Initial Construct Validity Research Articles

Examining psychometric properties, measurement invariance, and construct validity of a short version of the Test to Measure Intercultural Competence (TMIC-S) in Germany and Brazil

The goal of this study was to develop and validate a short version (TMIC-S) of the Test to Measure Intercultural Competence (TMIC; Schnabel, Kelava, Seifert, & Kuhlbrodt, 2015). TMIC-S measures six malleable abilities that support handling novel or difficult cross-cultural situations. The short TMIC-S version, comprising 25 self-report and six situational judgment items, was administered to 1032 Germans and 769 Brazilians. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed a good fit of the sixfactor multimethod model in both samples. Measurement invariance was examined by multigroup CFA, which showed metric and scalar invariance of the TMIC-S. An initial construct validation was addressed by computing correlations of the German and Brazilian TMIC-S versions with the Cultural Intelligence Scale (Van Dyne, Ang, & Koh, 2008). Additionally, prior intercultural experience was positively associated with latent TMIC-S means in both samples, highlighting criterion validity. Thus, TMIC-S is a valid instrument, which can be administered efficiently.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Childhood Illness Attitude Scales

A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed on responses from 195 school-age children to the Childhood Illness Attitude Scales (CIAS; Wright & Asmundson, 2003) Three-, modified 3-, 4- and 4-factor higher-order models were examined. Items originally comprising the treatment experience factor in the 4-factor higher-order model were removed resulting in a revised 3-factor model that best fit the data. Initial construct validity was established by observing moderate correlations between revised CIAS subscale and total scores and measures of anxiety-related constructs, and somatization. Suggested revisions to the CIAS warrant future examination. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Construct Validation of Three Nutrition Questions Using Health and Diet Ratings in Older Canadian Males Living in the Community.

Brief nutrition screening tools are desired for research and practice. Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN-II, 14 items) and the abbreviated version SCREEN-II-AB (8 items) are valid and reliable nutrition screening tools for older adults. This exploratory study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to determine the construct validity of a subset of 3 items (weight loss, appetite, and swallowing difficulty) currently on the SCREEN-II and SCREEN-II-AB tools. Secondary data on community-dwelling senior males (n = 522, mean ± SD age = 86.7 ± 3.0 years) in the Manitoba Follow-up Study (MFUS) study were available for analysis. Participants completed the mailed MFUS Nutrition Survey that included SCREEN-II items and questions pertaining to self-rated health, diet healthiness, and rating of the importance of nutrition towards successful aging as the constructs for comparison. Self-perceived health status (F = 14.7, P < 0.001), diet healthiness (ρ = 0.17, P = 0.002) and the rating of nutrition's importance to aging (ρ = 0.10, P = 0.03) were correlated with the 3-item score. Inferences were consistent with associations between these construct variables and the full SCREEN-II. Three items from SCREEN-II and SCREEN-II-AB demonstrate initial construct validity with self-perceived health status and diet healthiness ratings by older males; further exploration for criterion and predictive validity in more diverse samples is needed.

Construct validity evidence for the individual Authenticity Measure at Work in Brazilian samples

Authenticity at work is characterized as the extent to which individuals feel and act coherently with themselves. The objective in this study was to adapt and obtain initial construct validity evidence of the Individual Authenticity Measure at Work in the Brazilian context. The sample consisted of 477 employees, who answered an initial version of the scale, consisting of 12 items. To correlate the measure with other variables, tools were used to measure positive and negative constructs associated with work and life. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses permitted the complete reproduction of the three-factor structure of the original version. The authentic experience was positively correlated with positive and significant aspects of work and life and negatively with negative aspects of work and life, while the opposite happened with self-alienation. It was concluded that the scale demonstrated initial construct validity evidences, which recommends its use for future research situations.

Assessing teachers' positive psychological functioning at work: Development and validation of the Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire.

