Good Fit Statistics Research Articles

Arabic validation of the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to validate the questionnaire “Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults” (BESAA). MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving 340 adolescents who attend a Tunisian high school. We translated the BESAA into dialectal Tunisian Arabic based on the translation back-translation method. The validity of the scale was evaluated through content validity, reliability and construct validity. We used the Arabic version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale as an external validator. The cut-off of the scale was calculated using the ROC curve. ResultsThe translated version was considered satisfactory. The exploratory analysis related three factors similar to the original version of the questionnaire. We dropped eight items (1, 4, 6, 14, 15, 18, 19 and 23) and obtained a 15-item version. A principal component analysis was carried out of the new version and produced a three-component solution that accounted for 64.56% of the total BESAA variance. In confirmatory analysis, the scale demonstrated good model fit statistics as follows: Comparative Fit Index=0.92; Goodness of Fit Index=0.89; Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index=0.85; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.13 and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual=0.09. The internal consistency showed a good result with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.753. The correlation between items and subscales demonstrated statistically significant and logical results. Statistically significant correlations were found between the BESAA and its external validator the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (r=0.382; P<0.01). The cut-off of our scale was equal to 24.5. ConclusionsThe Tunisian 15-item version of the BESAA is a psychometrically valid measure. This scale can be reliably used to conduct further studies and research on body esteem in the Tunisian population.

Psychometric Properties of the Attitudes Toward Polyamory Scale (ATP) in the Spanish Context

Given the potential discrimination faced by individuals in polyamorous relationships, understanding attitudes toward polyamory in society is crucial. To this end, instruments to measure attitudes toward polyamory with adequate psychometric properties are necessary. The aim of this study was to adapt the Attitudes Toward Polyamory Scale (ATP) to the Spanish context and analyze its psychometric properties in a sample of young adults. The sample comprised 1,162 individuals aged 18 to 35 years. Participants responded to sociodemographic questions and completed the Revised Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS) and the ATP. The findings indicate: (1) adequate reliability coefficients, (2) good fit statistics for the one-factor confirmatory model that verify results of exploratory factor analysis, (3) that homosexual and bisexual people have more favorable attitudes toward polyamory than heterosexual, (4) positive correlations between ATP scores, SOS scores, and political orientation (individuals with higher levels of erotophilia and a more left-leaning political orientation tend to hold more favorable attitudes toward polyamory), and (5) association between ATP scores and religion, with non-religious individuals showing more favorable attitudes toward polyamory than Catholics. In conclusion, the ATP demonstrates adequate psychometric properties in Spanish young adults.

Performance Is Not Enough: The Story Told by a Rashomon Quartet

The usual goal of supervised learning is to find the best model, the one that optimizes a particular performance measure. However, what if the explanation provided by this model is completely different from another model and different again from another model despite all having similarly good fit statistics? Is it possible that the equally effective models put the spotlight on different relationships in the data? Inspired by Anscombe’s quartet, this article introduces a Rashomon Quartet, that is a set of four models built on a synthetic dataset which have practically identical predictive performance. However, the visual exploration reveals distinct explanations of the relations in the data. This illustrative example aims to encourage the use of methods for model visualization to compare predictive models beyond their performance.

The Sport Experience Measure for Children and Youth (SEM:CY): A Rasch Validation Study.

This study employed Rasch analyses to validate a novel measure of sport experience: the Sport Experience Measure: Children and Youth (SEM:CY). Analyses were applied to self-reported data of n = 503 young people (age 9-18years, M = 12.91, 50% female) in Canada who were engaging in sport during the previous 12months. The revised measure, consisting of 24 items on a 3-point response scale, demonstrated good fit statistics (e.g.,item fit residual: M = -0.50, SD = 0.94 and person fit residual: M = -0.62, SD = 2.33), an ability to reliably discriminate between levels of sport experience, and an absence of differential item functioning for various groups (males and females, older and younger individuals, solo and team sports, and those playing at various competitive levels, including recreation). The SEM:CY is a succinct tool that can serve as a valuable means to gauge the quality of an individual's sport experience, which can facilitate positive youth development and sustain participation across the life span.

Psychometric properties of the 52-, 25-, and 10-item English and Spanish versions of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised.

The Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) is a widely used instrument to assess problem-solving ability. This study examined the factor structure of the 52-, 25-, and 10-item versions of the SPSI-R and assessed factorial invariance across English- and Spanish-speaking participants. In addition, the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and sensitivity to detect change in problem-solving skills over time were assessed across the three different versions of the SPSI-R. Data from three randomized controlled trials, in which caregivers of children with cancer (N = 1,069) were assigned to either a problem-solving skills intervention (N = 728) or a control condition (N = 341), were combined. The SPSI-R was administered at baseline (T1) and immediately post intervention (T2). Reliability and multigroup analyses were performed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Sensitivity to change analyses were performed using repeated measures ANOVA. Confirmatory factor analysis at T1 showed good fit statistics and internal consistency for the 52- and the 25-item versions, but not for the 10-item version. Factorial invariance was demonstrated across time (T1-T2) and language (Spanish-English) for both the 52- and 25-item versions. Adequate sensitivity to change over time was shown. The 52- and 25-item versions of the SPSI-R appear reliable and valid for assessment of problem-solving skills in English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers of children with newly diagnosed cancer. The 25-item SPSI-R can be used as a short version measuring problem-solving ability; the 10-item version cannot be considered a reliable measure for this population.

Measuring quality of vision including negative dysphotopsia.

To adapt the Quality of Vision Questionnaire (QoV) for measuring negative dysphotopsia and to validate the original and modified versions in the Dutch population. The QoV was translated into Dutch according to standardized methodology. Negative dysphotopsia items were constructed based on focus group interviews, literature review and clinical data. The questionnaire was completed by 404 subjects, including contact lens wearers, patients with cataract and after cataract surgery (95.5% with a monofocal, 4.5% with a multifocal intraocular lens). Rasch analysis was applied for evaluation of reliability and validity of the original QoV and modified version, Negative Dysphotopsia QoV (ND-QoV). The frequency, severity and bothersome scales of the QoV and ND-QoV demonstrated good measurement precision, good fit statistics for all but one item, but significant mistargeting of more than one logit. Item estimations were stable across the study groups and scales were unidimensional with more than 50% of variance explained by the measurements. There was a positive correlation between questionnaire scores and best corrected visual acuity (r = 0.3, p < 0.01). The quality of vision measured by all three scales was significantly poorer (p < 0.01) in patients with negative dysphotopsia compared to asymptomatic pseudophakic patients. The Dutch version of the QoV questionnaire has shown good psychometric properties comparable to the native version as well as good reliability and validity. The addition of negative dysphotopsia items is a valuable modification for the reliable assessment of quality of vision in pseudophakic patients.

Relationships Among Health Insurance Literacy, Financial Toxicity, and Sociodemographic Factors in Patients With Cancer.

The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence of health insurance literacy (HIL) and investigate how patient-reported outcome measures assessing HIL are related to financial toxicity in patients with cancer. We assessed HIL and financial toxicity in 404 patients enrolled between December 2019 and January 2021 at two medical centers in the United States. We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to explore and test the relationships among the factors and items. We fit structural equation models (SEMs) to find the relationships among the factors and sociodemographic/clinical characteristics. The EFA revealed items loaded on four factors: knowledge about health insurance, confidence related to HIL (HIL confidence), information-seeking behavior related to health insurance, and financial toxicity. The four-factor CFA model had good fit statistics (comparative fit index, 0.960; Tucker-Lewis index, 0.958; root mean square error of approximation, 0.046; and standardized root mean square residual, 0.086). In SEM, income, education level, and race positively predicted knowledge about health insurance. Knowledge about health insurance and number of total lines of cancer treatment was positively associated with HIL confidence. Higher income, older age, and HIL confidence were associated with less financial toxicity. Higher levels of financial toxicity, HIL confidence, and knowledge were associated with greater information-seeking behavior. Our findings showed how different aspects of HIL are related to financial toxicity even after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Future studies should investigate the longitudinal relationships among these factors to help develop interventions to mitigate financial toxicity.

Refinement of an instrument measuring science teachers’ knowledge of language through mixed method

Teachers must know how to use language to support students in knowledge generation environments that align to the Next Generation Science Standards. To measure this knowledge, this study refines a survey on teachers’ knowledge of language as an epistemic tool. Rasch modelling was used to examine 15 items’ fit statistics and the functioning of a previously-designed questionnaire’s response categories. Cronbach’s alpha reliability was also examined. Additionally, interviews were used to investigate teachers’ interpretations of each item to identify ambiguous items. The results indicated that three ambiguous items were deleted based on qualitative data and three more items were deleted because of negative correlation and mismatched fit statistics. Finally, we present a revised language questionnaire with nine items and acceptable correlation and good fit statistics, with utility for science education researchers and teacher educators. This research contributes a revised questionnaire to measure teachers’ knowledge of language that could inform professional development efforts. This research also describes instrument refinement processes that could be applied elsewhere.

