Internal Consistency Scores Research Articles

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Lithuanian-NOSE scale.

To evaluate validity and reliability of Lithuanian version of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (L-NOSE), designed for the assessment of nasal obstruction. Cross-cultural adaptation of L-NOSE was accomplished according to generally accepted methodology. L- NOSE was tested for its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in the group of 50 septoplasty patients and 100 healthy volunteers' controls. L- NOSE showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.796 for test, 0.791 for retest, 0.792 for post-operative group, and 0.817 for control group) scores and high test-retest reliability (r = 0.94, p < 0.01) scores. In patients' group, positive moderate correlations between L-NOSE scores and Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 logically similar domain scores were found, thus indicating good convergent construct validity. L-NOSE scores for control subjects were generally lower than for patients with nasal obstruction (p < 0.001), thereby indicating good discriminant validity of questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis confirmed one-factor structure of questionnaire. The component matrix of L-NOSE ranged from 0.667 to 0.781 (KMO = 0.754, p < 0.0001). The mean L-NOSE score improved from 58.4 ± 18.2 points to 11.1 ± 9.5 points after septoplasty (p < 0.0001), indicating good responsiveness of questionnaire. The L-NOSE questionnaire is a valid instrument with satisfactory reliability, validity, and responsiveness.

A translation and preliminary validation of the Dutch Wound-QoL questionnaire

BackgroundChronic wounds have a major impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, measuring HRQoL is an indispensable part of the treatment of patients with chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Wound-QoL, a wound-specific HRQoL questionnaire, in a Dutch population.MethodsThe Wound-QoL was translated into Dutch according to the international standards. Patients with chronic wounds were asked to complete questionnaires at baseline (T0) and after six weeks (T1), including Wound-QoL, EQ-5D-3L (a generic questionnaire to measure HRQoL) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) measuring wound pain. If patients were not able to complete the questionnaire by themselves, it was read out to them by a nurse. Further data were obtained from medical records.ResultsOf the 120 patients included, 64 (53.3%) completed the questionnaire by themselves. To 55 patients (45.8%), the questionnaire was read out. The internal consistency of the Wound-QoL global score was high at both time points (T0: Cronbach’s α = 0.89, T1: Cronbach’s α = 0.92). The item selectivity for global score ranged from r = 0.25 to r = 0.77 at T0 and from r = 0.40 to r = 0.79 at T1. Overall, the self-completion and read-out subgroups showed similar internal consistency and item selectivity scores. With regard to convergent validity, significant correlations were found between Wound-QoL and EQ-5D-3L (T0: r = − 0.45, p < 0.001, T1: r = − 0.50, p < 0.001) as well as between Wound-QoL and pain VAS (T0: r = 0.23, p = 0.012, T1: r = 0.37, p = 0.001) at both time points. Responsiveness analyses showed significant correlations between changes in Wound-QoL and changes in EQ-5D-3L (r = − 0.37, p < 0.001), pain VAS (r = 0.24, p = 0.044) and wound size (r = 0.24, p = 0.013). The self-completion and read-out subgroups showed differences in convergent validity and responsiveness.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the Dutch version of the Wound-QoL has positive psychometric properties. However, more research is needed to further explore the differences between self-completed and read-out questionnaires.

CORE-OM as a routine outcome measure for adolescents with emotional disorders: factor structure and psychometric properties

BackgroundInstruments for monitoring the clinical status of adolescents with emotional problems are needed. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) according to theory measures problems/symptoms, well-being, functioning and risk. Documentation of whether the theoretical factor structure for CORE-OM is applicable for adolescents is lacking.MethodsThis study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the CORE-OM based on two samples of adolescents (age 14–18): youths seeking treatment for emotional problems (N = 140) and high school students (N = 531). A split half approach was chosen. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the first half of the stratified samples to establish the suitability of the model. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with the chosen model from the EFA was performed on the second half. Internal consistency and clinical cut-off scores of the CORE-OM were investigated.ResultsThe best fitting model only partially confirmed the theoretical model for the CORE-OM. The model consisted of five factors: 1) General problems, 2) risk to self, 3) positive resources 4) risk to others and 5) problems with others. The clinical cut-off score based on the all-item total was higher than in an adult sample. Both the all-item total and general problems cut-off scores showed gender differences.ConclusionThe factor analysis on CORE-OM for adolescents resulted in a five-factor solution, and opens up for new subscales concerning positive resources and problems with others. A 17-item solution for the general problems/symptoms scale is suggested. We advise developers of self-report instruments not to reverse items, if they do not intend to measure a separate factor, since these seem to affect the dimensionality of the scales. Comparing means for gender in non-clinical samples should not be done without modification of the general emotional problem and the positive resources scales. Slightly elevated CORE-OM scores (up to 1.3) in adolescents may be normal fluctuations.