This study reports on the initial development and validation of the Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (TSWQ) with 2 samples of educators-a general sample of 185 elementary and middle school teachers, and a target sample of 21 elementary school teachers experiencing classroom management challenges. The TSWQ is an 8-item self-report instrument for assessing teachers' subjective wellbeing, which is operationalized via subscales measuring school connectedness and teaching efficacy. The conceptualization and development processes underlying the TSWQ are described, and results from a series of preliminary psychometric and exploratory analyses are reported to establish initial construct validity. Findings indicated that the TSWQ was characterized by 2 conceptually sound latent factors, that both subscales and the composite scale demonstrated strong internal consistency, and that all scales demonstrated convergent validity with self-reported school supports and divergent validity with self-reported stress and emotional burnout. Furthermore, results indicated that TSWQ scores did not differ according to teachers' school level (i.e., elementary vs. middle), but that they did differ according to unique school environment (e.g., 1 middle school vs. another middle school) and teacher stressors (i.e., general teachers vs. teachers experiencing classroom management challenges). Results also indicated that, for teachers experiencing classroom challenges, the TSWQ had strong short-term predictive validity for psychological distress, accounting for approximately half of the variance in teacher stress and emotional burnout. Implications for theory, research, and the practice of school psychology are discussed.

Development and initial validation of a damage index (DIAPS) in patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), certain principal manifestations are associated with a worse prognosis and organ damage. The objective of this paper is to describe the development and initial content, criterion and construct validity of a disease-specific cumulative damage index in patients with thrombotic APS (DIAPS). Through expert panel agreement, 47 items were considered to reflect damage in APS. This preliminary version of the DIAPS was submitted to four local and international clinical and research experts in APS who ranked each item according to severity. A Delphi exercise resulted in a final 37 item instrument. In the second phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted applying the DIAPS in patients included in a multicenter electronic registry of patients with APS. Quality of life related to health status was evaluated with the EuroQol for construct validation. An α Cronbach and correlation with the EuroQol scale were calculated with SPSS 20.0 (p < 0.05). We evaluated the DIAPS in 156 patients, 77% female, with a mean age at diagnosis 34.7 ± 5.5 years. A total of 69% had primary APS. Common comorbidities included obesity, depression and dyslipidemia. The most frequent manifestations resulting in sequelae were deep venous thrombosis and ischemic stroke. Blindness, retinal occlusive vessel disease, myocardial infarction, cardiac valve requiring replacement, mesenteric thrombosis, and renal insufficiency also occurred. Homogeneity: α Cronbach 0.619. DIAPS items correlated with EuroQol domains with the exception of pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. This study demonstrates content, criterion and construct validity of a new physician-reported instrument to assess the DIAPS. In addition, the DIAPS correlated with the EuroQol.

The development and validation of a disease-specific quality of life measure in hyperhidrosis: the Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index (HidroQOL©).

Purpose To develop and validate a new disease-specific quality of life measure in hyperhidrosis for use in both routine clinical practice and clinical research.Methods Interviews and focus group discussions with hyperhidrosis patients, reported elsewhere, provided the content for the measure validated in this study (n = 71). A panel of dermatologists (n = 5) and patients (n = 7) carried out content validation. Further, item reduction and the initial construct validation were carried out in a cross-sectional study (n = 595), using the unidimensional Rasch analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Subsequently, the construct validity, reliability and responsiveness of the revised measure were assessed in a longitudinal study (n = 260). Data collection for the item reduction and the final validation phases was entirely carried out online.ResultsThe expert panels judged the HidroQoL as content valid. Rasch analysis supported the revision of response options from five to three. Following removal of misfitting items, a set of 15 items showed optimal fit to the model (chi-squared statistic = 159.64, p = 0.07). Three additional items were retained on consideration of their importance to patients, resulting in an 18-item instrument. The items were grouped into two subscales, daily life activities and psychosocial life domains, based on results of the factor analysis. In subsequent construct validation, the HidroQoL correlated with the DLQI (r s = 0.6, p < 0.01). Reliability was high (internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha: overall scale = 0.9; test–retest reliability, Intra-class correlation = 0.9). The HidroQoL scores were sensitive to change in patients’ disease severity (score change from baseline to follow-up after 15–35 days, Cohen’s ES = 0.47).ConclusionThis study has provided the initial evidence supporting measurement properties and the use of the HidroQoL instrument in both routine clinical practice and in research, for assessing quality of life impacts in hyperhidrosis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11136-014-0825-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Adolescent Body Image Satisfaction Scale for Males

