Factor Analysis Of Items Research Articles

Confirmatory validation of a brief patient-reported outcome measure assessing psychological distress in caregivers of malignant mesothelioma patients: the Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool–Caregivers

ObjectiveThe diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM) can be devastating for both patients and caregivers, who may experience intense suffering from a physical, psychological, and interpersonal perspective. Despite the extensive literature on caregiver distress, there is a lack of validated measures to provide evidence of psychological distress of caregivers of MM patients. Therefore, in a previous study we developed the Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool–Caregivers (MPDT-C) to evaluate the specific profile of psychological distress in this population. This paper describes the item selection, factor analysis, and psychometric evaluation of the revised MPDT-C.MethodsThe analyses of this work first aimed to confirm the previous factorial structure. In the case of nonfit, it aimed to find an alternative structure and causes of nonfit in the model. Examination of the fit of the factorial model was conducted using a Bayesian approach.ResultsThe final version of the MPDT-C is a 7-item self-report questionnaire consisting of one factor (Burden for the caregiver).ConclusionHaving a short self-report questionnaire to assess the psychological distress experienced by caregivers of MM patients has several advantages. First, it is suited to epidemiological studies where multiple variables and measures are involved. Second, it is easy to administer and does not take much time to complete. Therefore, the MPDT-C can also be administered in clinical contexts, perhaps when MM patients attend follow-up medical evaluation. Lastly, short measures are less affected by cognitive fatigue, which is very common in a long battery of tests and could affect response reliability.

Development and validation of the NCC-BC-A scale to assess patient-reported outcomes for breast cancer patients in China.

The commonly used international patient-reported outcome scales for breast cancer were developed before the advent of multiple targeted therapies and immunotherapies, rendering them potentially insufficient for current clinical practices. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a specific patient-reported outcome scale tailored for breast cancer patients in China to optimize the management model for these patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, and CNKI databases to extract dimensions and items for a potential patient-reported outcome scale. The Delphi method was used to modify, add, subtract, and adjust the language of items until the experts reached a consensus on the first draft. This draft was further refined using a cognitive test and a presurvey. The optimized scale was used for a formal survey, and the items were further analyzed and screened using metrics such as the coefficient of variation, correlation coefficient, internal item consistency, factor analysis, reliability, and validity. A total of 10,954 articles were analyzed, and 237 were used to create a pool of 277 patient-reported outcome items. Through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, the experts' authority coefficients were 0.739 and 0.826. After a cognitive test, several items were adjusted to enhance understanding. Further adjustments were made following a presurvey of 200 advanced breast cancer patients, resulting in a 38-item patient-reported outcomes scale, termed NCC-BC-A. In the national formal survey, 588 advanced breast cancer patients participated. Principal component analysis showed good consistency among the items and sufficient difference between the dimensions. The results were normally distributed with good variation. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.925 and the test-retest reliability was 0.9041. The NCC-BC-A scale has high validity and reliability. It comprehensively considered the characteristics of systemic treatment for breast cancer, and the specific context within China. Its implementation may help clinicians to pay more attention to quality of life of breast cancer patients and to optimize the system for managing this condition.

Translating and validating the gay affirmative practice scale for nurses in mainland China.

The gay affirmative practice (GAP) scale is an effective tool for evaluating the beliefs and behaviors of health care professionals toward gay and lesbian clients. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the GAP scale among Chinese nurses. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the Chinese version of the GAP (C-GAP) scale after translation and cross-cultural adaptation and to examine its psychometric characteristics. The reliability and validity of the C-GAP scale were determined by item analysis, factor analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and discriminant construct validity. The GAP scale was translated and adapted specifically for China. A total of 1440 participants completed the C-GAP scale, sociodemographic questionnaire, and Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale. The C-GAP scale exhibited a Cronbach α of 0.95, with a high test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.92. Exploratory factor analysis identified 2 factors that accounted for 59.91% of the total variance. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis were as follows: χ2/df = 1.09, goodness-of-fit index = 0.98, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.97, root mean square error of approximation = 0.01, Tucker-Lewis index = 1.00, comparative fit index = 1.00, incremental fit index = 1.00, parsimony goodness-of-fit index = 0.85, and parsimony normed fit index = 0.91. These findings confirm that all goodness-of-fit indices were satisfactory. The C-GAP scale can be an effective tool for health care professionals and managers and for education and research; it can also identify the beliefs and behaviors of health care professionals toward gay and lesbian clients, facilitating cultural competence development and enhancing care quality awareness and skills. The C-GAP scale demonstrates reliability and validity; however, because the sample consisted only of nurses, the findings may not be generalizable to other professional groups, such as counselors and therapists. Therefore, the occupational focus of the sample limited the broader applicability of the results. The C-GAP scale is a reliable and valid tool suitable for assessing the practice attitudes and behaviors of Chinese nurses toward gay and lesbian clients.

