Initial Psychometric Properties Research Articles

Cultural translation of the ethical dimension: a study on the reliability and validity of the Chinese nurses’ professional ethical dilemma scale

BackgroundQuantifying the professional ethical challenges that nurses encounter is crucial for both theoretical insights and practical outcomes. The objective of this research is to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese adaptation of the Moral Distress Scale for Healthcare Professionals (MD-APPS).MethodsIn 2024, a survey approach was utilized to engage with several tertiary-level healthcare institutions throughout China. A cohort of 448 nursing professionals who satisfied the specified selection benchmarks was consequently incorporated into the study. To evaluate the scale's reliability and validity, methods including the Content Validity Index (CVI), Factor Analysis—both Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory (CFA)—alongside assessments of internal consistency and test-retest reliability were employed.ResultsExpert evaluations yielded an I-CVI of 0.90, suggesting good content validity for the MD-APPS's Chinese adaptation. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed a bi-dimensional framework with 7 components, explaining 56.34% of the cumulative variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) outcomes displayed a χ-square/df ratio of 1.542. The estimate for Robust RMSEA was 0.054, and the SRMR was ascertained to be 0.041. Indices for both Robust TLI and Robust CFI surpassed the 0.9 threshold, indicating an acceptable fit; this aspect was supported by a P-value (Chi-square) of 0.094. The internal consistency, measured by Cronbach's α, was found to be 0.74, while the test-retest reliability over a two-week period reached 0.964. These findings provide initial evidence for the psychometric properties of the Chinese MD-APPS.ConclusionThe Chinese adaptation of the MD-APPS demonstrates promising initial psychometric properties, suggesting its potential suitability for exploring nurses' professional ethical challenges within the Chinese cultural context. This scale may facilitate the identification of diverse elements influencing nurses' professional ethics and the assessment of the ethical climate in nursing practices. However, further validation studies are needed to fully establish its psychometric robustness across various healthcare settings in China.

A new neuropsychological tool for simultaneous reading and executive functions assessment: initial psychometric properties.

The development of reading and complex executive functions is fundamental for achieving social, academic, and professional success. So far, there is no single neuropsychological instrument that comprehensively assesses the domains of inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and reading comprehension. To assess executive functions related to reading, the "Assessment of Reading and Executive Functions" (AREF) was developed. In this study, we show initial evidence of validity and reliability for four subtests - Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility, Inhibitory Control, Flexibility, and Working Memory. A total of 93 students from 4th to 9th grade, aged 8-14, in public (n = 61) and private (n = 32) schools were evaluated. Tasks from the AREF instrument, as well as measures of reading comprehension, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and intelligence, were administered. Correlations between AREF scores and the other measures were performed to assess external construct validity. Performance differences between school groups on AREF subtests were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, and Mann-Whitney tests, and the internal consistency of the instrument's tasks was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The scores of the AREF subtests demonstrated significant positive correlations with reading measures (ranging from 0.339 to 0.367) and executive functions (ranging from 0.209 to 0.396). Significant differences were found in the performance of some AREF tasks when comparing individuals from public and private schools, as well as between 4th and 5th graders compared to students in higher grades. The internal consistency of the tasks was low for Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility (Cronbach's α = 0.566), moderate for Inhibitory Control and Flexibility (Cronbach's α = 0.768), and high for Working Memory (Cronbach's α = 0.881). The results provide initial evidence of construct validity and reliability for the AREF subtests. It is expected that this new neuropsychological test will contribute to the assessment of reading skills and executive functions, assisting in guiding clinical and educational interventions for individuals with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.

Development of a Pre-Operative Psychological Screening Tool: Piloting the Cosmetic Readiness Questionnaire (Pilot-CRQ).

Patients with psychological risk factors, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and unmanaged mental health concerns are considered higher risk of dissatisfaction with aesthetic procedures. Identifying these risks before a procedure may decrease the chance of adverse outcomes for patients and practitioners. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive psychological screening tool to assess patient's psychological suitability for surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Items for the Pilot-Cosmetic Readiness Questionnaire (CRQ) were developed by psychologists (n = 3) and then reviewed by plastic surgeons (n = 2) and non-surgical cosmetic doctors (n = 3). Patient interviews (n = 15) and piloting of the questionnaire (n = 69) provide data to examine the scale's initial psychometric properties. Results supported the reliability and validity of the Pilot-CRQ's subscales of Body Dysmorphia, Psychological Distress, Self-Criticism, Perfectionism, and Lack of Openness. 'Lack of Openness' is a validity scale which examines the degree that respondents may be underreporting symptoms. The CRQ predicted individuals with a BDD diagnosis as rated by a blinded expert clinical psychologist, with high sensitivity and specificity. These results provide support for the Pilot-CRQ in identifying people with BDD and psychological factors related to aesthetic treatment outcomes and provide a strong basis for using the CRQ in clinical contexts and in future research.