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is evidence of reliability and validity for the Adolescent Body Image Satisfaction Scale (ABISS), an instrument previously developed to measure adolescent body image. A sample (N = 330) of adolescent males, aged 14-19 years, completed the ABISS to determine current body image satisfaction. Data were analyzed for measures of instrument composite reliability and initial content and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 3-factor solution (16 total items), which explained 42.7% of variance in the model. Composite reliability for the subscales, body competence, body inadequacy, and internal conflict ranged from 0.64 to 0.82. Exploratory factor analysis of the ABISS provides initial psychometric support for a valid and reliable measure for assessing adolescent male body image, which also can be used as a needs assessment tool. Strength and conditioning professionals should be aware of their athlete and client psychological attributes, many of whom are adolescents. Understanding how adolescents view their bodies and their body image will assist professionals in designing appropriate, health-promotive strength programs, while at the same time monitoring for signs of body image dissatisfaction. Assessing body image can help heighten awareness and possibly encourage preventative programming to help avert negative health practices (e.g., performance-enhancing drug use, exercise addictions, disordered eating). The ABISS seems to have preliminary psychometric support to be a valid and reliable instrument that helps gauge at-risk populations.

The Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R)

To describe revisions to the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) and initial construct validation and feasibility of the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R). The PIPP was revised to enhance validity and feasibility. To validate the PIPP-R, data from 2 randomized cross-over studies were utilized to: (1) calculate and compare PIPP and PIPP-R scores in extremely low gestational age infants undergoing a painful and nonpainful event (N=52; dataset #1) and (2) calculate and compare PIPP and PIPP-R scores in assessing the effectiveness of (a) sucrose, (b) non-nutritive sucking (NNS)+sucrose, and (c) facilitated tucking+NNS+sucrose during heel lance (N = 85; dataset #2). Pearson correlations between PIPP and PIPP-R scores were calculated, and Student t tests and 1-way analysis of variance were used to determine construct validity during painful and nonpainful events. To establish feasibility, a survey of 31 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses was conducted. PIPP-R scores were significantly lower during nonpainful (mean, 8.3; SD = 2.9) compared with painful (mean, 9.9; SD=3.1; t95 = 4.51, P = 0.036) events in extremely low gestational age infants in dataset #1. In dataset #2, PIPP-R scores were significantly lower in infants 25 to 41 weeks gestation in the group receiving NNS+sucrose compared with the other 2 groups (F2,79 = 2.9, P<0.05). Overall, nurses rated the PIPP-R as feasible. Initial construct validation and feasibility of the PIPP-R was demonstrated. Further testing with infants of varying gestational ages, diagnoses, and pain conditions is required; as is exploration of PIPP-R in relation to other types of physiological and cognitive responses.

Virtual faces expressing emotions: an initial concomitant and construct validity study.

Background: Facial expressions of emotions represent classic stimuli for the study of social cognition. Developing virtual dynamic facial expressions of emotions, however, would open-up possibilities, both for fundamental and clinical research. For instance, virtual faces allow real-time Human–Computer retroactions between physiological measures and the virtual agent.Objectives: The goal of this study was to initially assess concomitants and construct validity of a newly developed set of virtual faces expressing six fundamental emotions (happiness, surprise, anger, sadness, fear, and disgust). Recognition rates, facial electromyography (zygomatic major and corrugator supercilii muscles), and regional gaze fixation latencies (eyes and mouth regions) were compared in 41 adult volunteers (20 ♂, 21 ♀) during the presentation of video clips depicting real vs. virtual adults expressing emotions.Results: Emotions expressed by each set of stimuli were similarly recognized, both by men and women. Accordingly, both sets of stimuli elicited similar activation of facial muscles and similar ocular fixation times in eye regions from man and woman participants.Conclusion: Further validation studies can be performed with these virtual faces among clinical populations known to present social cognition difficulties. Brain–Computer Interface studies with feedback–feedforward interactions based on facial emotion expressions can also be conducted with these stimuli.

The Functional Well-Being Scale: A measure of functioning loss due to well-being-related barriers

The objective of this study was to develop the Pro-Change Functional Well-Being Scale, a measure that provides an informative evaluation of general functioning loss due to well-being-related barriers. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses on data from 642 individuals supported a one-factor solution with good model fit. A strong positive correlation existed between the Pro-Change Functional Well-Being Scale and Well-Being Assessment for Productivity. Initial construct validity was demonstrated by predictable relationships between functioning loss and other measures of health and well-being. This initial psychometric evidence suggests that the Pro-Change Functional Well-Being Scale is a reliable and valid assessment of functioning loss due to common well-being-related barriers.

