Higher-order Factor Research Articles

Automatic Self Recriminations: Development and Validation of a Measure of Self-Condemnatory Internal Dialogue

This article introduces a measure of self-condemnatory internal dialogue as an element of the relationship with the self: The Automatic Self-Recrimination Scale (ASRS). Using the construct validation approach to test construction, we describe the initial development of items and report on findings from a clinical and nonclinical sample showing the ASRS is best understood as a multidimensional measure of self-critical internal dialogue composed of one higher-order factor and four lower-order facets: Not Mattering, Self as Failure, Undeserving Self, and Loathsomeness. The overall scale and four subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Moreover, there was evidence of good convergent and incremental validity of the ASRS subscales with measures of perfectionism, self-criticism, and dysfunctional attitudes. Overall, the ASRS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of an automatic self-recriminatory internal dialogue.

A psychometric evaluation of the Life Attitudes Schedule-Short Form

The Life Attitudes Schedule-Short Form (LAS-SF) is a measure of suicide proneness featuring various conceptual models. We tested four competing LAS-SF factor structures, as well as construct validity with mental health and suicide metrics. Community dwelling adults (N = 488) completed an online cross-sectional survey. Results supported a four factor (i.e., death-related, health-related, injury-related, and self-related subscales) LAS-SF structure with one higher order factor. Death-related, injury-related, and self-related subscales demonstrated moderate positive associations with mental health and suicidal ideation. Death-related and self-related subscales showed links with suicidal ideation, as well as suicide and depression risk (controlling for other factors). This study is important in highlighting suicide proneness theory may need to be refined. LAS-SF uses include possible risk screening in clinical settings and future focus on the psychological death aspects of the LAS-SF in prospective research. Study limitations include lack of sample diversity and cross-sectional design.

Validation of the Perceived Islamophobia Scale (PIS) among Muslims living in the United States

Islamophobia (i.e., the fear of Islam and Muslims) increases dramatically in response to local and global events. The Perceived Islamophobia Scale (PIS) captures perceptions of Islamophobia within a culture via three subscales titled Islamophobia in the Media, Fear of Islamization, and General Fear (Kunst et al., 2013). The PIS has been validated among both Muslims and non-Muslims in several countries. Although it has been used in US samples, exploring its psychometric properties among Muslims living in the United States (MLUS) is needed as MLUS are particularly vulnerable for experiencing Islamophobia. The current study validated the PIS in a representative sample of 350 MLUS (50% women; 33% immigrants). Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) revealed both a four-factor structure, encompassing the three original subscales alongside a separate factor with the reverse-scored items (Items 3, 4, and 5), and a higher-order factor structure encompassing all 12 items. This suggests that the full-scale PIS may be used as a standalone measure. Tests of measurement invariance across gender, immigrant status, and denomination of Islam suggested the PIS demonstrates strict measurement invariance, but only when used without its reverse-scored items. Further, there was a positive association between total scores on the PIS and the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS; Williams et al., 1997), demonstrating construct validity of the PIS with an established measure of individual-level discrimination. Further tools are needed to capture the private and structural forms of Islamophobia experienced by Muslims.

Study on the Interaction Effects of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Based on IV Feature Selection and the LightGBM Model

Abstract This study aims to explore the predictive strength of interactions among physical examination indicators regarding diabetes risk. It specifically addresses the utilization of the LightGBM polynomial kernel model for early diabetes screening and prognosis. Methods: The study utilized the PolynomialFeatures method to derive high-order interaction data from physical examination indicators. Employing the IV feature selection model, it identified strongly predictive factors, which informed the inputs for the LightGBM polynomial kernel prediction model to predict the risk of diabetes, with the model’s predictive performance evaluated based on the AUC. Results: The LightGBM prediction model, established using high-order factors selected by the IV model for their strong predictive ability, achieved an AUC of 0.9687 (95%CI: 0.9612~0.9762). Conclusion: The LightGBM model, built on high-order interaction factors with robust predictive power, shows significant potential for diabetes risk prediction in populations undergoing physical examinations.