The Spanish 12-item version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale (Sp-SSQ12): adaptation, reliability, and discriminant validity for people with and without hearing loss

Purpose Because of the limited number of Spanish validated questionnaires available to assess auditory functionality in daily life situations in adults, the purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and the reliability of the Spanish version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing 12 items scale (sp-SSQ12), adapted from the published Spanish SSQ49, and to provide reference data for normal and hearing-impaired populations. Methods The SSQ12 is a self-report questionnaire, consisting of 12 items assessing a range of daily life listening situations. One hundred fifty adults (101 female) with a mean age of 53.9 years (SD 20.3; range 20–88 years) took part in the study. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, validity, and floor and ceiling effects were investigated. Results The sp-SSQ12 questionnaire had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95) and test-retest scores were highly correlated (ICC = 0.79). There was minimal evidence of floor and ceiling effects in our sample. Significant differences were observed overall and for the three subscales between normal and hearing-impaired groups. Although some significant differences in SSQ12 scores between groups of participants from different countries, these differences were minimal. Conclusions The sp-SSQ12 questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool that is easy to administer and requires a short time to answer. We recommend the use of this tool for the assessment of functional hearing in the Spanish-speaking population. Implication for rehabilitation Hearing loss impacts people’s lives in a number of ways that are captured in the SSQ. The sp-SSQ12 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing everyday listening abilities and limitations experienced by Spanish-speaking adults with hearing loss. The sp-SSQ12 can be incorporated in the hearing rehabilitation process as a tool for evaluating and improving hearing assessment and rehabilitation programs. The sp-SSQ12 can help to identify adults who require a comprehensive hearing assessment.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validation of the Taiwan-Chinese version of Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool

Purpose To cross-cultural translate the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) to Taiwan-Chinese version (CAIT-TW), and to evaluate the validity, reliability and cutoff score of CAIT-TW for Taiwan-Chinese athletic population. Materials and methods The English version of CAIT was translated to CAIT-TW based on a guideline of cross-cultural adaptation. 77 and 58 Taiwanese collegial athletes with and without chronic ankle instability filled out CAIT-TW, Taiwan-Chinese version of Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS-TW) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The construct validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and cutoff score of CAIT-TW were evaluated. Results In construct validity, the Spearman’s correlation coefficients were moderate (CAIT-TW vs LEFS-TW: Rho = 0.39, p < 0.001) and strong (CAIT-TW vs NRS: Rho= 0.76, p < 0.001). The test retest reliability was excellent (ICC2.1 = 0.91, 95% confidential interval = 0.87–0.94, p < 0.001) with a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.87). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed a cutoff score of 21.5 (Youden index: 0.73, sensitivity: 0.87, specificity 0.85). Conclusions The CAIT-TW is a valid and reliable tool to differentiate between stable and instable ankles in athletes and may further apply for research or daily practice in Taiwan. Implications for rehabilitation For athletes, chronic ankle instability is prevalent and causes negative sequela, such as lowered quality of daily life, affected functional performance, and may cause post traumatic osteoarthritis. The psychometric properties of the Taiwan-Chinese version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool showed moderate to strong construct validity, excellent test retest reliability, a good internal consistency and a cutoff score of 21.5. The validity and reliability of the Taiwan-Chinese version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool are to enable clinicians to evaluate and manage ankle instability in Taiwanese who speaks Mandarin Chinese.

Psychometric Properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale Among Saudi University Male Students.