Ecological Validity of Virtual Reality Daily Living Activities Screening for Early Dementia: Longitudinal Study

BackgroundDementia is a multifaceted disorder that impairs cognitive functions, such as memory, language, and executive functions necessary to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks required for goal-directed behaviors. In most cases, individuals with dementia experience difficulties interacting with physical and social environments. The purpose of this study was to establish ecological validity and initial construct validity of a fire evacuation Virtual Reality Day-Out Task (VR-DOT) environment based on performance profiles as a screening tool for early dementia.ObjectiveThe objectives were (1) to examine the relationships among the performances of 3 groups of participants in the VR-DOT and traditional neuropsychological tests employed to assess executive functions, and (2) to compare the performance of participants with mild Alzheimer’s-type dementia (AD) to those with amnestic single-domain mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy controls in the VR-DOT and traditional neuropsychological tests used to assess executive functions. We hypothesized that the 2 cognitively impaired groups would have distinct performance profiles and show significantly impaired independent functioning in ADL compared to the healthy controls.MethodsThe study population included 3 groups: 72 healthy control elderly participants, 65 amnestic MCI participants, and 68 mild AD participants. A natural user interface framework based on a fire evacuation VR-DOT environment was used for assessing physical and cognitive abilities of seniors over 3 years. VR-DOT focuses on the subtle errors and patterns in performing everyday activities and has the advantage of not depending on a subjective rating of an individual person. We further assessed functional capacity by both neuropsychological tests (including measures of attention, memory, working memory, executive functions, language, and depression). We also evaluated performance in finger tapping, grip strength, stride length, gait speed, and chair stands separately and while performing VR-DOTs in order to correlate performance in these measures with VR-DOTs because performance while navigating a virtual environment is a valid and reliable indicator of cognitive decline in elderly persons.ResultsThe mild AD group was more impaired than the amnestic MCI group, and both were more impaired than healthy controls. The novel VR-DOT functional index correlated strongly with standard cognitive and functional measurements, such as mini-mental state examination (MMSE; rho=0.26, P=.01) and Bristol Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale scores (rho=0.32, P=.001).ConclusionsFunctional impairment is a defining characteristic of predementia and is partly dependent on the degree of cognitive impairment. The novel virtual reality measures of functional ability seem more sensitive to functional impairment than qualitative measures in predementia, thus accurately differentiating from healthy controls. We conclude that VR-DOT is an effective tool for discriminating predementia and mild AD from controls by detecting differences in terms of errors, omissions, and perseverations while measuring ADL functional ability.

Assessment of Stigma Associated With Stuttering: Development and Evaluation of the Self-Stigma of Stuttering Scale (4S)

To create a psychometrically sound scale that measures different levels of internalized stigma (i.e., self-stigma) among adults who stutter and to analyze factor structure, reliability, and initial construct validity of the scale. Two-hundred ninety-one adults who stutter were recruited from Board Recognized Specialists in Fluency Disorders and the National Stuttering Association. Participants completed a web-based survey including an experimental scale called the Self-Stigma of Stuttering Scale (4S), designed to measure different levels of self-stigma in people who stutter, along with a series of established measures of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. The experimental scale demonstrated adequate reliability in internal consistency and temporal stability. Factor analysis revealed underlying components supportive of a multidimensional model of stigma. Stigma self-concurrence and, to a lesser extent, stereotype agreement and stigma awareness were negatively correlated with self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction, supporting initial construct validity of the scale. Speech-language pathologists can identify the presence of self-stigma in their adult clients who stutter and help them to alter these beliefs. The 4S can be a means for researchers and clinicians to achieve these goals.

Exploring the Factor Structure of the 2x2 Achievement Goal Orientation Scale with High School Students

Developing scales measuring psychological constructs are a continuous process. After the initial development, considerable further work is needed in order to test its psychometric properties across samples or situations. Such studies enrich evidence for construct validity of respective measures. The 2x2 Achievement Goal Orientation Scale (AGOS) which was developed based on achievement goal theory, initial construct validity was tested on the Turkish university students. To date, no further study has been carried out on AGOS appraising measurement structure. The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of AGOS with Turkish high school students. Participants of the study were 465 high school students attending to schools in the city of Ankara, Turkey. Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficients for each factor were also calculated. The factor structure of the AGOS was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results of CFA showed a four-factor achievement goal orientation model, consisting of learning-approach, learning-avoidance, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance, with the acceptable fit to the data. The Cronbach's alphas for the AGOS ranged between .72 and .82. In short, the results confirmed the AGOS as capable of measuring achievement goals of high school students adequately.