Assessing emotion beliefs with the Polish version of the Emotion Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ): psychometric properties, norms, and links with emotional reactivity and psychopathology

Originally developed in English, the Emotion Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ) is a self-report measure of beliefs about the controllability and usefulness of negative and positive emotions. In this study, we introduce the Polish version and examine its psychometric properties and links with emotional outcomes. Our sample was 914 Polish adults aged 18–70 from the general population. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to verify the factor structure. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed based on the relationship between the EBQ and emotional reactivity traits as well as markers of anxiety, depression, and stress. We assessed internal consistency reliability. We also examined discriminant validity by conducting exploratory factor analyses of EBQ scores and emotional reactivity traits and psychopathology symptoms. We evaluated criterion validity by conducting a set of multiple regression analyses, examining whether EBQ scores could predict significant variance in psychopathology symptoms. Our factor analyses supported the EBQ’s factorial validity, conforming to the intended 4-factor structure (subscales: negative-controllability, positive-controllability, negative-usefulness, positive-usefulness), with support also found for a higher-order general factor (e.g., CFI = 0.941, RMSEA = 0.063). This structure was invariant across gender and age categories. The EBQ subscales correlated in expected directions with emotional reactivity traits and psychopathology symptoms. The EBQ showed good internal consistency reliability (α = 0.77–0.88) and discriminant validity. Beliefs about the uncontrollability of negative emotions were the strongest unique predictor of psychopathology symptoms. We also presented percentile rank norms for Polish adults. The Polish version of the EBQ appears to have strong psychometric properties and good clinical relevance.

THE RELEVANCE OF COGNITIVE ABILITIES IN FRAUD DETECTION

Abstract Some previous studies suggest that cognitive decline might be responsible for older adults being susceptible to phishing attempts and frauds, but results are not consistent. The current study utilized a structural equation modeling approach to examine the role of different cognitive abilities in fraud detection. We used data from the baseline of the Intervention Comparative Effectiveness for Adult Cognitive Training (ICE-ACT, NCT03141281) Trial. The sample included 230 cognitively normal community-dwelling older adults (Mean age = 72). Reasoning was measured by Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices and letter sets. Memory was measured by Hopkins Verbal Learning Test and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Processing speed was measured by Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Useful Field of View. Fraud detection was represented by d-prime score calculated from rating of fraudulence in 10 vignettes describing fraud and non-fraud scenarios. Latent factors were created for reasoning, memory, and processing speed. Results showed that reasoning, memory, and processing speed explained 14% of variance in fraud detection, however, none of those cognitive factors uniquely predicted fraud detection. A higher-order general cognitive factor indicated by the reasoning, memory, and processing speed factors significantly predicted fraud detection and explained 13 % of variance. These results showed that general cognitive abilities have a medium effect in fraud detection in cognitively normal community-dwelling older adults. Discussion will focus on implications of those results on training and interventions aiming to prevent fraud in older adults.

Translation and validation of the Arabic version of the Digital Stress Scale (DSS-A) with three Arabic-speaking samples

ObjectiveGiven the ubiquitous nature of digital technologies such as smartphones, research has increasingly focused on the health outcomes of prolonged use of such technologies. The Digital Stress Scale (DSS) has been developed recently, but it is currently only available in English and Chinese, and validations in other languages are warranted.MethodsThe 24-item DSS was translated into Arabic using the method of translation and back-translation. Using a general population sample (n = 1069) from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan, the psychometric properties of the Arabic DSS (DSS-A) were investigated using higher-order confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsThe original five-factor structure was replicated for the DSS-A without the need for any modifications such as item deletion or reassignment of items to another factor. Reliability was excellent for the total scale score (α = 0.92) as well as for the five subscales (α ranged between 0.81 and 0.91). Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the DSS-A and psychological distress.ConclusionThe strong psychometric properties of the DSS-A imply that this scale can now be used with high validity and reliability to explore the role of digital stress and its sub-characteristics in Arabic-speaking populations.

Building upstream supplier capabilities for downstream customization: The role of collaboration capital

AbstractOffering highly customized products and services is an attractive strategic option for firms in business‐to‐business (B2B) markets. However, as effective customization for downstream customers requires significant reliance on upstream suppliers, capabilities of upstream suppliers become central to firm strategies to produce customized offerings. Despite the importance of upstream supplier capabilities for downstream customization, there is a scarcity of research on how firms build their suppliers' capabilities for effective customization. Building on the foundations of research streams on customization, capabilities, and collaboration, this research tests a model which illustrates that (i) upstream supplier capabilities can result in positive customization outcomes for downstream markets and (ii) a firm's collaboration capital can build upstream supplier capabilities directly and also indirectly through supplier communication. Analyses of data collected from 189 organizations that extensively engage in downstream customization reveal the role of collaboration capital—conceptualized as a higher order factor with collaboration orientation, collaborative flexibility, and collaborative communication as first‐order dimensions—in building upstream supplier capabilities for downstream customization. We conclude with a delineation of the contributions, theoretical and practical implications, and limitations of this research.

