ResultsThe EDE-Q7 showed similar distributions of scores compared to the full EDE-Q but produced higher scores. Results indicated that the EDE-Q7 have acceptable internal consistency and is adequately able to discriminate between clinical and non-clinical samples. A cut-off threshold of 3.64 was optimal in discriminating between patients and comparisons. We also found support for the three-factor solution for the EDE-Q7, indicating good structural validity. In contrast, we did not find support for the originally proposed four-factor solution of the full EDE-Q.ConclusionsWe find that the brief EDE-Q7 performs close to the full EDE-Q in several respects. Our findings indicate that the brief EDE-Q7 may be a viable alternative to the full EDE-Q in situations where response burden is an issue (e.g., epidemiological studies). However, the EDE-Q7 may hold limited value over the full EDE-Q in clinical settings, due to the small number of items and lack of assessment of behavioral features.

69 Psychometric Properties of the PediaTrac Social/Communication/Cognition Domain

Objective:Research has established the importance of early identification and intervention for children with developmental disorders and delays. In striving toward earlier recognition and treatment of developmental concerns, it is crucial to have a universal system to monitor infant and toddler development over time. This system should comprehensively assess the desired areas of development, be based on normative data from large samples, and have strong psychometric properties. While a few developmental monitoring tools are currently in use, they lack many of the aforementioned qualities. The current study reports on the cross-sectional psychometric properties of PediaTrac, which is a novel caregiver-report measure of infant and toddler development. Specifically, this study focuses on psychometric properties of PediaTrac’s social/communication/cognition (SCG) domain during the first 9 months of life.Participants and Methods:The current sample included 571 caregiver-infant dyads recruited into term (n=331) and preterm (n=240) groups. Participants were from the PediaTrac multisite, longitudinal study and were socioeconomically (41.9% below median income) and racially (33.6% Black, 47.6% White, 11.0% multiracial/other) diverse. Data included caregiver reports of infant development from the SCG domain of PediaTrac at 5 sampling periods (newborn, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months). Item response theory (IRT) graded response modeling was used to estimate theta, an index of the latent trait, social/communication/cognition. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to further examine the underlying structure of the SCG domain.Results:Mean theta values could be reliably estimated at all time periods and followed a linear trend consistent with development. At 9 months, theta values were statistically different between the term and preterm groups, indicating that term infants demonstrated more advanced SCG abilities. Item parameters (discrimination and difficulty) could be modeled at each time period across the range of ability. Reliability of the SCG domain ranged from 0.97 to 0.99. Results of the EFA suggested a two-factor solution (affect/emotional expression, social responsiveness) at the newborn period accounting for 43% of the variance, a three-factor solution (affect/emotional expression, social responsiveness, imitation/emerging communication) at the 2-, 4-, and 6-month periods accounting for 43%, 34%, and 34% of the variance, respectively, and a four-factor solution (affect expression, social responsiveness, imitation/communication, nonverbal/gestural communication) at the 9-month period accounting for 34% of the variance.Conclusions:The PediaTrac SCG domain has strong psychometric properties, including reliability estimates higher than other existing caregiver-report measures of SCG abilities. EFA analyses demonstrated that the structure of affect/emotional expression and social responsiveness remains relatively stable and may reflect affective and regulatory aspects of temperament. Conversely, the quality and type of communication continually develops and becomes more differentiated throughout the time periods of interest. Notably, parents appear to be capable of observing and reliably reporting on their infants’ abilities in these areas. The use of a universal screening tool developed with rigorous psychometric methods, such as PediaTrac, could transform the way that clinicians identify infants in need of early intervention.

Construct validity and reliability of the Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ).

The Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ) is a recently developed 54-item Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) that evaluates the clinically important symptoms of bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) and its impact on daily life. This study aimed to assess the construct validity and reliability of the BVQ in a large BVP cohort. Patients diagnosed with BVP were asked to complete a set of questionnaires, including the BVQ, the EuroQol-5D-5L, the Health Utilities Index, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Oscillopsia Severity Questionnaire. The construct validity of the BVQ was evaluated by confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFA and EFA), followed by hypotheses testing and known groups validity. Structural properties were explored for each individual item. Reliability was assessed by testing the internal consistency of the BVQ constructs (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)]. A total of 148 patients with BVP (50% women, mean age 66 years) completed the set of questionnaires. The CFA did not show a satisfactory model in the original BVQ. However, the EFA showed a four-factor solution with 20 Likert-scale items related to oscillopsia, imbalance, emotion, and cognition. The succeeding CFA provided evidence for construct validity and an acceptable model of fit. Hypothesis testing confirmed that this shortened version validly measures the constructs to be measured. Statistically significant differences in scores between known groups were found, providing further support for good construct validity. The structural properties were acceptable. Cronbach's alpha confirmed good internal consistency for the four constructs, ranging from 0.80 to 0.89. The ICCs of the 20 Likert-scale items and four visual analog scale (VAS) items were interpreted as good (range 0.76-0.93). This study showed evidence of good construct validity of the new shortened version of the BVQ, consisting of four constructs with a total of 20 Likert-scale items and four VAS items. The final 24-item BVQ proved to be a reliable and valid multi-item PROM that captures the clinically important symptoms of BVP and evaluates its impact on daily life. Consequently, the BVQ enables the gathering of high-level evidence of treatment effectiveness in a systematic and quantitative manner.

Trauma and Rural Schooling

In order to develop a better understanding of the perceptions of educators regarding which forms of childhood trauma most severely impact learning outcomes for their students, this study employed Q-methodology with 351 teachers, school counselors, and school administrators from across North Carolina and Missouri. A four-factor solution emerged, centered around: (1) various forms of abuse from an adult (2) violent and unstable relationships at home (3) negative community and societal factors (4) physical and mental illness. Patterns in perceptions emerged across the school community setting (urban, suburban, rural) of the participants. While educators in rural settings were more likely to perceive abuse and violence in the home as most harmful to students’ academic outcomes, educators in suburban settings felt systemic community and societal traumas as well as physical and mental illness were more detrimental. The findings of this study provide researchers, educator preparation programs, and school leaders with insight into the misconceptions that may persist among subsets of PK-12 educators regarding traumatized children and potential areas of need for further professional training.

Croatian nurses' and nursing students’ attitudes towards pressure ulcer/injury prevention

AimThe research aimed to validate the Croatian version of the Attitude towards a Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instrument (APuP) and determine the attitudes of students and nurses towards pressure injury prevention. MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 440 participants (114 nurses and 326 nursing students). The study used APuP translated into Croatian. Data were collected between 2020 and 2021. Descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyse the data. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to determine the factor structure of the questionnaire. ResultsThe average result at the APuP was 40.90/52 or 78.65%, with the highest results achieved by full-time students (79.71%) and the lowest by part-time students (78.03%). Three-quarters of participants (75.45%) achieved ≥75% points on the attitude scale. The EFA extracted a four-factor structure solution (competency, priority, personal responsibility and confidence in the effectiveness of prevention), explaining 50.41% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total APuP Instrument was 0.68. ConclusionsNurses and nursing students in Croatia have positive attitudes towards pressure injury (PI) prevention. The Croatian version of the APuP has been successfully applied to nurses and nursing students. The instrument has 12 items and is valid, reliable, and useful for measuring attitudes towards PI prevention.

B - 100 Principal Component Analysis of WAIS-IV Indices with the Serial Digit Learning Test.