The Development and Initial Validation of the Multidimensional Fairness Scale

Research in psychology, sociology, economics, and other disciplines investigating social justice has identified associations between fair treatment and human well-being. However, the lack of a practical and valid instrument for measuring individual experiences of fair treatment in multiple areas of life has limited the ability to understand the relationship between fairness and wellness. The purpose of these studies was to develop and establish the initial psychometric properties and convergent validity of a scale measuring personal experiences of fairness across various life domains. Development and validation occurred across three studies. Scale development in Study 1 included the generation of items, item revision, and analysis of content validity. A review of existing literature and qualitative data derived from focus group discussions informed the initial pool of items. Cognitive interviews and expert input aided in analysis of content validity and revision of items. Study 2 consisted of confirmatory factor analyses to evaluate the performance of items and determine the underlying factor structure of the scale. In Study 3, factor analyses were used to evaluate convergent validity with other fairness-related instruments. Results of the first study supported the conceptualization of fairness along a social-ecological spectrum: experiences of fairness existed in multiple distinct life domains (e.g., interpersonal, occupational, community). Results from the second study revealed a bifactor model with one general Fairness factor and four Interpersonal, Occupational, Community, and Societal ecological group factors. Results from the third study suggested acceptable convergent validity among some subscales and other established instruments, while also suggesting that refinements to the Community fairness subscale might improve the scale. The final 12-item scale demonstrated good reliability. Results of this study produced an instrument able to measure individual experiences of fair treatment across four life domains.

Initial psychometric properties of the medical outcomes study social support survey in caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Brazil

This study investigated the initial evidence of internal structure and convergent validity of the Brazilian version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) in caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This study included 185 caregivers of individuals with disabilities who were users of a non-governmental organization in southeastern Brazil. We performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency reliability, and predictive validity analyses. Our results demonstrated a one-dimensional internal structure for the adapted scale, consisting of nineteen items and presenting good precision coefficients (α = 0.96 and ω = 0.96) and composite reliability (0.96). Also, the MOS-SSS showed convergent validity with the Family APGAR Scale and the family support and self-control factors of the Informal Caregiver Burden Assessment Questionnaire-Short Version. These findings suggest that the Brazilian version of the MOS-SSS has adequate psychometric properties and can be used in this context and population.

Assessing intrinsic capacity in Taiwan: Initial psychometric properties of the Integrated Care for Older People Screening Tool for Taiwanese (ICOPES-TW)

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) proposed the concept of intrinsic capacity (comprising composite physical and mental capacity) which aligns with their concepts of healthy aging and functional ability. Consequently, the WHO promotes the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework as guidance for geriatric care. Consequently, each government should have a screening tool corresponding to ICOPE framework to promote geriatric care. The present study examined the initial psychometric properties of the Taiwan version of ICOPE (i.e., ICOPES-TW).MethodsOlder people (n = 1235; mean age = 72.63 years; 634 females [51.3%]) were approached by well-trained interviewers for participation. A number of measures were administered including the ICOPES-TW, WHOQOL-AGE (assessing quality of life [QoL]), Clinical Frailty Scale (assessing frailty), Barthel Index (assessing basic activity of daily living [BADL]), and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (assessing instrumental activity of daily living [IADL]).ResultsThe ICOPES-TW had a two-factor structure (body functionality [eigenvalue = 1.932] and life adaptation [eigenvalue = 1.170]) as indicated by the results of exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the ICOPES-TW was low (Cronbach’s α = 0.55 [entire ICOPES-TW], 0.45 (body functionality factor), and 0.52 (life adaptation factor). ICOPES-TW scores were significantly (i) positively correlated with age (r = 0.321), IADL (r = 0.313), and frailty (r = 0.601), and (ii) negatively correlated with QoL (r=–0.447), and BADL (r=–0.447), with all p-values < 0.001.ConclusionThe ICOPES-TW could be a useful screening tool for healthcare providers to quickly evaluate intrinsic capacity for Taiwanese older people given that it has moderate to strong associations with age, BADL, IADL, QoL, and frailty.