Two-dimensional unconfined seepage flow toward a highway cut slope

The unconfined gravity-flow system near a free-outflow boundary such as a highway cut slope was investigated by using a higher-order numerical model. Unlike the Dupuit–Forchheimer equation, which is applicable mainly to a hydraulic flow problem, the proposed model accounts for the effects of the vertical component of the flow for a full treatment of the problem of plane phreatic flow. The model equations were numerically solved by means of a finite-difference scheme. Their accuracy was then verified using the solutions of the full two-dimensional potential-flow method and rigorous mathematical approaches, revealing that for a face slope flatter than 70º, the differences between the solutions of the model and the earlier approaches for the relative seepage-face height were nearly negligible. The comparison results also demonstrated the substantial effects of the slope of the downstream face on this height and the seepage discharge. Furthermore, the accuracies of the model predictions for the phreatic-surface profile and the distributions of the piezometric head at different vertical sections are much better than the earlier method, which approximates the trapezoidal-shaped aquifer by its equivalent rectangular one. Such a satisfactory performance may be attributed to the model’s higher-order correction factor for the effects of the phreatic-surface curvature and steep slope.

Evaluating real-patient learning in medical education - Hungarian validation of the Manchester Clinical Placement Index.

The Manchester Clinical Placement Index (MCPI) is an instrument to measure medical undergraduates' real-patient learning in communities of practice both in hospital and in GP placements. Its suitability to evaluate the quality of placement learning environments has been validated in an English-language context; however, there is a lack of evidence for its applicability in other languages. Our aim was to thoroughly explore the factor structure and the key psychometric properties of the Hungarian language version. MCPI is an 8-item, mixed-method instrument which evaluates the quality of clinical placements as represented by the leadership, reception, supportiveness, facilities and organization of the placement (learning environment) as well as instruction, observation and feedback (training) on 7-point Likert scales with options for free-text comments on the strengths and weaknesses of the given placement on any of the items. We collected data online from medical students in their preclinical (1st, 2nd) as well as clinical years (4th, 5th) in a cross-sectional design in the academic years 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, by the end of their clinical placements. Our sample comprises data from 748 medical students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, and higher-order factors were tested. Although a bifactor model gave the best model fit (RMSEA = 0.024, CFI = 0.999, and TLI = 0.998), a high explained common variance (ECV = 0.82) and reliability coefficients (ωH = 0.87) for the general factor suggested that the Hungarian version of the MCPI could be considered unidimensional. Individual application of either of the subscales was not supported statistically due to their low reliabilities. The Hungarian language version of MCPI proved to be a valid unidimensional instrument to measure the quality of undergraduate medical placements. The previously reported subscales were not robust enough, in the Hungarian context, to distinguish, statistically, the quality of learning environments from the training provided within those environments. This does not, however, preclude formative use of the subscales for quality improvement purposes.

Unpacking thep-factor. Associations Between Maladaptive Personality Traits and General Psychopathology in Female and Male Adolescents.

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, psychological, and neural maturation that makes youth vulnerable to emerging psychopathology, highlighting the need for improved identification of psychopathology risk indicators. Recently, a higher-order latent psychopathology factor (p-factor) was identified that explains latent liability for psychopathology beyond internalizing and externalizing difficulties. However, recent proposals suggest reconceptualizing the p-factor model in terms ofimpairments in personality encompassing difficulties in both self-regulation (borderline features) and self-esteem (narcissistic features), but this remains untested. To address this, this study examined the p-factor structure and the contribution of borderline and narcissistic features using two cross-sectional data collections. In Study 1, 974 cisgender adolescents (63% assigned females at birth; age range: 13-19; Mage = 16.68,SD = 1.40) reported on internalizing and externalizing problems (YSR) to test via structural equation models (SEM) different theoretical models for adolescent psychopathology. In Study 2, 725 cisgender adolescents (64.5% assigned females at birth; age range: 13-19; Mage = 16.22,SD = 1.32) reported internalizing and externalizing problems (YSR), borderline personality features (BPFSC-11), and narcissistic personality traits (PNI), to explore, via SEM, thecontribution ofborderline and narcissistic traitsto the p-factor and accounting for gender differences.Results confirmed the utility of a bi-factor model in adolescence. Furthermore, findings highlighted the contribution of borderline features and narcissistic vulnerability to general psychopathology. The study provides the first evidence supporting a p-factor model reconceptualized in terms ofpersonality impairments encompassing difficulties in self-regulation and self-esteem in adolescents.