Factor Analysis of Ordinal Items: Old Questions, Modern Solutions?

Factor analysis, a staple of correlational psychology, faces challenges with ordinal variables like Likert scales. The validity of traditional methods, particularly maximum likelihood (ML), is debated. Newer approaches, like using polychoric correlation matrices with weighted least squares estimators (WLS), offer solutions. This paper compares maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with WLS for ordinal variables. While WLS on polychoric correlations generally outperforms MLE on Pearson correlations, especially with nonbell-shaped distributions, it may yield artefactual estimates with severely skewed data. MLE tends to underestimate true loadings, while WLS may overestimate them. Simulations and case studies highlight the importance of item psychometric distributions. Despite advancements, MLE remains robust, underscoring the complexity of analyzing ordinal data in factor analysis. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing the need for distributional analyses and careful consideration of data characteristics.

Structure of Restricted Repetitive Behaviors of Individuals Referred for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment.

Restricted and/or repetitive displays of behavior, interests, or activities (RRBs) are one of the core symptom domains of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current and past research indicates two 'clusters' of RRBs in children with ASD: repetitive sensorimotor (e.g., hand/finger and more complex motor mannerisms) and insistence on sameness (e.g., resistance to changes in the environment) behaviors. The current study aims to fill a gap by examining how RRBs may diverge in individuals with ASD and with other neurodevelopmental disorders (ONDD) in a clinical sample. A total of 558 individuals were seen at a tertiary care clinic for a comprehensive clinical assessment of ASD. The sample was split into ASD (n = 292 individuals) and ONDD (n = 266) groups based on clinical diagnosis. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) RRB item scores for the overall sample, the ASD group, and the ONDD group. Exploratory factor analysis of ADI-R RRB items indicated a 2-factor solution for the full sample and ASD group. Items loaded onto two factors comprised of "Repetitive Sensorimotor" and "Insistence on Sameness" behaviors, consistent with previous literature. Results demonstrated a unique loading pattern for the non-ASD group, with items clustering into "Higher Order" (e.g., circumscribed interests) and "Lower Order" (e.g., hand and finger mannerisms) behaviors. The results of the current study may point towards using RRBs to guide screening of children who are referred for an ASD evaluation to better identify children who are at higher risk of having ASD.

Validity and reliability of the Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity for people 75 years and older in Japan.

Despite health benefits, many older adults struggle to meet physical activity guidelines, leading to stagnant activity levels. While integrating physical activity into daily routines has been proposed as a promising strategy for older adults, fit-for-purpose measurement tools to assess such routines are lacking. The Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity (CHaPA) was developed based on the positive deviance approach and socio-ecological model to assess daily behaviours encouraging physical activity among adults aged 75 and older. It has been confirmed for its content and face validity. However, to ensure its broader applicability and usefulness, assessing its construct validity and reliability is necessary. Therefore, this study aims to assess the construct validity and reliability of the CHaPA and accordingly update the tool. To validate the construct validity of the CHaPA 22-item version, we conducted item analysis and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We removed inappropriate items based on predefined criteria. Then, we assessed the reliability, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement errors of the CHaPA final version. Item analyses and factor analyses resulted in the deletion of 11 items. The results of confirmatory factor analysis validated the CHaPA 11-item version with the three-factor structure based on model fit index with χ2/degree of freedom = 1.25, comparative fit index = 0.965, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.952, and root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.038. Omega coefficient (0.90) showed excellent internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC (1, 2) = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.34-0.89, standard error of measurement = 1.75). We finalised the CHaPA 11-item version as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing daily behaviours conducive to physical activity among individuals aged 75 years and older. We need to examine the methods and effectiveness of disseminating this checklist to ensure its utilisation as a resource for promoting healthy ageing and aiding older adults in maintaining active lifestyles.