Previous studies have evaluated the construct validity of the Serial Digit Learning Test (SDL) using principal component analysis (PCA; Larrabee et al., 1995; Greenman & Moses, 2016). In this study, we sought to re-investigate the SDL construct using a similar methodological approach with the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th ed. (WAIS-IV) and a performance validity measure. Sample consisted of diagnostically diverse veterans referred for clinical neuropsychological assessment as part of their standard clinical care (N = 411). SDL-8-digit raw scores were submitted to PCA where a forced three factor solution was derived. Those derived factors were submitted to a second PCA using the four WAIS-IV index scores. The SDL8 solution explained 83% of the variance, and factors reflected early, middle, and late trials. The second PCA produced an unforced four-factor solution explaining 71% of the variance. Excluding loading coefficients below +/-0.3, Component 1 showed loadings on WMI (0.805) and early trials (0.813), Component 2 showed loadings on PSI (0.800) and middle trials (0.789), Component 3 loaded on PRI (0.685) and late trials (0.829), and Component 4 loaded on VCI (0.951) and PSI (-0.348). These results replicated earlier research demonstrating that earlier SDL8 trials load on attentional/working memory measures and middle trials on processing speed. Unexpectedly, late trials loaded onto the Perceptual Reasoning Index, whereas they had previously loaded onto Verbal Comprehension of the WAIS-III. As these results may reflect the updated theoretical model underlying the WAIS-IV, further research replicating results which incorporated earlier WAIS-III perceptual reasoning (POI) measures is warranted.

The fundamentals of Indian personality: An investigation of the big five.

The Big Five model is a well-accepted model of personality but there is scant research on the factor structure of personality from Asian populations. It is unclear whether the Big Five personality model can account for cross-cultural variation in personality structures. To explore the factor structure of personality by analyzing the Big Five personality factors in a sample from Karnataka, South India. This was a cross-structural observational study conducted in Udupi and Mangalore. 400 community participants (200 women) from diverse socio economic backgrounds were recruited for the study and were assessed on either an English or Kannada version of the BFI-2-S. The reliability of the translated version of BFI-2-S was established. Exploratory factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis with Varimax Rotation and Kaiser Normalization was carried out. Factor Analysis revealed a four-factor and a five-factor solution that varied distinctly from the original Big Five. None of the identified factors fit into the original five factors. The four-factor solution explained 36.86% of the variance and the five-factor solution explained 41.74%. The five factors were named as - Social Effectiveness, Interpersonal Ability, Altruism, Emotional Instability, and Innovativeness. The translated tool showed good temporal stability. The Five factors identified in the present study differ from the Big Five model or the General Factor of Personality. This raises questions about the cross-cultural validity of the Big Five model as well as highlighting the need to adopt more culturally adaptive methods of assessing personality.

Development of the Research Literacy Scale for Teachers

Research literacy is essential for teachers to practice their profession based on research-based knowledge. The present study aimed to develop and validate the Research Literacy Scale (RLS) and investigate teachers’ research literacy based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and research utilization models. The data was collected from teachers working in primary and secondary schools for two separate studies. According to the exploratory factor analysis results, a 20-item, four-factor solution emerged: research awareness, attitude toward research, research skills, and research use. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the four-factor model fit the data well, and all items are significant under the relevant factors. The sub-factors of the RLS demonstrated high internal consistency. Measurement invariance tests revealed showed full configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across gender. Teachers doing research had significantly higher scores on all four dimensions, and those who followed scientific journals had higher scores on the three dimensions except for attitude. As a conclusion RLS has good psychometric features to measure teachers’ research literacy, and variables related to research experience cause a significant difference in research literacy.

Problematic Pornography Use: Can It Be Accurately Measured via the Problematic Pornography Use Scale?

AbstractPornography use has increased its popularity worldwide, raising concerns about potential disordered use. Considering the lack of recognition in diagnostic manuals, conceptual clarification and the validation of robust instruments assessing this problem are much needed. The current study is aimed at assessing the psychometric properties of the Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS). Exploratory and confirmatory analyses (EFA and CFA) were used to assess a four-factor and a bifactor solution. Additionally, this study used latent profile (LPA) and sensitivity analyses to determine suggested cut-off values to identify at-risk users. A large sample of adult pornography users completed the PPUS online (N = 1149). A four-factor solution as proposed by Kor and colleagues (Addictive Behaviors, 39(5), 861-868, Kor et al., Addictive Behaviors 39:861–868, 2014) was identified as the optimal factorial structure. Participants were classified into five profiles, with 3.9% identified as at-risk users, 19.9% as moderate to high risk. A cut-off value of 33 was suggested to accurately identify at-risk users. The PPUS is a multidimensional instrument, showing good adept ability to detect users at risk of problematic pornography use.