Development of the Enthusiastic Substance Use Attitudes Scale: Preliminary Evidence of a Novel Maintenance Factor

Background: Expectancies, motives, and attitudes toward substances are cognitive factors that partially account for substance use; however, existing measures tend to have monotonous phrasing, diverging from the enthusiastic attitude toward the perceived benefits of substance use exhibited by those who use substances regularly in informal settings. Objective: I aimed to characterize a new cognitive maintenance factor that precedes substance use by creating a brief, multidimensional measure to capture this tone nuance, which I called the Enthusiastic Substance Use Attitudes Scale (ESUAS). Method: Undergraduate students (n = 198) between ages 18 and 62 (M = 19.15, SD = 3.65; 66.2% women; 71.71% White) completed the study for course credit. Results: I used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to reduce a 90-item item pool based on a comprehensive qualitative thematic analysis of social media, traditional media, and the scientific literature to an 18-item hierarchical bifactor model. This model contained nine specific factors, which are (1) sociability, (2) enjoyment, (3) physical health, (4) mental health, (5) relaxation, (6) personal growth, (7) performance enhancement, (8) boredom, and (9) life processing; two general factors, which are (1) substance-induced emotion regulation and (2) substance-based assistance; and a higher-order single factor above the nine specific factors – resulting in twelve highly internally consistent, empirically supported scales. Further, the ESUAS demonstrated excellent structural, convergent, divergent, incremental, and diagnostic validity. The degree of enthusiasm towards substance use positively related to substance use disorder symptomology, polysubstance use, neuroticism, and difficulty with regulating emotions while negatively relating to one’s psychological quality of life and agreeableness. Conclusion: The ESUAS may be an effective tool for professionals to characterize these enthusiastic attitudes further and measure a more ecologically valid view of the perceived benefits of substance use among those who use substances, thereby developing a more compassionate, non-stigmatizing understanding within the general public, advancing medicinal uses of illicit substances, and improving conceptualizations and treatments.

Definition and Criteria for the Assessment of Expertise in Psychotherapy: Development of the Psychotherapy Expertise Questionnaire (PEQ).

Therapist expertise is a complex, multifaceted, and continually evolving concept. Defining this construct and its constituent components can yield a substantial contribution to the field of psychotherapy, consequently enhancing the comprehension of the fundamental factors that underlie its effectiveness. Within this framework, the present research aimed at developing and assessing the psychometric properties of the Psychotherapy Expertise Questionnaire (PEQ), a self-report measure to assess therapist expertise. A sample of 260 psychotherapists of various theoretical orientations were involved in this research. They completed a survey that included the PEQ as well as other self-reported measures aimed at evaluating personality traits, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and insight orientation. The analysis provided evidence of a good fit for both a correlational model with eight factors and a higher-order model, where the eight subdimensions were grouped into subjective (performance; cognitive functioning; personal and relational qualities of the therapist; therapist self-assessment) and objective (experience; reputation with clients and colleagues; training and professional updating; deontological ethics and setting rules) factors. The eight dimensions, two higher-order factors, and total score all showed excellent levels of internal consistency. Furthermore, significant associations were found between PEQ scores and insight orientation, general self-efficacy, self-esteem, personality traits, and time exercising clinical practice. To conclude, the Psychotherapy Expertise Questionnaire (PEQ) is a valuable, theoretically guided, and psychometrically robust self-report measure designed to assess therapist expertise and its constitutive dimensions. This measure can have practical applications in guiding tailored training and customised supervision.

A d factor? Understanding trait distractibility and its relationships with ADHD symptomatology and hyperfocus.