The Evaluation of Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants: Turkish Validation of the Early Feeding Skills Assessment Tool

Objective:The Early Feeding Skills Assessment Tool (EFS) is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating preterm infants’ oral feeding skills and readiness during the transition to oral feeding. There is currently no instrument with tested validity and reliability available to evaluate the oral feeding skills and readiness of preterm infants in Turkey. The aim of this study was to fill the need for such an instrument for use in the Turkish population by adapting and validating the EFS for the assessment of Turkish preterm infants during the transition to oral feeding.Material and Methods:This methodological, cross-sectional study included 107 preterm infants. Validity of the EFS-Turkish was tested with linguistic, content, and construct validity analyses, and its reliability was tested using internal consistency and item analyses.Results:A panel of experts confirmed the content validity of the items in the EFS-Turkish (content validity index = 0.97). Cronbach’s alpha for the total instrument was 0.95, supporting its internal consistency reliability. Item–total correlations ranged from 0.58 to 0.83 (P < .001). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the established EFS structure of 19 items and 5 factors. The tool demonstrated good model fit statistics (χ2/df = 2.24; P < .001).Conclusion:The EFS-Turkish is a valid and reliable instrument for use in neonatal intensive care units to evaluate the feeding skills of preterm infants during the transition to oral feeding. The use of the EFS-Turkish is recommended to facilitate the safe and successful development of preterm infants’ oral feeding skills and to plan evidence-based initiatives.

Development and Validation of Responses to Personal Mortality Measure

The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Responses to Personal Mortality Measure (RPMM), a new self-report tool to assess existential skills in relating to personal mortality. Items reflecting responses to personal mortality were generated and then selected through a rating process. They were further refined using Three-Step Test Interviews (TSTI). The psychometric properties of 91 items were explored with an online sample of 869 respondents, randomly divided into an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) subsamples. Through EFA, six factors were obtained: Emotional Response, Self-Oriented Acceptance, Transcendental Acceptance, Relational Acceptance, Relief Acceptance, and Avoidance. Internal consistency coefficients ranged between .90 and .97 ( M = .94). The six-factor model showed good fit statistics in traditional and bifactor CFAs. The construct and incremental validity were supported by relationships with the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB-42); the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ); the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); the Existential Death Anxiety Scale (EDAS); and the Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ). The RPMM is a self-report tool of responses to personal mortality that can be used to evaluate the relationship between existential skills and psychological wellbeing. Further research is needed to examine the psychometric properties of the RPMM in a clinical sample.

Social pathways to care: how community-based network ties shape the health care response of individuals with mental health problems

PurposeMental health research has powerfully documented inequities related to characteristics, such as ethnicity and gender. Yet how and where disparities like unmet need occur have been more elusive. Drawing from a now modest body of research that deployed the Network Episode Model (NEM), we examine how individuals create patterns of response to mental health problems, influenced by the culture and resources embedded in their social networks.MethodsThe Person-to-Person Health Interview Study (P2P; N ~ 2,700, 2018–2021) provides representative, community-based, NEM-tailored data. Both descriptive, latent class and multinomial regression analyses mark mental health care-seeking patterns, including individuals consulted and activities used, as well as the influence of the structure and cultural content of social networks.ResultsLatent class analysis detected five pathways with good fit statistics. The Networked General Care Path (37.0%) and The Kin General Care Path (14.5%) differ only in whether friends are activated in using the general care sector. The Networked Multi-Sector Care Path (32.5%) and The Saturated Path (12.6%) involve family, friends, and both general and specialty care with only the latter expanding consultation to coworkers and clergy. The Null Path (3.3%), or no contacts, is not used as perceived problem severity increases. Network size and strength are associated with the more complex pathways that activate ties, respectively. Trust in doctors is associated with pathways that include specialty providers but not others at work or church. Race, age, and rural residence have specific pathway effects, while gender has no significant impact.ConclusionsSocial networks propel individuals with mental health problems into action. Tie strength and trust produce care responses that are fuller and more targeted. Considering the nature of homophily, results also suggest that majority status and college education are clearly implicated in networked pathways. Overall, findings support community-targeted rather than individually based efforts to increase service use.