Impacts of innovation school system in Korea: a latent space item response model with Neyman–Scott point process

Abstract South Korea’s educational system has faced criticism for its lack of focus on critical thinking and creativity, resulting in high levels of stress and anxiety among students. As part of the government’s effort to improve the educational system, the innovation school system was introduced in 2009, which aims to develop students’ creativity as well as their non-cognitive skills. To better understand the differences between innovation and regular school systems in South Korea, we propose a novel method that combines the latent space item response model with the Neyman–Scott point process model. Our method accounts for the heterogeneity of items and students, captures relationships between respondents and items, and identifies item and student clusters that can provide a comprehensive understanding of students’ behaviours/perceptions on non-cognitive outcomes. Our analysis reveals that students in the innovation school system show a higher sense of citizenship, while those in the regular school system tend to associate confidence in appearance with social ability. A comparison with exploratory item factor analysis highlights our method’s advantages in terms of uncertainty quantification of the clustering process and more detailed and nuanced clustering results. Our method is made available to an existing R package, lsirm12pl.

Cognitive Distortion Scale for Bangladesh: Development and Properties

The purpose of the study was to develop a scale for assessing cognitive distortions in Bangladesh and establishing psychometric properties for Bangladeshi population. The scale was named as Bangladesh Cognitive Distortion Scale (BCDS). Items were constructed through three stages of intensive expert evaluation where 128 respondents participated and both item analysis and factor analysis were undertaken. Finalized BCDS with 39 items was administered to 478 respondents to calculate its psychometric properties. Concurrent validity of BCDS was found 0.828 by calculating correlation between the score of BCDS and clinician’s subjective rating. Predictive validity considering anxiety and depression scale was found 0.756 and 0.841, respectively. Convergent validity (0.670) was confirmed through the correlation between the DAS and BCDS and divergent validity was established by the discriminate value (F=649.564, α<0.01) of clinical and non-clinical groups. Internal consistency reliability of BCDS (Cronbach Alpha- 0.962 and test-retest- 0.890) was found very high. The cut-off point for measuring cognitive distortion by BCDS was found 56 with sensitivity 87% and specificity 88%. According to the percentile norm, total score 56 to 72, 73 to 91, 92 to 109, 110 and above represents the mild, moderate, severe, and profound levels of cognitive distortions respectively. BCDS not only will help both clinicians and researchers to assess cognitive distortions within a short time but also could be used as a valid and reliable outcome measure in cognitive behavior therapy. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 97-109, 2024 (July)

Opioid Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (OPBSS): Development and psychometric evaluation.

Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are behaviors that individuals use to mitigate harm related to risky behaviors. Though measures have been validated to assess alcohol- and cannabis-specific PBS use, an opioid-specific PBS measure has yet to be validated. The present study developed and validated a tool to assess the extent of PBS employed by individuals who use licit and/or illicit opioids. We recruited a community sample of adults who endorsed past-month opioid use (n = 345) via online platforms to complete a baseline survey, and 277 participants (80.2%) also completed the 1-month follow-up survey. From PBS measures of other substances, harm reduction strategies found in the literature, and expert feedback, we developed the 60-item Opioid Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (OPBSS). We removed 14 items based on item and exploratory factor analyses, resulting in 46 retained items. A two-factor solution was supported: strategies focused on managing opioid use (Controlled Opioid Use) and preventing opioid-related harm (Serious Harm Reduction). The OPBSS subscales demonstrated high internal consistencies, fair-to-excellent test-retest reliability, significant positive associations with PBS measures for other substances, and robust associations with risky opioid use and opioid-related negative consequences, both concurrently and prospectively when controlling for other opioid characteristics. The 46-item OPBSS has promising psychometric properties. Importantly, more opioid PBS predicted less risky opioid use and related consequences, suggesting that opioid PBS may be a beneficial opioid prevention effort. However, additional psychometric work is needed to determine which PBS are most suitable for populations with distinct opioid use patterns. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationship between Playing Musical Instruments and Subjective Well-Being: Enjoyment of Playing Instruments Scale.

