Confirmatory Factor Analysis Indices Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Brief Form (Ders-16): in Group of Iranian Adolescents

Introduction: Given the importance of the scale of difficulty in emotion regulation, in measuring the ability to regulate emotion in adolescents and adults, which is widely used in research and clinical settings, the purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of short form of difficulty in emotion regulation (DERS-16) in group of Iranian adolescents. Methods: The method of the present study was a survey in which the statistical population consisted of all 16 to 18 years old male secondary school students in Ardabil City in the 2019-2020 academic year (N = 21756). Among which 409 individuals were selected by cluster random sampling and individually responded to the DERS-16 & NEO-FF-R. To analyze the data internal consistency coefficient, divergent validity and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and LISREL 8.8 software. Results: The results of internal coefficient showed that this scale had a good reliability. Fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis also showed appropriate scale validity (CFI = 0.99, RFI = 0.98, NNFI = 0.99, and RMSEA = 0.048). Conclusion: Findings indicate that the Persian version of this scale is a good tool for measuring the difficulty in regulating emotion and can be used to assess the difficulty in regulating emotion in adolescents and adults.

The Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of Brief Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale for Iranian Patients with Cancer

Background: Due to the growing prevalence of cancer globally, the disease is considered one of the most important sources of stress, disability, and reduced life satisfaction. Although life satisfaction is supposed to be a relatively stable psychological construct, it may change in response to life events. Life-satisfaction is the assessment of the quality of life according to one’s chosen criteria. Objectives: The purpose of this research is the psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of “Brief Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale” (BMLSS) in Iranian patients with cancer. Methods: The present study was a methodological research, during which the BMLSS was translated and the Farsi version was validated for patients with cancer. Results: The fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the dual dimension of the BMLSS. Regarding the convergent validity of the BMLSS, the total score of the instrument had a positive and significant relationship with age and the sense of religiosity. Cronbach's alpha and Intraclass Correlation were calculated. Conclusions: The findings indicated that this Persian version has good validity and reliability and can be used as a comprehensive instrument in Iran.

Psychometric properties of modified MOS social support survey 5-item (MSSS-5-item) among Iranian older adults

BackgroundSocial support is a key factor in public health. Since the precise evaluation of it is critical, the current study has been developed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MOS-SSS questionnaire’s abbreviated form (MSSS-5-item) among the Iranian older adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional and methodological study was conducted on 420 community older adults (age ≥ 60) through random multi-stage sampling. The questionnaire was first translated into Persian through the Forward & Backward method based on WHO guidelines. Next, the validity of scales was investigated by calculating face validity, content validity, Known-group validity, explanatory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis indices. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated by internal consistency, test-retest, and absolute reliability. Moreover, the scalability of the questionnaire was checked through the Mokken scale analysis. The software packages SPSS version 22, AMOS version 22, and R (Mokken package) were employed to analyze the data.Resultsthe face validity was conducted using interviews with older adults and gathering the specialists’ opinions. Then, the items were grammatically and lexically corrected accordingly. The CVI index of the overall scale was 0.94, and for every single item above 0.89. The results of the independent t-test showed that the current questionnaire well distinguished between the older adults who do and do not feel lonely (p < 0.001). Two components were recognized according to the explanatory factor analysis. They together explained 67.78% of the total variance of the questionnaire. The CFA showed that the two-factor model had acceptable fit indices. The questionnaire had desirable internal consistency (α = 0.78), stability (ICC = 0.98), and absolute reliability (SEM = 0.56, MDC = 1.57). Furthermore, the Mokken scale proved that MSSS-5-item was a strong scale (H = 0.51, se = 0.03).ConclusionThe present study results showed that the MSSS-5-item questionnaire had suitable validity and reliability to be used among Iranian older adults.

Validation of the Mental Health Checklist (MHCL) during COVID-19 lockdown.

The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented disruption to everyday life, including widespread social distancing and self‐quarantining aimed at reducing the virus spread. The Mental Health Checklist (MHCL) is a measure developed to assess psychological health during extended periods of isolation and confinement, and has shown strong psychometric properties in community samples and during Antarctic missions. This study validated the MHCL in a sample of 359 U.S. and U.K adults during the peak of the COVID‐19 lockdown. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested model fit, and convergent validity analyses were conducted to compare the MHCL with validated measures of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as insomnia. The MHCL exhibited good model fit for most CFA indices, and showed strong convergent validity with other measures of psychological well‐being. Findings suggest that the MHCL is useful for assessing mental health in a variety of environments and conditions.