BackgroundVarious screening tools have been designed and developed to identify individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The current study aimed to assess the psychometric validation of the GAD-7 in Saudi university male students.MethodsHealthy university male students (n= 192) participated in this cross-sectional study. All the participants were informed about the study details. Participants were asked to complete the GAD-7, the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and demographic details.ResultsIn general, the range of the GAD total score was 0–21. There was no issue of the ceiling or floor effects as only 12.5% of participants reported the minimum score of 0, and none of the participants reported the maximum score of 21. The internal consistency score of the GAD-7 was found to be good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). The internal homogeneity between item scores was 0.22–0.57 as indicated by the “Spearman correlation coefficient (r)”. The total scores and individual item scores of the GAD-7 were statistically associated with the PSS total score (correlation coefficient r = 0.21–0.37), and scores of the 8th and 13th item of the SHI (correlation coefficient r = 0.17–0.26, and 0.21–0.40, respectively). The exploratory factor and confirmatory factor loadings of the GAD-7 items were ranged from 0.60 to 0.81 and 0.51 to 0.80, respectively.ConclusionThis study supported the use of the GAD-7 to assess the anxiety level among Saudi university students.

Moderators of the internal consistency of error-related negativity scores: A meta-analysis of internal consistency estimates.

To ensure adequate reliability (i.e., internal consistency), it is common in studies using event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to exclude participants for having too few trials. This practice is particularly relevant for error-related ERPs, such as error-related negativity (ERN), where the number of recorded ERN trials is not entirely under the researcher's control. Furthermore, there is a widespread practice of inferring reliability based on published psychometricresearch, which assumes that internal consistency is a universal property of ERN. The present, preregistered reliability generalization study examined whether there is heterogeneity in internal consistency estimates of ERN scores and whether contextual factors moderate reliability. A total of 189 internal consistency estimates from 68 samples nested within 43 studies (n=4,499 total participants) were analyzed. There was substantial heterogeneity in ERN score internal consistency, which was partially moderated by the type of paradigm (e.g., Stroop, flanker), the clinical status of the sample, the ocular artifact correction procedure, measurement sensors (single versus cluster), and the approach to scoring and estimating reliability, suggesting that contextual factors impact internal consistency at the individual study level. Age, sex, year of publication, artifact rejection procedure, acquisition system, sample type (undergraduate versus community), and length of mean amplitude window did not significantly moderate reliability. Notably, the overall estimated reliability of ERN scores was below established standards. Recommendations for improving ERN score reliability are provided, but the routine failure of most ERN studies to report internal consistency represents a substantial barrier to understanding the factors that impact reliability.

Organization quality systems and department-level strategies: refinement of the Deepening our Understanding in Quality in Australia (DUQuA) organization and department-level scales.

The aim of this study was to develop and refine indices to measure organization and care pathway-level quality management systems in Australian hospitals. A questionnaire survey and audit tools were derived from instruments validated as part of the Deepening Our Understanding of Quality improvement in Europe (DUQuE) study, adapted for Australian hospitals through expert opinion. Statistical processes were used to explore the factor structure, reliability and non-redundancy and descriptive statistics of the scales. Thirty-two large Australian public hospitals. Audit of quality management processes at organization-level and care pathway processes at department level for three patient conditions (acute myocardial infarction (AMI), hip fracture and stroke) and senior quality manager, at each of the 32 participating hospitals. The degree of quality management evident at organization and care pathway levels. Analysis yielded seven quality systems and strategies scales. The three hospital-level measures were: the Quality Management Systems Index (QMSI), the Quality Management Compliance Index (QMCI) and the Clinical Quality Implementation Index (CQII). The four department-level measures were: Specialised Expertise and Responsibility (SER), Evidence-Based Organisation of Pathways (EBOP), Patient Safety Strategies (PSS) and Clinical Review (CR). For QMCI, and for seven out of eight subscales in QMSI, adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's $\alpha$ >0.8) was achieved. For CQII, lack of variation and ceiling effects in the data resulted in very low internal consistency scores, but items were retained for theoretical reasons. Internal consistency was high for CR (Cronbach's $\alpha$ 0.74-0.88 across the three conditions), and this was supported by all item-total correlations exceeding the desired threshold. For EBOP, Cronbach's $\alpha$ was acceptable for hip fracture (0.80) and stroke (0.76), but only moderate for AMI (0.52). PSS and SER scales were retained for theoretical reasons, although internal consistencies were only moderate (SER) to poor (PSS). The Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia (DUQuA) organization and department scales can be used by Australian hospital managers to assess and measure improvement in quality management at organization and department levels within their hospitals and are readily modifiable for other health systems depending on their needs.