People differ substantially in their vulnerability to distraction. Yet, many types of distractions exist, from external stimulation to internal thoughts. How should we characterize individual differences in their distractibility? Two samples of adult participants (total N = 1220) completed a large battery of questionnaires assessing different facets of real-world distractibility. Latent modeling revealed that these measures could be explained by three correlated-yet-distinct factors: external distraction, unwanted intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering. Importantly, about 80% of the total variance in these three factors could be explained by a single higher-order factor (d) that could be construed in terms of a person's general distractibility, and this general distractibility model was replicated across the two samples. We then applied the general distractibility model to understand the nature of ADHD symptomatology and hyperfocus (an intense state of long-lasting and highly focused attention). d was substantially associated with self-reported ADHD symptoms. Interestingly, d was also positively associated with hyperfocus, suggesting that hyperfocus may, to some degree, reflect attention problems. These results also show marked consistencies across the two samples. Overall, the study provides an important step toward a comprehensive understanding of individual differences in distractibility and related constructs.

Relations between childhood psychological maltreatment and mental health dimensions within a higher-order model

BackgroundExperiences of childhood psychological maltreatment have been found to be associated with various mental health outcomes, and this association persists into adulthood. ObjectiveThis study investigated whether some types of psychological maltreatment are more harmful than others; whether the harms associated with different types of psychological maltreatment are generalized or specific to particular domains of psychopathology; and whether the associations vary by gender. MethodParticipants (N = 544, 63.9 % mother as primary caregiver) were Chinese adults from various regions in China. Participants completed measures of childhood psychological maltreatment experiences perpetrated by their primary caregiver and the mental health outcomes of depression, anxiety, anger, physical aggression, and hostility. The data were analyzed in a hierarchical model in which depression and anxiety were defined as indicators of an internalizing factor, while anger, physical aggression, and hostility were defined as indicators of an externalizing factor. Internalizing and externalizing then defined a higher-order general psychopathology factor. The results suggested equivalent harms of psychological abuse and psychological neglect. Further, the associations between psychological maltreatment and mental health were not unique to specific symptom domains but showed broadband associations with general psychopathology. ResultsThese findings suggest that trans-diagnostic interventions may be the most effective approach for addressing the mental health impacts of psychological maltreatment. ConclusionChildhood psychological maltreatment may pose a broadband risk for any and all forms of psychopathology.

밥상공동체종합사회복지관 활성화 방안 연구

This research aims to identify and prioritize factors to promote Bapsang Community Social Welfare Center. For this purpose, we adopt Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is the most widely used decision-making method. Four factors (Welfare Facilities, Programs, Exchange and Network-building, Support Policies) and 20 items were analyzed for priority, and the major findings are as follows. First, the four higher-order factors were ranked in priority in the order of: (1) Exchange and Network-building, (2) Support Policies, (3) Programs and (4) Welfare Facilities. Second, the overall priority rank of the items were: (1) Collaboration among the stakeholders (2) Greater policy support from the federal and local government (3) development and maintenance of Bapsang Community’s resources (4) Services that cater to individual member’s wants, (5) information exchange between the Babsang community and the administrative welfare centers. The academic implications of this research are that it identifies and prioritizes factors that have not been discussed in past literature as factors to promote Bapsang Community Welfare Center.

Reliability and validity of the revised Rushton Moral Resilience Scale for healthcare workers.

To refine the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale (RMRS) by creating a more concise scale, improving the reliability, particularly of the personal integrity subscale and providing further evidence of validity. Healthcare workers are exposed to moral adversity in practice. When unable to preserve/restore their integrity, moral suffering ensues. Moral resilience is a resource that may mitigate negative consequences. To better understand mechanisms for doing so, a valid and reliable measurement tool is necessary. Cross-sectional survey. Participants (N = 1297) had completed ≥1 items on the RMRS as part of the baseline survey of a larger longitudinal study. Item analysis, confirmatory factor analyses, reliability analyses (Cronbach's alpha), and correlations were used to establish reliability and validity of the revised RMRS. Item and confirmatory factor analysis were used to refine the RMRS from 21 to 16 items. The four-factor structure (responses to moral adversity, personal integrity, relational integrity and moral efficacy) demonstrated adequate fit in follow-up confirmatory analyses in the initial and hold-out sub-samples. All subscales and the total scale had adequate reliabilities (α ≥ 0.70). A higher-order factor analysis supports the computation of either subscale scores or a total scale score. Correlations of scores with stress, anxiety, depression and moral distress provide evidence of the scale's validity. Reliability of the personal integrity subscale improved. The RMRS-16 demonstrates adequate reliability and validity, particularly the personal integrity subscale. Moral resilience is an important lever for reducing consequences when confronted with ethical challenges in practice. Improved reliability of the four subscales and having a shorter overall scale allow for targeted application and will facilitate further research and intervention development. Data came from a larger study of Canadian healthcare workers from multiple healthcare organizations who completed a survey about their experiences during COVID-19.