Navigating end-user perceptions: development and initial psychometric properties of a water quality perception scale

Navigating end-user perceptions: development and initial psychometric properties of a water quality perception scale

Development and initial psychometric properties of the Research Complexity Index.

Research study complexity refers to variables that contribute to the difficulty of a clinical trial or study. This includes variables such as intervention type, design, sample, and data management. High complexity often requires more resources, advanced planning, and specialized expertise to execute studies effectively. However, there are limited instruments that scale study complexity across research designs. The purpose of this study was to develop and establish initial psychometric properties of an instrument that scales research study complexity. Technical and grammatical principles were followed to produce clear, concise items using language familiar to researchers. Items underwent face, content, and cognitive validity testing through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Content validity indices were calculated, and iterative scale revision was performed. The instrument underwent pilot testing using 2 exemplar protocols, asking participants (n = 31) to score 25 items (e.g., study arms, data collection procedures). The instrument (Research Complexity Index) demonstrated face, content, and cognitive validity. Item mean and standard deviation ranged from 1.0 to 2.75 (Protocol 1) and 1.31 to 2.86 (Protocol 2). Corrected item-total correlations ranged from .030 to .618. Eight elements appear to be under correlated to other elements. Cronbach's alpha was 0.586 (Protocol 1) and 0.764 (Protocol 2). Inter-rater reliability was fair (kappa = 0.338). Initial pilot testing demonstrates face, content, and cognitive validity, moderate internal consistency reliability and fair inter-rater reliability. Further refinement of the instrument may increase reliability thus providing a comprehensive method to assess study complexity and related resource quantification (e.g., staffing requirements).

An Initial Psychometric Evaluation of a Novel Upper Extremity Pediatric Stroke Hemiplegic Motor Impairment Scale

BackgroundOur team designed an innovative, observation-based motor impairment measure—the Pediatric Stroke Hemiplegic Motor Impairment Scale (Pedi HEMIs). Here we present the results of a survey describing common practices in the pediatric stroke community and the initial psychometric properties of the upper extremity subscale of the Pedi HEMIs (Pedi HEMIs-UE). MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study whereby participants completed a battery of assessments including the novel Pedi HEMIs-UE. Internal consistency was measured via Cronbach alpha (α). Intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to assess inter-rater reliability (IRR). Concurrent validity was investigated using Pearson or polychoric correlations and simple linear regressions. ResultsThe study sample consisted of 18 children aged 1.08 to 15 years. Two participants completed two sets of evaluations, totaling 20 data sets. Cronbach α, a measure of internal consistency, was on average 0.91 (range: 0.89 to 0.92). IRR was excellent with the six raters in almost perfect agreement (ICC = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83 to 0.96). Pearson correlation coefficient between the Pedi HEMIs-UE and logit Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA)/mini-AHA was −0.938 (95% CI: −0.979 to −0.827, P < 0.001), indicating excellent concurrent validity. ConclusionsWe found excellent feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Pedi HEMIs-UE in a convenience sample of youth with hemiparesis after stroke.

Withdrawal catastrophizing scale: initial psychometric properties and implications for the study of opioid use disorder and hyperkatifeia

ABSTRACT Background: Discovery of modifiable factors influencing subjective withdrawal experience might advance opioid use disorder (OUD) research and precision treatment. This study explores one factor – withdrawal catastrophizing – a negative cognitive and emotional orientation toward withdrawal characterized by excessive fear, worry or inability to divert attention from withdrawal symptoms. Objectives: We define a novel concept – withdrawal catastrophizing – and present an initial evaluation of the Withdrawal Catastrophizing Scale (WCS). Methods: Prospective observational study (n = 122, 48.7% women). Factor structure (exploratory factor analysis) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) were assessed. Predictive validity was tested via correlation between WCS and next-day subjective opiate withdrawal scale (SOWS) severity. The clinical salience of WCS was evaluated by correlation between WCS and withdrawal-motivated behaviors including risk taking, OUD maintenance, OUD treatment delay, history of leaving the hospital against medical advice and buprenorphine-precipitated withdrawal. Results: WCS was found to have a two-factor structure (distortion and despair), strong internal consistency (α = .901), and predictive validity – Greater withdrawal catastrophizing was associated with next-day SOWS (rs (99) = 0.237, p = .017). Withdrawal catastrophizing was also correlated with risk-taking behavior to relieve withdrawal (rs (119) = 0.357, p < .001); withdrawal-motivated OUD treatment avoidance (rs (119) = 0.421, p < .001), history of leaving the hospital against medical advice (rs (119) = 0.373, p < .001) and buprenorphine-precipitated withdrawal (rs (119) = 0.369, p < .001). Conclusion: This study provides first evidence of withdrawal catastrophizing as a clinically important phenomenon with implications for the future study and treatment of OUD.