The Therapeutic Engagement Questionnaire (TEQ): a service user-focused mental health nursing outcome metric

BackgroundTherapeutic engagement (TE) has been described as the crux of mental health nursing but despite its perceived importance, to date, there is no measurement tool that captures it. As a result, there is no way of determining the contribution of mental health nursing interaction to service user recovery, in acute inpatient mental health settings or the wider care quality agenda.MethodsTo develop and validate a TE measurement tool in partnership with Service Users (SUs) and Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMHNs). The TEQ was developed in 3 stages: 1) item generation (and pre-testing), 2) item reduction using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and 3) validation across Mental Health Trusts in England.ResultsThe final questionnaire has two versions, (SU and RMHN version), each scored within two contexts (1–1 SU-RMHN interactions and overall environment and atmosphere of the ward) and includes 20 items with two sub-scales (care interactions and care delivery). Psychometric evaluation of the TEQ shows high inter-scale correlations (0.66–0.95 SU; 0.57–0.90 RMHN), sound sub-scale internal consistency (> 0.95), concurrent validity (> 0.60) and adequate score variability for both versions of the TEQ. In summary, the TEQ behaves well as a measurement tool.ConclusionsThe TEQ can determine the collaborative and empathic nature of RMHN-SU interactions, capture if SUs are treated with dignity and respect and recognise that the principles of the recovery approach are being respected. The TEQ can also provide robust monitoring of nursing activity, offer opportunity for transparency of activity, feed into healthcare organizations’ key performance indicators and provide reassurance about the nature and quality of nurses’ work.

Portuguese cultural adaptation and validation of the European Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU) for children aged 9 to 10 (HLS-EU-PTc)

Abstract Introduction To measure Health literacy (HL) as proposed in the context of the European Health Literacy Survey/questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q), the Health Literacy for Children and Adolescents (HLCA) Consortium (GE) adapted it for children. A trans-cultural adaptation and validation to Portuguese (HLS-EU-PTc), will supply policy makers, experts and health professionals with information that can promote healthier communities while fighting health disparities. Methods After permission was granted from the HLCA Consortium the TRAPD model was used (eg parallel translation, focus groups, two back translations). An assessment and pretesting of HLS-EU-PTc was done with 16 children for cognitive testing. A qualitative explanatory (n = 16) and quantitative, cross-sectional study (n = 82), age mean 13, SD 0.96, from Portugal (mainland) was implemented for proceed with the validation process. A variety of measures were obtained like internal consistency and mean scores. Results Preliminary results for evaluation of the psychometric properties of the HLS-EU-PTc show satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient 0.87). In a scale from 1 (very difficult) to 4 (very easy) for indicators of the HLS-EU-PTc, we have a mean of 3.25 and a SD of .478. Conclusions This is the first study to examine the feasibility of a Portuguese version (HLS-EU-PTc) of the HLS-EU-Q adapted for children and it indicates high internal consistency and level of self-reported HL. The usefulness of the HLS-EU-PTc instrument can be further discussed while planning public health policy strategies from the HL standpoint. The validated HLS-EU-PTc version of the HLS-EU-Qc survey, with the user’s manual can be accessed at www.literacia-saude.info.