Validation of the Moral Disengagement Scale among Some Iranian University Students

Background: Moral disengagement is a variable in the social cognitive theory of morality and includes eight cognitive, psychosocial mechanisms by which moral self-sanctions are selectively disengaged from inhumane conduct. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to validate a university student replica of the moral disengagement scale among some Iranian university students. Methods: This validation study was based on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) method. The statistical population consisted of 346 undergraduate students at the Salman Farsi University of Kazerun. Also, 44 other undergraduate students were participated to examine the test-retest reliability of the scale. Both samples were selected by convenient sampling. The main sample completed the 32-item Moral Disengagement scale and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. CFA (by AMOS 24), stability coefficients, Cronbach's alpha, and multiple analysis of variance (ANOVA) (all by SPSS 16) were used to study gender differences. Results: The indices of CFA for the 32-item scale were not satisfactory, then an item in all subscales with the lesser beta was dropped, and the scale included only 24-items. The indices of CFA of the 24-item scale were satisfactory. The internal consistency for the whole scale was desirable (α: .817) and for the subscales were adequate. Test-retest correlations were not desirable for the whole scale (r: .693) and for the subscales. The total score and the scores of some subscales were negatively correlated with social desirability. The total score and the scores of some subscales also were greater in males. Conclusions: The satisfactory indices of CFA and also the higher scores of males in the 24-item scale confirmed its construct validity. However, correlations between the scale and social desirability did not confirm the ideal divergent validity. Thus, assessing the social desirability beside the scale can clarify interpreting the scores. The obtained test-retest reliability suggests that this scale cannot assess a stable variable, and according beside the social cognitive theory, it is better to consider moral disengagement as a changeable and inconstant variable.

Development and validation of a Smartphone Impact Scale among healthcare professionals

ObjectivesSmartphone overuse is prevalent among healthcare professionals. There is no standard scale that can measure the impact of smartphone usage on healthcare professionals. This study aimed to develop and validate a tool, the Smartphone Impact Scale (SIS), that can effectively measure the use of smartphone among healthcare professionals. MethodsWe developed a generic instrument to study the impact of smartphone usage among healthcare professionals. A total of 1436 healthcare professionals from various regions of KSA participated in this study through an online questionnaire-based survey. The psychometric properties of the SIS were developed using content validity index (CVI), factor analysis, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability analysis. ResultsA 23-item scale was selected for reliability and validity analysis. The average CVI was found to be 0.824. The internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha value was 0.91, and test-retest reliability was 0.85. The Cronbach's alpha values for Factors 1 and 2 were 0.875 and 0.803, respectively. The confirmatory factor analysis indices were as follows: root mean square of approximation = 0.0710, comparative fit index = 0.861, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.845, and the coefficient of determination = 0.969. The correlation between two factors was 0.66. After factor analysis, we developed a final questionnaire with 23 items. ConclusionsOur SIS showed a three-factor structure and appropriate psychometric characteristics. Due to its adequate reliability and validity, SIS can be conveniently used to evaluate the impact of smartphone usage on healthcare professionals.

Translation and Psychometric Properties of the Farsi Version of the Childbirth Perception Scale

Background & aim: This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the childbirth perceptions scale (CPS) to assess women's experiences of their childbirth. Methods: In this validation study, the CPS was translated from English to Farsi using the forward-backward translation method. Subsequently, 150 women who hadrecently given birth and were the residents in Bandar Abbas, Iran were requested to fill out the CPS. The construct validity of the CPS was determined using the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine its reliability. The reliability of the CPS was determined using the test-retest method with the calculation of the intra-class correlation coefficient. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) and LISREL 8.8. Results: A total of 150 individuals participated in this study. The results of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, the adequacy of the sample size was acceptable (0.722), and Bartlett's test of sphericity revealed statistically significant results (P<0.001). The mean±SD of the CPS scores was obtained as 26±5. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the scale in which factors one and two had seven and five items, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the intra-class correlation coefficient were 0.975 and 0.988, respectively. Some of the fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the two-factor model best fitted the data. Conclusion: The findings confirmed the validity and reliability of the CPS; therefore, it can be administrated to the Iranian parturient women.