The Behavioral Dysregulation Scale: Initial psychometric properties of a self-report measure of behavioral emotion dysregulation

The role of emotion dysregulation in the development and maintenance of transdiagnostic psychopathology is well established. Although behavioral acts often serve a regulatory function, there have been few systematic attempts to reliably measure multiple, functionally similarly forms of behavioral dysregulation via self-report. Using student (N = 776) and community (N = 494) samples, we examined the initial psychometric properties of a measure of behavioral emotion dysregulation, the Behavioral Dysregulation Scale (BDRS). Internal consistency was examined, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the presence of a rationally derived one-factor structure of the BDRS in both samples. Construct validity was assessed using bivariate correlations. We obtained a unidimensional, 13-item measure of behavioral dysregulation with adequate factor structure and good construct validity. Across both samples, a one-factor solution fit the data with acceptable to strong factor loadings. The BDRS was correlated with theoretically related but distinct constructs, including strong negative associations with measures of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation and small to moderate positive associations with measures of adaptive cognitive emotion regulation. The results demonstrate preliminary support for the BDRS as a reliable and valid measure of behavioral emotion dysregulation with implications for better assessing the regulatory function of common maladaptive behaviors.

Initial Psychometric Properties of the Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale.

Wellbeing refers to a person's overall happiness and satisfaction with life. Wellbeing for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their families is historically significantly lower compared to the general population. It is important in the context of behavioral health treatment to not only measure the individual who is receiving treatment's overall wellbeing, but also the wellbeing of the family. The purpose of this study was to understand the initial psychometric properties of the Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale. The Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale was developed for families who have a child with I/DD. Caregivers of 3106 families who have a child with a diagnosed I/DD, including autism spectrum disorder, completed the scale as part of their onboarding for behavioral health treatment along with three other questionnaires. The psychometric properties including internal reliability and factor structure were completed as well as initial convergent and divergent validity. Results of the analyses revealed very strong internal reliability and a three-factor structure. Validity analyses revealed a moderate positive relationship with parental self-efficacy and a moderate negative relationship with parental stress. Additionally, the sample population represents an ethnically diverse group with multiple co-occurring diagnosis in addition to I/DD. The initial psychometric properties of the Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale are positive and support the use of the scale for families who have a child with I/DD across a diverse sample.

Preliminary identification of clinical cut-off of the vegetarian vegan eating disorder screener (V-EDS) in a community and self-reported clinical sample of vegetarians and vegans

BackgroundThe vegetarian vegan eating disorder screener (V-EDS) is an 18-item self-report screening tool designed to assess the unique elements of eating disorder symptomology in vegetarians and vegans. Previous results have suggested strong initial psychometric properties in non-clinical community samples of vegetarians and vegans. The present study sought to identify a preliminary threshold cut-off score to discriminate eating disorder pathology in a self-reported clinical and community sample.MethodsThis study involved secondary analysis using data collected in McLean et al. (Development and preliminary validation of a novel eating disorder screening tool for vegetarians and vegans: the V-EDS, 2023), comprising 599 non-clinical participants and 51 self-reported clinical participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compute possible cut-off values for the V-EDS. Results: ROC analysis indicated good performance of the V-EDS (area under the curve = 0.87), with integration of the Youden index demonstrating a global score of ≥ 18 to be optimal in predicting clinical caseness with good sensitivity (0.804) and specificity (0.843).ConclusionsThe present study fills an important gap as the first to investigate an optimal V-EDS score to discriminate level of impairment from eating disorder pathology in a sample of vegetarian and vegan community and self-reported clinical participants. We extend the utility of the V-EDS in discovering good discrimination power in classifying clinical caseness with a cut-off score of 18 shown to optimise the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity. Future research should focus on expanding the psychometric properties of the V-EDS in larger and more diverse participant groups, including gender, age, cultural identity, and eating disorder history.