Chinese version of the Rotator Cuff Quality of Life questionnaire: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation in rotator cuff-impaired patients in Hong Kong

Purpose: To adapt the Rotator Cuff Quality of Life (RC-QOL) questionnaire into traditional Chinese (Chi-RC-QOL) and to evaluate the validity and reliability in patients suffering from rotator cuff pathologies in Hong Kong. Methods: The Chi-RC-QOL will be constructed using the forward-translation followed by the backward-translation method. Thirty consecutive patients with clinically and radiologically confirmed rotator cuff pathology were recruited. Descriptive statistics will be followed by validity assessment using comparison with the Constant Shoulder (CS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale, and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) score. Parametric data will be tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient for the total scores. Reliability was assessed using a test–retest interval of 30 min. The Cronbach’s α and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated. Results: Cronbach’s α and internal consistency scores were high for all parts of the Chi-RC-QOL, with Cronbach’s α ranging between 0.89 and 0.98. Internal consistency scores range from 0.82 to 0.92, which can be regarded as an excellent correlation. Test–retest reliability was excellent for all parts of the Chi-RC-QOL with good absolute reliability. Chi-RC-QOL correlates well with the CS score, UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale, and the WORC score, with all being statistically significant. Conclusions: The current study adapted the RC-QOL to traditional Chinese version. The analysis confirmed the validity and reliability of the Chi-RC-QOL questionnaire. Level of Evidence: III.

Examining What Variables Lead to Improved Outcomes for Club Sports Participants

Student affairs and campus recreation practitioners trumpet the values of cocurricular experiences and believe that they can have a deep impact on key learning outcomes for participants. This study surveys club sports participants at the University of Vermont to assess club sports participant satisfaction, belonging, and participations impact on key outcomes. The study affirms the reliability and validity of the survey instrument through strong internal consistency scores and factor analysis. It also positively affirms a positive relationship between key variables such as satisfaction and belonging to key outcomes. A final key finding of this study is the statistically significant effect of belonging scores on key outcomes.

The movement disorder society nonmotor rating scale: Initial validation study.

The Movement Disorder Society-sponsored Nonmotor Rating Scale is an update of the existing Parkinson's disease Nonmotor Symptoms Scale modified to address some limitations in Nonmotor Symptoms Scale scoring, structure, and symptom coverage. PD patients were recruited from movement disorder centers in an international, multicenter study. The Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale, consisting of 13 domains plus a subscale for nonmotor fluctuations, was rater administered, along with the Nonmotor Symptoms Scale and other clinical assessments. Standard reliability and validity testing were conducted. Four hundred and two PD patients were recruited (mean age ± standard deviation, 67.42 ± 9.96 years; mean age at PD onset ± standard deviation, 59.27 ± 10.67 years; median Hoehn and Yahr stage 2 (interquartile range 2-3). Data quality was satisfactory for all Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale domains except sexual (6.7% missing data). There were no floor or ceiling effects for the Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale and nonmotor fluctuations total score; domains had no ceiling effects, but some floor effects (13.5%-83.5%). The Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale and nonmotor fluctuations total score internal consistency were acceptable (average Cronbach's alpha, 0.66 and 0.84, respectively); interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, >0.95); for test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.84 for the Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale and 0.70 for Movement Disorder Society nonmotor fluctuations total score, and precision was excellent for the Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale (standard error of measurement, 25.30) and fair for nonmotor fluctuations (standard error of measurement, 7.06). Correlations between Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale score and the corresponding Nonmotor Symptoms Scale and Movement Disorder Society UPDRS scores were high. There were no significant sex or age effects. The Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale score increased with increasing PD duration, disease severity, and PD medication dose (all P < 0.001). The Movement Disorder Society Nonmotor Rating Scale is a valid measure for measuring the burden of a wide range of Nonmotor Rating Scale scores, including nonmotor fluctuations, in PD patients. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Psychometric properties of the Persian Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCCQ-P): assessment of type 2 diabetes care supportiveness in Iran.