Validation of an Instrument and Measurement of Employee Work-Life Policies, Psychological Empowerment, and Job Commitment of Academic Staff in Universities

This study used a structural equation modelling approach to assess the association between employee work-life policies, psychological empowerment, and academic staff job commitment in universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Three null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study following a descriptive survey research design. Multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the selection of 315 academic staff from two universities in the study area. “Work-Life Policies, Psychological Empowerment and Job Commitment Questionnaire (WPPEJCQ)” was used as the instrument for data collection. The construct validity of the instrument was ascertained through an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The Kaiser-Meyer-Ohlin of .894 and the Bartlett coefficient of 7795.820 were obtained. Several fit indices of Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used to accept the model such as RMSEA=.031, TLI=.969, CFI=.971 and many others. The null hypotheses were all tested using Path analysis. Findings revealed, among others, that there is a significant effect of work-life policies on the affective (β=.774,t=21.636,p&lt;.05), continuance (β=.450,t=8.932,p&lt;.05), and normative (β=490,t=9.967,p&lt;.05) dimensions of academic staff commitment; furthermore, psychological empowerment has a significant effect on the affective (β=.795,t=23.199,p&lt;.05), continuance (β=.501,t=10.261,p&lt;.05) and normative (β = .520, t = 10.795, p&lt; .05) dimensions of staff commitment; and there is a significant composite effect of work-life policies and psychological empowerment on the affective, continuance, and normative commitment levels of academic staff in universities. Based on these findings, conclusions and recommendations were made

Validation of the sleep hygiene index for the elderly

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a sleep hygiene index for the elderly. A total of 598 elderly people (mean age 68.34 years) were selected through cluster sampling, and the validity and reliability of the sleep hygiene index were measured. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the structure validity, internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire. To this end, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used. In addition, concurrent validities with indicators such as sleep quality, Epworth sleepiness, insomnia severity, overall sleepiness measurement and the Berlin Questionnaire were studied. The confirmatory factor analysis indexes of the structural equation model showed that the model fitted well with the data. The χ2/df ratio for the three-factor structure of sleep hygiene was 4.65, and the goodness of fit indices for this structural model (RMSEA = 0.064, CFI =0.9, TLI = 0.9, NFI = 0.9, GFI = 0.9) were good. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the whole scale was 0.78, and the re-test coefficient was 0.87. The Persian version of the Sleep Hygiene Index can be used as a reliable and valid tool for assessing sleep hygiene in the population of non-clinical elderly.

Шкала катастрофизации боли: адаптация опросника

The article presents the results of the adaptation of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, which consists of three subscales (Rumination, Magnification and Helplessness) in a sample of 219 people (80,4% females). The average age of the participants was 22,05 years (median= 19,00 years, standard deviation=6,74; age range from 18 to 54 years). The Russian-language version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale shows acceptable reliability for the scales (Cronbach’s alpha = 0,82; 0,67 and 0,83, respectively), and high reliability in general (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Estimates of pain catastrophizing are positively correlated with the estimates of pain strength and intensity (McGill Pain Questionnaire, adapted by V. Kuzmenko in 1986), as well as with the level of self-control (Brief Self-Control Scale by J.P. Tangney, R.F. Baumeister and A.L. Boone, adapted by T. Gordeeva et al. in 2016): catastrophizing people, as a rule, have a lower level of self-control. Fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA=0,08; χ2/df=2.5; GFI=0.90; SRMR=0.7) characterize one- and three-factor models of pain catastrophizing as reasonable. Women showed a higher level of catastrophic pain in general, and differences were also found on the scale of Rumination, while there were no statistically significant differences on the scales of Magnification and Helplessness. Pain Catastrophizing is also positively correlated with anxiety and depression (HADS adapted by M. Drobizhev in 1993).

Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Derived From Seven Samples

ContextFatigue is a frequent symptom in patients suffering from chronic diseases. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) is often used to measure fatigue. The aim of this article was to test the scale structure of the questionnaire. MethodsThe MFI-20 data were obtained from seven samples, including general population samples and samples of patients with different diseases (N between 122 and 1993). Five confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models were tested for each sample. ResultsThe scale structure postulated by the original test authors could not be confirmed by the CFAs. The inclusion of a method factor which considers the positive versus the negative orientation of the items yielded a better model fit. Cronbach's alpha was acceptable for most of the samples and scales: the total score of the MFI-20 reached alpha coefficients above 0.89. A short form of the MFI-20 which is restricted to the 10 positively oriented items (MFI-10) showed relatively good CFA indices. ConclusionThe factorial validity of the MFI-20 is insufficient, an issue which is due, at least in part, to the inclusion of positively and negatively oriented items. Nevertheless, we recommend maintaining the scale structure of the MFI-20 and not searching for alternative structures.

Reliability, validation and norms of the Chinese version of Anxiety Sensitivity Index 3 in a sample of military personnel.

This study aimed to explore the properties of the Chinese version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index– 3 (ASI-3) in a sample of military personnel. Using non-probabilistic sampling, the Chinese version of the ASI-3 was administered to 3,077 valid participants aged 16 to 36 years old (M = 22.35, SD = 3.57) from nine military units. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to assess the construct validity. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted to compare the differences in the services and positions of the participants. It was found that ①The indices of confirmatory factor analysis met the standard values, which supported the hypothesis of the three-factor model of the original ASI-3; ②ASI-3 was significantly associated with DASS-21 in positive ways, which indicated the high convergent validity; on the other hand, the correlation between ASI-3 and TAI was relatively low, which indicated there was an empirical discrimination between anxiety sensitivity and trait anxiety. ③The Cronbach’s α coefficients were 0.926 for the total scale and 0.828–0.841 for the three subscales; ④At a cut-off score of 16, the sensitivity and specificity levels were 71.1% and 76.7%, respectively, where the sum of sensitivity and specificity becomes the maximum, accompanied with improvement of PPV and NPV; ⑤There were significant findings in the ASI and subscales among the five services and four positions. This study provides new evidence that the Chinese version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 has good validity and reliability and could be applied as an effective tool to assess anxiety sensitivity in military personnel. Our recommendations to researchers and practitioners are that the three factor model should be replicated across some different special forces and the items and constructs could be modified on Chinese culture.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Properties of the Danish Version of the Anti-Clot Treatment Scale.

Background The Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS) is a 17-item, 2-factor (Burdens and Benefits), patient-reported outcome instrument to evaluate patient satisfaction with oral anticoagulant treatment. Objectives This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the English version of the ACTS into Danish and to subsequently validate the Danish version in a population of patients treated with dabigatran etexilate for atrial fibrillation. Methods The ACTS was translated into Danish and culturally adapted. This prospective phase 4 study included 232 respondents who completed the Danish ACTS after 1 month of treatment with dabigatran etexilate for atrial fibrillation. Psychometric properties were evaluated. For test–retest reliability, the ACTS was measured twice, 2 weeks apart, in a subgroup of 50 stable patients. Results Generally, a high level of treatment satisfaction was found. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a suboptimal fit for the two-factor model of the original version. Using modification indices of confirmatory factor analysis, a four-factor model had the best fit. Cronbach's α for internal consistency was acceptable at 0.78. There was good test–retest reliability with intraclass correlation at 0.80. Smallest detectable changes (SDCs) for individual patients were 5.89 points for the total ACTS, 5.57 for the reverse Burdens, and 3.34 for Benefits scores. Group SDCs were 0.39, 0.37, and 0.22 respectively. Substantial ceiling effects limit the ability to detect improvement at the high end of the scale. Conclusion The Danish version of the ACTS has inadequate structural validity. Reliability was acceptable. Ceiling effects challenge detection of improvement of treatment satisfaction in clinical practice in this patient population.