Transcultural validation of the “Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults” among Tunisian adolescents

IntroductionAdolescence is considered as a particularly vulnerable period for body image disturbance. Body esteem is defined as the self-evaluation of one’s own body or appearance.ObjectivesValidate the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA) in Tunisian adolescents.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among adolescents who attend Tunisian high school from 11 October 2021 to 11 November 2021.We translated the BESAA into dialectal Tunisian Arabic based on the translation back-translation method. The validity of the scale was evaluated through content validity, reliability and construct validity. We used the Arabic version of Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale as an external validator.ResultsWe recruited 340 adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years’ old. The translated version was considered satisfactory. The internal consistency showed a good result with a Cronbach Alpha of 0,830. The correlation between items and subscales demonstrated statistically significant and logical results. Statistically significant correlations were found between the BESAA and its external validator the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (r= 0,422; p&lt; 0,01). The exploratory analysis related three factors similarly to the original version of the questionnaire and in confirmatory analysis. The scale demonstrated good model fit statistics as follow: Comparative fit index= 0,87; goodness of fit index=0,81; adjusted goodness of fit index=0,77; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0,1 and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual=0,09.ConclusionsOur BESAA version can be reliably used to conduct further studies and researches on body esteem in the Tunisian population.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Escala de Estado de Mindfulness para Atividade Física: Novas Propriedades Psicométricas

Abstract Mindfulness has been defined as attention and awareness to the present with an attitude of openness, non-judgment, and acceptance. It is suggested that mindfulness can positively influence experiences in sports and physical activity, increasing adherence to these activities. This study aimed to examine new psychometric properties of the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) using classical and modern testing theories among Brazilian sport and exercise practitioners. Two studies were conducted. In the first, with 617 Brazilian sports practitioners, confirmatory factor analysis supported the bifactor structure of the SMS-PA composed of two specific (mental and body mindfulness) and one general factor (state mindfulness), which did not vary among genders. The Rasch Rating Scale Model (RSM) supported essential one-dimensionality indicated by the general factor with good item fit statistics (infit/outfit 0.62-1.27). The model presented a good level of Rasch reliability (0.85), and the items difficulty estimation provided an understanding of the continuum represented by their content. In the second study, with 249 Brazilian exercise practitioners, the structural equation modeling showed that Body Mindfulness was associated with positive outcomes (positive affect and satisfaction with practice). The mediation analysis showed that people with higher levels of Body mindfulness tend to experience greater levels of Positive Affect and, consequently, greater Satisfaction with exercises. The results suggest that the Brazilian version of the SMS-PA is an appropriate measure of the state of mindfulness.

Examining appearance pressures, thinness and muscularity internalizations, and social comparisons as correlates of drive for muscularity and thinness-oriented disordered eating in Chinese heterosexual men and women: Testing an integrated model

Given existing empirical support for the tripartite influence and social comparison models to explain variance in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating across diverse populations in the Western context, research is needed to describe these models in non-Western populations. The present study tested an integrated model inclusive of appearance pressures, thinness and muscularity internalizations, and social comparisons in relation to drive for muscularity and thinness-oriented disordered eating in heterosexual Chinese adult men (n = 510) and women (n = 473). Separated by gender, two integrated models had good fit statistics per structural equation modeling. In men and women, higher appearance pressures were uniquely related to higher drive for muscularity and thinness-oriented disordered eating. In men and women, higher thinness and muscularity internalizations were uniquely related to higher thinness-oriented disordered eating and drive for muscularity, respectively. In men and women, higher upward body image comparisons were uniquely related to higher drive for muscularity, and in men only, higher downward body image comparisons were uniquely related to higher thinness-oriented disordered eating. The present findings, which extend theories of eating pathology, may aid in improving treatment efforts for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in heterosexual Chinese adult men and women.

Application of the PERMA Model of Well-being in Undergraduate Students.

The PERMA model was introduced by Seligman in 2011 to increase and measure well-being. This model defines well-being in terms of Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA). Mental health concerns are common in undergraduate students and may prevent them from obtaining optimal well-being. The purpose of this study was to test whether all five PERMA elements of well-being could be constructed from items within the 2018 Purdue University Student Experience at a Research University (SERU) survey. Using confirmatory factor analysis, all five PERMA constructs were supported and demonstrated good model fit statistics. A second order PERMA well-being construct was built and demonstrated adequate model fit with RMSEA = 0.04. All five constructs were significant at p < .001. Accomplishment had the highest factor loading (0.76) and Meaning had the lowest factor loading (0.25). Results for this study support use of well-being theory in the context of undergraduate students and provides enhanced understanding of well-being characteristics in this population.