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the machiavellian personality scale and its association with social adjustment and risky behaviors in Iranian college students

ObjectiveThe present study aims to develop and assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Machiavellian Personality Scale (P-MPS), and evaluate its relationship with social adjustment and risky behaviors in Iranian college students.MethodsParticipants were 500 healthy college students (270 females and 230 males) from medical and non-medical universities in Sanandaj, Iran. They completed the P-MPS, the social adjustment subscale of the Bell Adjustment Inventory, and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) questionnaire. The factor structure of the P-MPS was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to examine the internal consistency of the P-MPS and Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the relationship of the P-MPS score with the scores of social adjustment subscale and YRBSS.ResultsThe P-MPS showed good content validity (Content validity ratio = 0.73, content validity index = 0.90), construct validity, and internal consistency (α = 0.802). The CFA results supported the four-factor solution of the questionnaire. The total score of P-MPS and its dimensions showed a significant negative relationship with social adjustment (p < 0.05). Moreover, its score was significantly correlated with risky behaviors (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe Persian version of MPS can be used for assessing Machiavellianism in the Iranian population.

Emotion dysregulation in older people: validity and reliability of an 8-item version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale

Objectives The abbreviated 16-item version of the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16) is widely used to assess individuals’ perceived challenges in regulating their emotions, a central aspect of psychological symptoms commonly experienced in old age. However, its psychometric properties have yet to be tested in this population. Furthermore, a shorter version of the DERS-16 could further minimize the assessment burden on older individuals. Thus, we aimed to test the DERS-16’s psychometric performance and determine if any items were redundant to develop a psychometrically sound shorter version. Methods We enrolled 302 Portuguese older adults (M age = 75.22; SD = 8.99 years) in a cross-sectional study. Results Exploratory factor analyses indicated a one-factor structure and a four-factor solution with eight items (69.3%–81.9% of the variance observed). The four-factor–8-item solution presented an interpretable structure and demonstrated good reliability values (> 0.70) and construct validity with the Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Eight-Item Geriatric Depression Scale, and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (r = 0.66, 0.40, 0.52; p < 0.001). Conclusion The robust psychometric properties of DERS-8 make it a valuable tool for clinical and longitudinal studies, facilitating targeted interventions in older adults and allowing for precise emotion dysregulation screening.

Validity, reliability, and cross-validation of a new questionnaire developed using the Theory of Planned Behavior: The Dating Violence Bystander Help-giving Intention Questionnaire (DVBHIQ)

The present study aimed to develop and psychometrically test a scale by using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) comprising two types of measurement (direct and belief-based [indirect]) to assess bystander help-giving intention to victims of dating violence among youth. A two-phase, mixed-method design was adopted. The primary source of the samples was five universities, each in the northern, central, southern, eastern, and outer islands regions of Taiwan. Phase I involved developing an instrument based on the TPB (n = 10) and pilot testing (n = 220). Phase II conducted the psychometric evaluation (n = 622). The study used item analysis, explanatory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and cross-validation to examine the psychometric properties of the Dating Violence Bystander Help-giving Intention Questionnaire (DVBHIQ) with two types of measure (direct and belief-based). Explanatory factor analysis resulted in a four-factor solution (attitude/behavioral beliefs, subjective norms/normative beliefs, perceived behavioral control/control belief, and intention) of the direct and belief-based measures of the DVBHIQ, accounting for 72.67% and 76.62% of total variance respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis and cross‐validation confirmed the proposed four-factor model and demonstrated good internal consistency reliability. The two types of DVBHIQ had good validity, reliability, and measurement invariance which may help address the core cognitive determinants for bystander help-giving intention. Healthcare providers (e.g., school nurses) could use the DVBHIQ to evaluate how bystander education programs affect youth and conduct related research in the future.