Efficient assessment of brain fog and fatigue: Development of the Fatigue and Altered Cognition Scale (FACs)

Debilitating symptoms of fatigue and accompanying “brain fog” are observed among patients with various chronic health conditions. Unfortunately, an efficient and psychometrically sound instrument to assess these co-occurring symptoms is unavailable. Here, we report the development and initial psychometric properties of the Fatigue and Altered Cognition Scale (the FACs), a measure of self-reported central fatigue and brain fog. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was chosen to model and develop the FACs due to research team expertise and established links between TBI and the symptom complex. Potential items were generated by researchers and clinicians with experience treating these symptoms, drawing from relevant literature and review of patient responses to measures from past and current TBI studies. The 20 candidate items for the FACs—ten each to assess altered cognition (i.e., brain fog) and central fatigue–were formatted on an electronic visual analogue response scale (eVAS) via an online survey. Demographic information and history of TBI were obtained. A total of 519 participants consented and provided usable data (average age = 40.23 years; 73% female), 204 of whom self-reported a history of TBI (75% reported mild TBI). Internal consistency and reliability values were calculated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined the presumed two-factor structure of the FACs and a one-factor solution for comparison. A measurement invariance test of the two latent constructs (altered cognition, fatigue) among participants with and without TBI was conducted. All items demonstrated normal distribution. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients indicated good internal consistency for both factors (α’s = .95). Omega reliability values were favorable (α’s = .95). CFA supported the presumed two-factor model and item loadings which outperformed the one-factor model. Measurement invariance found the two-factor structure was consistent between the two groups. Implications of these findings, study limitations, and potential use of the FACs in clinical research and practice are discussed.

Resilience among young mothers affected by HIV in South Africa: Adaptations and psychometric properties of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R) in a large cohort

BackgroundWhile growing evidence has documented risks and resilience to HIV and poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among young women, young mothers’ abilities to respond to and overcome challenges have been understudied. Developing appropriate methodologies to measure resilience in the context of HIV, especially among young mothers, is a critical first step to filling this gap. We aimed to improve the relevance, and comprehensibility of an open-access resilience measure for use among young mothers living in HIV-endemic communities in South Africa. This paper summarizes a two-stage study that was carried out in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. MethodsFirst, n = 9 cognitive interviews were conducted to inform the adaptation of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure Revised (CYRM-R) for use among young mothers (n = 7 living with HIV). The adapted measure was applied in remote interviews with 892 adolescent mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic (December 2021–April 2023). We investigated the basic psychometric properties of the adapted measure using STATA16. ResultsCognitive interviews offered unique perspectives on how to modify items in English and isiXhosa, including items that had similar understandings and responses, with new probes and additional key words added to seven items. Participants' understanding of item wording and the translation of items resulted in word changes or substitution to maximise participants’ understanding of eight out of 17 items. The utilization of vignettes proved to be useful in engaging participants to reflect on their experiences. The revised scale had moderate psychometric properties. The EFA confirmed a two-factor structure, and the internal consistency of the CYRM-R was moderate (α = 0.75; ω = 0.75). ConclusionCognitive interviews supported the adaptation of a resilience measure for adolescent mothers affected by HIV in South Africa. Initial psychometric properties highlight possible further adaptations needed, potentially due to the unique population of adolescent mothers.

Development and Empirical Test of the Research-Informed South African Relationship Functioning Assessment (SARFA).

Intimate partners play an important role in chronic diseases. Despite the chronic disease burden increase in sub-Saharan Africa, very few culturally-relevant quantitative measures of intimate relationship functioning are available. We conducted an empirical investigation evaluating the psychometric properties of the South African Relationship Functioning Assessment (SARFA) assessing healthy relationship functioning in N = 150 community members (50% women; M age = 27.2 years) living in the Vulindlela area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Item development was based on prior qualitative research from two South African communities. All assessments were conducted in isiZulu, participants' primary language. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the initial 39-item measure. The best-fitting model consisted of one factor with 22 items. The SARFA's internal consistency was α = .94. Convergent validity was observed via significant positive associations (all rs ≥ .38, p < .001) between the SARFA's total score and measures of trust, emotional intimacy, constructive communication, sexual satisfaction, and relationship control (women only). Divergent validity was observed for women only. Encouraging initial psychometric properties of a culturally-relevant measure of relationship functioning in KwaZulu-Natal may have relevance to other communities and potential to be used in research involving couples and health in chronic disease-burdened communities.