Revising and Validating the Community of Inquiry Instrument for MOOCs and other Global Online Courses

Globally, online course enrollments have grown, and English is often used as a lingua franca for instruction. The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework can inform the creation of more supportive, interaction-rich online learning environments. However, the framework and its accompanying validated instrument were created in North America, limiting researchers’ ability to use the instrument in courses where participants have varying levels of English language proficiency. We revised the CoI instrument so it could be more easily read and understood by individuals whose native language is not English. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) on data obtained from global online courses and MOOCs, we found the revised instrument had good fit statistics once seven items were removed. This study expands the usability of the CoI instrument beyond the original and translated versions, and provides an example of adapting and validating an existing instrument for global courses.

Developing a Cross-National Disability Measure for Older Adult Populations across Korea, China, and Japan.

This study aims to develop a universal scale for comparing cognitive and physical functions among countries using health survey data from China, Korea, and Japan. This study used the data of 934 participants from the Korean Longitude Study of Aging, 2506 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitude Study, and 178 participants from the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement. Each physical and cognitive function item in the three countries has five key items. The anchoring method used the key items to link each cognitive and physical function of the three countries. We investigated the psychometric characteristics of the final item using the Rasch analysis. We extracted 13 items of 19 cognitive function items and 20 items out of 29 physical function items using the anchoring method and the Rasch analysis. The Rasch analysis showed good fit statistics for 13 cognitive function items and 20 physical function items. The measurement scale developed in this study will enable valid comparisons of older adults’ cognitive and physical functions across these three countries.

Validating a measure of anticipated sex work-related stigma among male and female sex workers in Kenya

ABSTRACT Sex workers face different types of sex work-related stigma, which may include anticipated, perceived, experienced, or internalized stigma. Sex work stigma can discourage health care seeking and hamper STI and HIV prevention and treatment efforts. There is a paucity of validated sex work-related stigma measures, and this limits the ability to study the stigma associated with sex work. A cross-sectional survey was conducted that measured anticipated sex work-related stigma among male and female sex workers in Kenya (N = 729). We examined the construct validity and reliability of the anticipated stigma items to establish a conceptually and statistically valid scale. Our analysis supported a 15-item scale measuring five anticipated sex work stigma domains: gossip and verbal abuse from family; gossip and verbal abuse from healthcare workers; gossip and verbal abuse from friends and community; physical abuse; and exclusion. The scale demonstrated good face, content, and construct validity. Reliability was good for all subscales and the overall scale. The scale demonstrated good model fit statistics and good standardized factor loadings. The availability of valid and reliable stigma measures will enhance efforts to characterize and address stigma among sex workers and ultimately support the protection, health and well-being of this vulnerable population.

Modeling site index of selected poplar clones using airborne laser scanning data

Accurate growth and yield projection for plantations is critical for evaluating management decisions and anticipating future yields. Development of site index (SI) models is often costly and can be problematic when new, short-rotation species are introduced, for example, hybrid poplar plantations, which are increasingly common due to their very fast growth and high productivity. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) allows accurate measurement of tree and stand height and is increasingly being used to develop top height models. In this paper, we demonstrate an approach to develop SI models from ALS data across hybrid poplar plantations in Quebec, Canada. We exploit a single time step ALS acquisition to generate top height estimates at 10 m grid level. Using existing information on planting date and management practices, we developed top height models for unique classes of fertilization treatment and clone. The generic models for unfertilized and fertilized stands showed good fit statistics, with R2 of 0.71 and 0.82, respectively. Clone-specific models showed similar goodness of fit, with the best model resulting in an R2 of 0.89 and relative root mean square error (RMSE) of 16.6%. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed that clone, fertilization status, and the interaction term between clone and fertilization were significant. Our results confirm the development of top height models from a chronosequence of ALS data was successful and offers a new approach to derive SI models in single-species plantation sites.

Development and Validation of the State Moral Elevation Scale: Assessing State-Level Elevation Across Nonclinical and Clinical Samples.

Research on moral elevation has steadily increased and identified several psychosocial benefits that bear relevance to both the general population and people with psychological distress. However, elevation measurement is inconsistent, and few state-level measures have been created and critically evaluated to date. To address this gap, the State Moral Elevation Scale (SMES) was developed and tested using an online sample (N = 930) including subsamples of general participants (nonclinical) and those who screened positive for mental health symptoms (clinical). Factor analysis indicated a single factor structure with nine items that demonstrated excellent reliability. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis indicated good fit statistics and strict measurement invariance across clinical and nonclinical subsamples. Lastly, correlational analyses with related constructs provided evidence of construct validity for both subsamples. Thus, the SMES is a psychometrically valid and reliable assessment tool for state-level elevation which can be used in both general and clinical populations.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-022-00533-2.