Background: Health-care systems play a key role in responding to the growing problems of patients with type 2 diabetes by supporting their autonomy in providing routine care. The Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCCQ) was designed to assess patients’ perceived degree of autonomy support within the care practice settings. The main purpose of this study was to translate and evaluate psychometric properties of the Persian version of the HCCQ (HCCQ-P) to be applied among Iranian and other Persian-speaking patients with type 2 diabetes.Method: Translation/back-translation procedures were carried out to prepare a preliminary draft of the HCCQ-P that was subsequently sent for face and content validity appraisal by a group of 15 health education/promotion and nursing specialists. Minor revisions were performed based on the feedback, and the content validity ratio (=0.91) and content validity index (=0.95) were within the acceptable range. The structural validity of the scale was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.Results: The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis outputs (root mean square error of approximation=0.079, comparative fit index=0.976, Tucker Lewis index=0.967, standardized root mean square residual=0.022) demonstrated the proper performance and fitness statistics of the translated HCCQ in a one-dimensional model similar to the original scale. The internal consistency and reliability scores endorsed the validity of the translated measure (α=0.945, intraclass correlation coefficient=0.999, P=0.000).Conclusion: In this study, the translated HCCQ-P scale showed robust internal validity for its application in the assessment of health-care settings’ supportiveness in care provision to Persian-speaking patients with type 2 diabetes. Future cross-cultural and multidisciplinary studies are recommended to investigate the applicability of the scale in different patients/cultural groups and health-care settings.

Adaptation and translation of the menopause-specific Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) scale to Yoruba language using middle-aged women attending a clinic in Nigeria.

The main objective of the study is to translate and adapt the menopause-specific Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) scale to Yoruba, an indigenous Nigerian language, using middle-aged women attending a Family Medicine clinic in Nigeria. A total of 322 middle-aged Nigerian women at various menopausal stages were recruited for the study. Their menopausal status was categorized using the Monash Women's Health Program Menopausal Staging Algorithm into pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal groups. The UQOL Yoruba version (YUQOL), Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and a semistructured sociodemographic questionnaire were interviewer-administered to the women. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 software. The overall scale and the four subscales of YUQOL all had acceptable internal consistency scores; they also demonstrated good construct and criterion validities, except the YUQOL sexual subscale had poor convergent validity (average variance extracted = 0.23). This study has validated the YUQOL as a psychometrically sound research instrument for measuring menopause-specific QOL among women undergoing menopausal transition. Its sexual subscale would, however, need to be further tested, preferably in sexually active menopausal women to fully confirm its true psychometric property.

Portuguese Version of the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised

Abstract. The aim of the present study is to provide validation data regarding the Portuguese version of the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised in nonclinical individuals. Two studies were undertaken with two different nonclinical samples in order to demonstrate reliability, concurrent, predictive, and construct validity, and in order to establish an appropriate cut-score for nonclinical individuals. A sample of 810 community adults participated in Study 1. Results from this study provided information regarding scale internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis, and concurrent validity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis established a cut-off score to be used for screening purposes with nonclinical individuals. A sample of 440 young adults participated in Study 2, which demonstrated scale score internal consistency and 5-month predictive validity. Further, 5-month test-retest reliability was also evaluated and the correlations of SBQ-R scale scores with two other measures that assess constructs related to suicidality, depression and psychache, were also performed. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken to demonstrate the robustness of the result obtained in Study 1. Overall, findings supported the psychometric appropriateness of the Portuguese Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test in Turkish Samples

Implicit affect is a concept distinct from explicit affect as it describes the affect processed by the individual at a preconscious level. The aim of this research is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish form of the Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT-TR), originally developed by Quirin et al. (2009a) to measure affect indirectly. The study data comprised of psychology and sociology students from Ege University, and full-time and part-time employees from public and private organizations in Izmir. A pilot study was carried out with a group of 57 undergraduate students in order to select the artificial words to be used in the scale. Subsequently the scale was sent to a total of 938 participants, comprising 569 students and 369 employees. Test-retest reliability was assessed with 46 participants after a one-week interval and with 55 participants after a four-week interval. The principal components analysis showed a clear twofactor structure for the IPANAT-TR. The internal consistency scores were 0.92 for Implicit Positive Affect (IPA) and 0.85 for Implicit Negative Affect (INA). The one-week and four-week interval test retest reliability estimates varied between 0.51 and 0.75. The construct validity assessments showed that the expected relationships between the IPANAT-TR and tested constructs were mostly confirmed. The results of measurement invariance analysis showed that the IPANAT-TR has full measurement invariance across employee and student samples. The results of the reliability, validity and measurement invariance analyses carried out in the current study demonstrated that the IPANAT-TR is a reliable and valid measurement instrument to assess implicit affect.

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) Among Lebanese College Students.