Psychometric Properties of Rational-Experiential Inventory for Adolescents

This study investigates the psychometric properties of a well-set form of the Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI) for adolescents (REI-A20). Participants were 746 Iranian high school students (412 males, 334 females), selected through multistage sampling method. After subjecting our data to principal components analysis (PCA) and parallel analysis (PA), we found a two-factor structure corresponding to rational and experiential processing. Both rational and experiential scales of the REI-A20 exhibited good internal consistency. These two factors accounted for 37% of the variance. The fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the cross-validity of the inventory. Rationality, but not experientiality, was significantly related to better school performance, elaboration, organization, and metacognitive strategies. Males scored significantly higher on rational scale, but there was no difference between females and males in scores on experiential scale. This new inventory has reliable scores, and allows for valid inferences in assessing individual differences in adolescents’ preference for the rational and experiential information-processing styles.

The Factorial Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire.

BackgroundWith global changes in the current state of work and employment, the role of health-adverse psychosocial work environments has received increasing attention in developed as well as in rapidly developing countries. Thus, there is a need to apply valid measurement tools for monitoring and preventive purposes. This study aims to examine the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire, assessing one of the internationally leading concepts of stressful work.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study of a random sample of 202 white collar employees in an industrial company in Iran analyzes the ERI scales by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, aspects of construct and criterion validity are tested. To this end, correlations of ERI scales with subscales of organizational injustice, a complementary work stress model, and also the correlations of ERI scales with a questionnaire assessing psychosomatic symptoms are performed.ResultsInternal consistency of the three ERI scales was satisfactory (Cronbach α effort: 0.76, reward: 0.79, overcommitment: 0.75). Fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis pointed to an adequate representation of the theoretical construct (e.g., adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI): 0.73, goodness of fit index (GFI): 0.78). Negative correlations with subscales of organizational injustice supported the notion of construct validity of the ERI scales, and positive correlations of ERI scales with psychosomatic symptoms indicated preliminary criterion validity.ConclusionThe Persian version of the ERI questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used as a valid instrument in research on this topic.

Evaluating the Factor Structure of the Persian Version of Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in Cancer Patients

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the factor structure of the Persian version of posttraumatic growth inventory (P-PTGI). MethodsParticipants included 272 Iranian people of Azari ethnicity (111 women and 161 men), aged between 21 and 91 years (mean 52.65 years), who were diagnosed with cancer and were referred to the oncology department of the university hospital. The P-PTGI was assessed to determine the construct validity, using various indices of confirmatory factor analysis and standardized lambda coefficient, followed by further assessment of the discriminant and convergent validities by using the structural equation model. LISREL 8.8 for Windows and SPSS were used for data analysis. ResultsThe calculated values of comparative fit index, incremental fit index, normed fit index, and non-normed fit index > .90 and the values of standardized root-mean-square residual < .08 indicate an acceptable fit for the original PTGI. Considering that the values of average variance extracted (.52–.74) were greater than the square of correlation coefficients between the five dimensions of P-PTGI, discriminant validity was approved. Convergent validity was confirmed through a high value of standardized lambda coefficient (.52–.92) between the items and their related factors. ConclusionsThis study revealed that P-PTGI has an acceptable validity and reliability for posttraumatic growth assessment in Iranian cancer patients and its factor structure is similar to that of the original form developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun.

Factor Analysis of the Brazilian Version of UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale.

Objective: To examine the internal consistency and factor structure of the Brazilian adaptation of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale.Methods: UPPS is a self-report scale composed by 40 items assessing four factors of impulsivity: (a) urgency, (b) lack of premeditation; (c) lack of perseverance; (d) sensation seeking. In the present study 384 participants (278 women and 106 men), who were recruited from schools, universities, leisure centers and workplaces fulfilled the UPPS scale. An exploratory factor analysis was performed by using Varimax factor rotation and Kaiser Normalization, and we also conducted two confirmatory analyses to test the independency of the UPPS components found in previous analysis.Results: Results showed a decrease in mean UPPS total scores with age and this analysis showed that the youngest participants (below 30 years) scored significantly higher than the other groups over 30 years. No difference in gender was found. Cronbach’s alpha, results indicated satisfactory values for all subscales, with similar high values for the subscales and confirmatory factor analysis indexes also indicated a poor model fit. The results of two exploratory factor analysis were satisfactory.Conclusion: Our results showed that the Portuguese version has the same four-factor structure of the original and previous translations of the UPPS.