Dominant Heterosexual Sexual Scripts in Emerging Adulthood: Conceptualization and Measurement

Sexual script research (Simon & Gagnon 1969, 1986) bourgeoned following Simon and Gagnon's groundbreaking work. Empirical measurement of sexual script adherence has been limited, however, as no measures exist that have undergone rigorous development and validation. We conducted three studies to examine current dominant sexual scripts of heterosexual adults and to develop a measure of endorsement of these scripts. In Study 1, we conducted three focus groups of men (n = 19) and four of women (n = 20) to discuss the current scripts governing sexual behavior. Results supported scripts for sex drive, physical and emotional sex, sexual performance, initiation and gatekeeping, and evaluation of sexual others. In Study 2, we used these qualitative findings to develop a measure of script endorsement, the Sexual Script Scale. Factor analysis of data from 721 participants revealed six interrelated factors demonstrating initial construct validity. In Study 3, confirmatory factor analysis of a separate sample of 289 participants supported the model from Study 2, and evidence of factorial invariance and test-retest reliability was obtained. This article presents the results of these studies, documenting the process of scale development from formative research through to confirmatory testing, and suggests future directions for the continued development of sexual scripting theory.

Initial Validity and Reliability of the Banff Patella Instability Instrument

Background: Patellofemoral instability is a well-recognized problem, but there are currently no published patient-reported quality of life outcome measures that are disease specific for the treatment of this population. Purpose: To establish the content validity, initial construct validity, and initial reliability of the Banff Patella Instability Instrument (BPII). Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The content of the BPII was validated using a modified 3-stage Ebel procedure and analysis of floor and ceiling effects. As a measure of internal consistency, the Cronbach α was utilized to assess how reliably the 32 items of the questionnaire measured a similar construct. Test-retest reliability of the BPII was calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was evaluated on 150 questionnaires completed by patients with a confirmed diagnosis of patellofemoral instability. A one-way between-group analysis of variance was employed to determine if the BPII was able to differentiate between patients presenting at the initial orthopaedic consultation relative to patients presenting at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Content validity was clearly established as each item in the BPII achieved a minimum of 83.3% agreement (range, 83.3%-100%) for relevance among the expert panelists. The average agreement was 96.9%; 24 items achieved 100% agreement. There was no evidence of floor or ceiling effects. Reliability (internal consistency) of the BPII was established at the initial orthopaedic consultation (α = .91), 6 months postoperatively (α = .97), and 12 months postoperatively (α = .97). Test-retest analysis resulted in an ICC of 0.98 between tests. Construct validity was established as there was a statistically significant difference in BPII scores at the initial orthopaedic consultation and 6-month and 12-month postoperative appointments (F2,146 = 75.62; P < .001). Conclusion: The BPII demonstrates content validity, strong initial reliability, and a statistically significant level of construct validity in patients with patellofemoral instability. This population includes patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability as well as surgically stabilized patients.

Psychometric testing of a self-report measure of engagement in productive occupations

Occupational therapists working with clients in productive occupations explicitly or implicitly assess their clients' occupational engagement. To investigate the psychometric properties of the Profiles of Occupational Engagement in People with Severe Mental Illness: Productive Occupations (POES-P) in terms of internal consistency, initial construct validation, and floor and ceiling effects. Participants (n = 93) from six day centres completed the data collection. Correlations between the POES-P and instruments measuring similar and dissimilar attributes, such as satisfaction, psychosocial functioning, and unmet needs, were studied. A moderate relationship was found between the POES-P and occupational satisfaction (r(s) = 0.43) and a weak one with psychosocial functioning (r(s) = 0.22). The association with researcher-assessed participant engagement was slightly higher (r(s) = 0.37), and the relationship with unmet needs was nonsignificant (r(s) = -0.15). Internal consistency of the POES-P (alpha = 0.85) was good, but the distribution of responses indicated a ceiling effect. The POES-P seems promising for assessing engagement in work-like occupations but would benefit from further development.

