Further Evidence For Convergent Validity Research Articles

Validating the Teacher and Classmate Support Scale for Taiwanese Adolescents

The aim of this study was to develop a Teacher and Classmate Support Scale-Taiwan Version (TCMS: TW) and test for its validation with a sample of 474 Taiwanese children and adolescents. This cross-cultural research replicates the two-factor structure of the original scale. We found evidence of good internal, composite, and test-retest reliability for the TCMS: TW. The Average Variance Extracted (AVE) was obtained for both the convergent and discriminant evidence of validity. Further evidence for convergent validity also came from the Pearson correlation coefficients (r) among the TCMS: TW, academic achievement, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. Our study found measurement invariance across gender groups. Results of the study revealed that the TCMS: TW is a psychometrically sound instrument measuring teacher and classmate support.

Examining the reliability and factor structure of the Malay version of the Recovery Self-Assessment in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia.

Without a reliable and valid tool, it is neither possible to gauge recovery orientation of persons with serious mental illness nor to evaluate whether existing mental health system encourages recovery in both its policies and current practice in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the reliability and factor structure of the Malay version of the Recovery Self-Assessment (RSA-PIRV-M) in a psychiatric sample. Psychiatric patients were eligible for recruitment to the study, when they fulfilled the following criteria: a diagnosis of schizophrenia, were aged between 18- and 65-years-old, and were able to give consent themselves. We recruited 118 individuals with schizophrenia. They were selected via systematic random sampling technique. All RSA-PIRV-M items were derived from the parent scale. These items were translated based on established procedures. The reliability estimates of the RSA-PIRV-M were based on Cronbach's alpha. We performed confirmatory factor analyses to examine the factor structure of the RSA-PIRV-M. All Cronbach's alphas for the RSA-PIRV-M subscales were at least .70. With respect to the factor structure of the RSA-PIRV-M, our structural equation modeling findings suggest a five-factor model encompassing life goals, involvement, diversity of treatment options, choice, and individually-tailored services. The interpretation of our findings is limited by small sample size, unique sample characteristics, and lack of further evidence for convergent validity. Notwithstanding these limitations, the RSA-PIRV-M is a promising tool in bridging gaps between our knowledge on recovery orientation and existing mental health service provision in Malaysia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Measuring Hostile Interpretation Bias: The WSAP-Hostility Scale.

Hostile interpretation biases are central to the development and maintenance of anger, yet have been inconsistently assessed. The Word Sentence Association Paradigm (WSAP) was used to develop a new measure of hostile interpretation biases, the WSAP-Hostility. Study 1 examined the factor structure and internal consistency of the WSAP-Hostility, as well as its relationship with trait anger. Study 2 provided convergent and divergent validity data by examining its associations with trait anger, aggression, depression, and anxiety. Study 3 examined the relationship between WSAP-Hostility and another measure of hostile interpretation biases, as well as another word sentence association measure, in a sample of community participants. Study 4 also used a sample of community participants to offer further evidence of convergent validity. Across the studies, the WSAP-Hostility demonstrated convergent and divergent validity and internal consistency, supporting its use as a measure of hostile interpretation biases.

A Simple Single-Item Rating Scale to Measure Medication Adherence: Further Evidence for Convergent Validity

Self-report measures of medication adherence are inexpensive and minimally intrusive. However, the validity of self-reported adherence is compromised by recall errors for missed doses and socially desirable responding. Examined the convergent validity of 2 self-report adherence measures administered by computerized interview: (a) recall of missed doses and (b) a single-item visual analogue rating scale (VAS). Adherence was also monitored using unannounced phone-based pill counts that served as an objective benchmark. The VAS obtained adherence estimates that paralleled unannounced pill counts (UPCs). In contrast, self-reported recall (SR-recall) of missed medications consistently overestimated adherence. Correlations with participant characteristics also suggested that the computer-administered VAS was less influenced by response biases than SR-recall of missed medication doses. A single-item VAS offers an inexpensive and valid method of assessing medication adherence that may be useful in clinical as well as research settings.