Validation of the Stress Overload Scale and Stress Overload Scale–Short Form among a Setswana-speaking community in South Africa

Although there has been extensive research on the phenomenon of stress, there is still a lack of assessment tools, especially in the South African context, that have strong theoretical underpinnings, tapping into both internal depletion of resources and the excessive external demands from the environment in the measurement of stress. The aim of this study was to validate the Setswana version of the original 30-item long form of the Stress Overload Scale as well as the 10-item short form (Stress Overload Scale–Short Form), both evaluating experienced personal vulnerability and external event load. A sample of N = 376 adults living in a rural community in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa were randomly selected to partake in the study. Emerging model fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis testing the hypothesized two-factor structure of the original Stress Overload Scale were not convincingly good. However, we found a remarkable improvement in model fit indices in the case of the Stress Overload Scale–Short Form. Concurrent validity was shown for the Stress Overload Scale–Short Form in significant correlations with depression and emotional well-being. We conclude that the Setswana version of the Stress Overload Scale–Short Form is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring stress in the present context; however, further validation of the original Stress Overload Scale in diverse samples is necessary to provide stronger support for the hypothesized two-factor structure.

Patients' perceptions of argentine physicians' empathy based on the jefferson scale of patient's perceptions of physician empathy: Psychometric data and demographic differences.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a modified Spanish version of the Jefferson Scale of Patient's Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) in Argentine patients and to explore how local demographic characteristics influence patients' perceptions of their physicians' empathy. A survey was conducted in March 2013 among 400 Spanish-speaking outpatients attending three different public or private hospitals of Buenos Aires. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the JSPPPE factor structure, and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to evaluate its construct validity. Demographic variables including age, gender, geographic origin, education, health coverage, regular physician-established and patient-perceived health status were used to find what factors may influence empathy rating. The PCA yielded a one-factor model that accounted for 77.5% of the variance, and an adequate model fit was observed with CFA indices. Male and elderly patients, South American descendants, less educated people, and public hospital attendants were associated with a higher JSPPPE score. Patients perceived a lower interest of physicians in their daily problems and a poorer capacity "to stand in their shoes." The JSPPPE provides a valid score to measure patients' perceptions of physician empathy in Argentina. These findings afford insight into Argentine patients' awareness of their doctors' empathic concern; however, JSPPPE scores may be alternatively interpreted in terms of patients' satisfaction or likeability.

Motivation toward dual career of Italian student-athletes enrolled in different university paths

The present study aimed to investigate motivations for the dual career of Italian student-athletes attending different university courses. For this purpose, the Italian Harmonized version of the Student-athletes’ Motivation toward Sports and Academics Questionnaire (SAMSAQ-IT/A) was administered to 760 Italian student-athletes. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were applied to test the factor structure and the reliability of the SAMSAQ-IT/A, respectively. Furthermore, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) assessed the fit of the model. A multivariate approach was applied to verify subgroups effects (P ≤ 0.05) in relation to gender (i.e., female, male), competition level (i.e., elite, sub-elite), type of sport (i.e., individual sport, team sport, disciplines performed both as individual and team), educational area (i.e., economical/law, humanistic, mathematics/engineering, medical, movement/sport sciences), and year of attendance (i.e., Bachelor 1st, 2nd, 3rd year, Master degree 1st and 2nd year, off course). EFA highlighted a three-factor model (i.e., Sport Motivation, SM; Academic Motivation, AM; Dual Career Motivation, CM) with acceptable reliability estimates (SM = 0.93; AM = 0.85; CM = 0.90) and good CFA indexes. Furthermore, differences between subgroups were found for gender (SM, P = 0.02; AM, P = 0.007), type of sport (AM, P = 0.039), competition level (SM, P < 0.001; CM, P = 0.004), educational area (SM, P = 0.003; AM, P = 0.001; CM, P < 0.001), and year of attendance (AM, P = 0.005; CM, P = 0.002). In conclusion, SAMSAQ-IT/A demonstrated to be a useful tool and results showed that Italian student-athletes’ motivation for dual career has to be specifically investigate according to gender, age, competition level, type of sport, educational area, and year of attendance.