Measuring self-efficacy to use vaginal microbicides: the Microbicide Use Self-Efficacy instrument

Objectives To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Microbicide Use Self-Efficacy (MUSE) instrument and to examine correlates of self-efficacy to use vaginal microbicides among a sample of racially and ethnically diverse women living in the north-eastern United States. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic methods were used to explore and determine the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the MUSE instrument. Construct validity was assessed by examining the relationships of the MUSE instrument to key sexual behaviour, partner communication, relationship and psychosocial variables. Two dimensions of self-efficacy to use microbicides were psychometrically validated and identified as 'Adherence and Access' and 'Situational Challenges.' The two four-item subscales measuring Adherence and Access and Situational Challenges had reliability coefficients of 0.78 and 0.85, respectively. Correlates of the two measures were tested at a Bonferroni-adjusted α level of P=0.001, and 19 of 43 variables analysed were found to significantly relate to Adherence and Access, whereas 16 of 43 variables were significantly related to Situational Challenges. Of the 35 significant relationships, 32 were in the domains of partner communication, partner relationships, and behavioural and psychosocial variables. The MUSE instrument demonstrated strong internal validity, reliability and initial construct validity. The MUSE instrument can be a useful tool in capturing the multidimensional nature of self-efficacy to use microbicides among diverse populations of women.

The Development and Validation of a Neuropsychological Assessment for Mild Cognitive Impairment of Filipino Older Adults

Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI) has become increasingly recognized and studied because of its, greater opportunity for taking preventive measures to preserve cognition for as long as possible. So far, there are only two published neuropsychological tests for MCI developed abroad. These tests are automated. Only those who are computer literate can avail these tests. This study was an attempt to provide a reliable and valid neuropsychological tool to detect Mild Cognitive Impairment in Filipino older adults. Two weeks interval test-retest reliability correlations were all significant (r = .911 to r = 1.000). Construct and Criterion validity correlations were significant (p < 0.01). t-Test for equality of means showed significant differences: between Normal and with MCI (associated risk for the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease of the brain from which there is no recovery. This disease attacks nerve cells in all parts of the cortex of the brain, as well as some surrounding structures, thereby impairing a person’s abilities to govern emotions, recognize errors and patterns, coordinate movement, and remember. In the final stages, an afflicted person may lose all memory and mental functioning. Early diagnosis of MCI can provide = −99.479, p < .05); and between MCI & Mild AD (t = −36.254, p < .05). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that tests measured the intended dimensions of memory, cognitive functions, and language. Initial and Final construct validation analyses indicated that the Neuropsychological Assessment for Mild cognitive Impairment (NAMCI) showed indications of being a reliable and valid screening instrument in determining mild cognitive impairment in Filipino Older Adults.

Development and Validation of the Response to Sexual Difficulties Scale

Leading models of sexual dysfunction, such as those proposed by Masters and Johnson (1970), Barlow (1986), and Janssen, Everaerd, Spiering, and Janssen (2000), emphasize the role of anxiety and self-monitoring in the development and persistence of sexual difficulties. These models have considerable explanatory power, but focus on the intrapersonal factors that yield anxiety and self-monitoring. Accounting for the interpersonal context in which sexual activity occurs is also likely to be important. For example, anxiety and self-monitoring may arise from negative, yet accurate, predictions about how one's partner will respond to one's own sexual functioning difficulties. The current studies describe the development and validation of the Response to Sexual Difficulties Scale (RSDS), which was designed to assess how one expects one's partner to respond to one's own sexual difficulties (RSDS-Own Difficulties) and how one expects oneself to respond to one's partner's sexual difficulties (RSDS-Partner Difficulties). Study 1 established the initial reliability and construct validity of the RSDS-Own Difficulties in a sample of adults in committed relationships (N=59). Study 2 further examined the construct and discriminant validity of the RSDS Own Difficulties and Partner Difficulties in a sample of heterosexual couples (N=87). Results indicated that both measures had strong internal consistency and were not redundant with measures of mood or personality. Scores on the RSDS-Own Difficulties and Partner Difficulties were strongly associated, indicating that reports of one's own response to one's partner's difficulty matched the partner's assessment of the reaction. RSDS scores predicted sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and sexual communication. The RSDS may, then, provide a useful means of assessing the role of interpersonal factors in the development and persistence of sexual difficulties.