Measuring the coach’s compassion through the eyes of their athletes: validity of The Compassionate Coach Scale as perceived by the adolescent athletes

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to adapt and test psychometric properties of the CCS-PA in adolescent athletes (The Compassionate Coach Scale as Perceived by the Adolescent Athletes – CCS-PAA). Method This study sample included 217 Portuguese adolescent athletes, who practiced different sports and completed self-reported instruments. The factor structure of the CCS-PAA was explored (through Confirmatory Factor Analysis) and its psychometric properties, convergent, external and discriminant validities, and gender invariance were examined. Results Results confirmed the plausibility of the hierarchical structure of the scale, constituted by one higher-order factor (perceived coach’s compassionate qualities) and two lower-order factors (compassionate engagement and compassionate actions). This scale showed high internal consistency, convergent, discriminant validities and it was invariant across gender. CCS-PAA demonstrated associations with social safeness, self-criticism, self-reassurance, perception of performance, and psychological well-being. Conclusions CCS-PAA seems to be a reliable measure to assess adolescent athletes’ perceptions of their coach’s compassionate qualities. This scale could be an important tool in the sports context, as it can help to identify a relationship between coach and athlete based on comprehension, support, and kindness in difficult and suffering times for the athlete, especially in a challenging stage of development: adolescence.

Development and validation of the Mindfulness Insight Scale

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) that incorporate components of traditional Buddhist practices are widely used in Western countries. However, most MBIs omit a central Buddhist idea that mindfulness promotes three crucial insights (the inevitability of suffering, impermanence, and interconnection) that are alleged to enhance human functioning. To enable testing hypotheses about insight, we developed the Mindfulness Insight Scale (MIS) with three adult samples: n = 365 Thai residents (sample 1), n = 429 Thai residents (sample 2); and n = 484 UK residents (sample 3). Analysis with sample 1 showed a two-level structure of six factors loaded onto by 3 higher order factors, the latter corresponding to the three Buddhist insights. Analyses with samples 2 and 3 replicated this model in both Thai and UK participants. In testing convergent and divergent validity with samples 2 and 3, the MIS had most of the expected associations with conceptually related constructs. To test discriminant validity, the insights of samples 1 and 2 (Thai residents, who have much exposure to Buddhist teaching) were compared with sample 3 UK residents (who do not). As expected, Thai residents had higher insight than UK residents. Findings support the MIS as a useful measure of Buddhist insights.

Becoming a mother: A role learning perspective on the use of online community resources to facilitate a life-role transition

Transitioning into motherhood can be stressful and resource-intensive, filled with numerous concerns and uncertainties during pregnancy, such as biological changes and unforeseen outcomes. Expectant mothers, those lacking prior motherhood experience, frequently seek solace within online communities, utilizing them as sources of social support to navigate the complexities of the first-time motherhood experience and to facilitate the exploration of their life-role transition. Drawing on role theory, conservation of resources theory, social support research, and socialization literature, this study explores how online communities can provide social resources for expectant mothers to facilitate their role learning, and examines the antecedents and outcomes of role learning. Based on a two-wave survey of 185 expectant mothers (pregnant with their first child), the results show that online community resources (i.e., informational support, emotional support, and social companionship) positively impact role learning (conceptualized as a higher-order factor, including role meaning, role competence, and role internalization), and role learning significantly enhances their subjective well-being. Moreover, role learning fully mediates the links between each type of social support and subjective well-being. A better understanding of the social support mechanisms involved in role learning may empower healthcare providers to leverage the capabilities of social media, thereby offering effective guidance to pregnant women confronting uncertainties in their transition to new life-roles.