Initial psychometric properties of the Parental Stress Scale examined using a sample of Russian mothers.

Parental stress is defined as a personal response to stressors associated with being a parent. In recent studies, parental stress has been viewed as a component of normative parenting. The purpose of this study was to collect initial evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the Russian version of the 18-item Parental Stress Scale (PSS) using a sample of mothers of Russian primary school students. The results are the first wave of a longitudinal study. Mothers (n = 900) of fourth-grade students participated in the study and filled out an online survey. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the PSS on the Russian mothers indicated two factors: parental stress and parental satisfaction, with good estimates of reliability. The PERMA-Profiler questionnaire was used to examine the convergent and divergent validity of the PSS. The results revealed significant correlations between parental stress and satisfaction and different aspects of well-being among the respondents. The initial investigation of this Russian adaptation of the PSS provides evidence of its reliability and validity. Despite the limitations and the need for further research, this version of the PSS can be recommended for use in studies on modern parenting as well as in psychological support, education, and development of programs promoting positive parent-child relationships by targeting parental needs.

The development and validation of the Discrimination and Stigma Scale Ultra Short for People Living with Dementia (DISCUS-Dementia).

The recent World Health Organization (WHO) blueprint for dementia research and Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health has identified a gap around dementia-related measures of stigma and discrimination that can be used in different cultural, language and regional contexts. We aimed to characterise experiences of discrimination, and report initial psychometric properties of a new tool to capture these experiences, among a global sample of people living with dementia. We analysed data from 704 people living with dementia who took part in a global survey from 33 different countries and territories. Psychometric properties were examined, including internal consistency and construct validity. A total of 83% of participants reported discrimination in one or more areas of life, and this was similar across WHO Regions. The exploratory factor analysis factor loadings and scree plot supported a unidimensional structure for the Discrimination and Stigma Scale Ultra Short for People Living with Dementia (DISCUS-Dementia). The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with most of the construct validity hypotheses being confirmed and qualitative responses demonstrating face validity. Our analyses suggest that the DISCUS-Dementia performs well with a global sample of people living with dementia. This scale can be integrated into large-scale studies to understand factors associated with stigma and discrimination. It can also provide an opportunity for a structured discussion around stigma and discrimination experiences important to people living with dementia, as well as planning psychosocial services and initiatives to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Feasibility and initial psychometric properties of the observe, reflect, improve children’s learning tool (ORICL) for early childhood services: A tool for building capacity in infant and toddler educators

Child observation is a critical component of quality pedagogy in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The ORICL (Observe, Reflect, Improve Children’s Learning) tool was co-designed by ECEC researchers, policymakers, leaders, and practitioners to support this work. Educators rate the experiences of individual children, and responses of educators and peers on 118 items across five domains. In this study of the utility of ORICL, the tool was used by 21 educators across 12 ECEC services for a total of 66 children. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to determine how educators used the full range of the ORICL rating scale, and the psychometric properties of the tool were explored. Findings suggest that the ORICL items can be readily observed and rated by educators for children aged under 3 years, the rating scale is appropriate, and there is early evidence to support the domain structure of the tool.

The Development of the Suicide Prevention Attitudes Rating Scale and Initial Psychometric Properties of the Scale With School Principals

Youth suicide is a national public health concern and is the second leading cause of death of the 10- to 14-year-old age group. To enable future evaluation and tailoring of school-based suicide prevention efforts, this study developed and examined initial validity evidence for the Suicide Prevention Attitudes Rating Scale (SPARS) in a sample of California school principals. This study used multiple stages to develop the measure and analyze its psychometric properties via item development, expert review, response process interviews, and statistical analyses. Validity evidence in the areas of test content evidence, response process evidence, evidence of internal psychometric structure, and evidence based on relationships to other variables was collected. Despite initial validity evidence across test content, response process, and internal structure, the SPARS did not perform as expected when examining its correlations to related measures.