Internet addiction is an emergent problem; yet, both a strong conception of the factors precipitating challenging activities and a gold standard tool for evaluating symptoms are deficient. The aim of this study was to carry out a psychometric analysis using the most commonly employed screening tool, the young Internet Addiction Test (IAT), comprising a sample of Lebanese University medical students. Two hundred and fifty-six undergraduate medical students from a university in Beirut, Lebanon were included in our IAT. Exploratory factor analysis was employed, and four factors were extracted. These four factors were named as Lack of Control, Social Withdrawal and Emotional Conflict, Time Management Problems, and Concealing Problematic Behavior. Furthermore, the selected factors explained 56.5% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the internal reliability of the scale was found to be 0.91. For each subscale, the internal consistency score was approximated and detected as 0.76, 0.74, 0.69, and 0.63 for the first through fourth factor, respectively. Item total correlations were calculated and had a value range from 0.37 to 0.63 for the 20 items. IAT is a proper tool for evaluating internet addiction in Lebanese college students.

What contributes to wellbeing gains – proficiency or duration of meditation related practices?

Several studies have shown physical and mental health benefits associated with different schools of meditation. However, reviews have recommended interpretation of study outcomes in the context of school specific traditional practices. In the literature, practice proficiency is often conflated with hours or years of meditation practice and it is difficult to attribute wellbeing gains directly to the proficiency of practice. We carried out two studies to examine wellbeing, practice proficiency, and duration of practice amongst Brahma Kumaris Rajayoga (BKRY) practitioners from India. In Study 1, we surveyed participants (n = 1009) to record the socio-demographics, spiritual lifestyle components, and wellbeing enhancement attributed to their spiritual practice. We developed new measures for evaluating proficiency of BKRY practice and for assessment of progress in wellbeing attributed to BKRY practice. Both measures had high internal consistency scores (alphas 0.95, 0.93). Block-wise hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that after accounting for demographic variables, BKRY practice proficiency strongly predicted progress in wellbeing, explaining over 51.6% of the total variance. In Study 2, we took three well-matched groups ( n = 86) that were distinct on the basis of duration of practice (long term, short term and zero term). We examined wellbeing differences in these three groups and the extent of correlation of wellbeing with practice proficiency, progress in wellbeing and duration of practice. We conclude that meditation practice does improve wellbeing and that proficiency of practice is better correlated with most aspects of wellbeing than duration of practice but there are a few aspects of wellbeing that increase with sustained practice over a long time. We recommend that studies involving other schools of spiritual/religious practice incorporate tradition-specific proficiency assessment (instead of using years of practice as a proxy) and also use the Progress in Wellbeing scale for assessing practice-aided improvements in wellbeing.

Psychometric Testing of a Rehabilitative Care Patient Experience Instrument

ObjectiveTo evaluate the internal consistency and test-retest reliability, construct validity, and feasibility of the WatLX, a measure of the experience of patients in rehabilitative care. DesignMultisite, cross-sectional, and test-retest self-report study. SettingOutpatient rehabilitative care settings. ParticipantsThe WatLX was administered to English-speaking, cognitively intact outpatients (N=1174) over 18 years old who had completed a program of cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurologic, stroke, pulmonary, or speech language rehabilitative care, at 2 separate time points: (1) immediately following completion of their rehabilitation program, and (2) 2 weeks later (n=29). A subsequent feasibility study was conducted with 1013 patients from 19 clinics. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe WatLX measures 6 concepts, previously identified as key to outpatient rehabilitative care patients’ experience: (1) ecosystem issues, (2) client and informal caregiver engagement, (3) patient and health care provider relations, (4) pain and functional status, (5) group and individual identity, and (6) open-ended feedback. ResultsReliability analyses were conducted on 2 versions of the WatLX. Using a 7-point versus a 5-point Likert scale resulted in higher internal consistency and reliability scores. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were .863 and .957 for the 5- and 7-point scale, respectively, and the ICC scores were .827 and .880, respectively. The proof of concept study recruited 1013 patients with little interruption of workflow; results displayed strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient =.906). There is evidence of ceiling effects. ConclusionsThe WatLX is a parsimonious question set that is feasible for administration in ambulatory rehabilitative care settings, and which shows promising psychometric properties.