While the positive effects of listening to music on mental health and well-being have been extensively studied, the effects of enjoying playing musical instruments have rarely been examined. Many tools have been developed to measure music listening; however, tools to measure the enjoyment of playing instruments have not yet been developed. This study aimed to develop and validate a tool to measure such enjoyment and to examine its relationship with subjective well-being and happiness. Primary information about the aforementioned enjoyment were collected from fourteen Chinese laypersons, five music graduates, and five music teachers using open-ended questions. Item and exploratory factor analyses were conducted using data from 361 Chinese adults, and the reliability and validity of the scale and the relationships between the variables were analyzed using data from 277 Chinese adults. The results revealed that the three-factor model for the enjoyment of playing instruments demonstrated excellent model fit, and satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion-related validity were demonstrated for the learning/social bonds, achievement/pride, and cognitive refreshment/stimulation subscales. All subscales of enjoyment were positively correlated with subjective well-being and happiness. This study highlights the usefulness of the Enjoyment of Playing Instruments Scale (EPIS) as a measure for research, educational, and clinical use, providing a rationale for using instrument playing as a therapeutic approach to promote subjective well-being.

Measuring Faculty Mentoring Competency: Establishing the Validity of a Short Form.

This paper describes the procedures for evaluating the psychometric properties of the 26-item Mentoring Competency Assessment (MCA) scale and developing short-forms to measure faculty mentoring outcomes for the NIH-funded Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) Initiative and National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN). Analyses were conducted using responses to the MCA scale from NRMN mentors and faculty across 11 BUILD institutions in the 2017-18 academic year. After performing extensive item factor analyses and taking the MCA sub-constructs into analytical consideration, we created an 8-item short form and a 14-item short form. Analyses indicate that both short forms nearly equivalently measure faculty mentoring competency and are more feasible to implement in future studies, compared to the original, longer scale.

Measuring Propensity to Perpetrate Microaggressions Toward LGBTQ Individuals: Sexual Orientation Microaggression Scale (SOMS-P) and Gender Identity Microaggression Scale (GIMS-P) Perpetration Version

ABSTRACT This study is an initial psychometric evaluation of the Sexual Orientation Microaggression Perpetration Scale (SOMS-P) and Gender Identity Microaggression Perpetration Scale (GIMS-P). Using data from 2,059 undergraduate students (M age = 21.37, SD = 4.98; Range 18–68; 78.6% assigned female at birth, 13.3% self-identified as sexual minority person), item factor analysis for binary indicators and model comparisons indicated that a correlated four- and five-factor solution for the SOMS-P and GIMS-P, respectively, outperformed a one-factor and higher-order solutions. SOMS-P and GIMS-P scores were positively associated with self-reports of bullying, violence perpetration, and hostile attitudes toward individuals who self-identify as sexual or gender minorities. They were negatively associated with attitudes supportive of sexual or gender minority persons. Reliability of .80 and higher was observed only for theta values between + 0.40 to + 2.60 SD. The psychometric evaluation showed that, while there remain to be opportunities to examine their validity across diverse contexts, SOMS-P and GIMS-P are sound measures of the propensity for SOGI microaggression.

P-482 Construct validity of the donor conception identity questionnaire and its association with searching for and finding donor connections

Abstract Study question Is there an association between donor conception identity, psychological and social wellbeing, and searching for and finding donor connections? Summary answer Donor conceived individuals differ on key domains that tap into aspects of their donor conception identity. These relate to searching for and finding donor connections. What is known already There is variation in the ways that donor conceived individuals feel about their conception. Factors such as the age of disclosure are associated with how donor conceived individuals feel about being donor conceived. Associations have been found between donor conception identity and parent-child relationship quality among adolescents, suggesting that curiosity and negativity about donor conception are influenced by the valence of the parent-child relationship. The Donor Conception Identity Questionnaire (DCIQ) has not been previously validated. Study design, size, duration 88 donor conceived adults in the UK participated in a cross-sectional study using an online multi-method survey. Data were collected between January and August 2022. The survey was advertised by the Donor Conception Network and Donor Conceived Register Registrants’ Panel via mailing lists and social media and circulated by the research team and others on social media and university mailing lists. The present findings draw from a subsection of the data collected from this survey. Participants/materials, setting, methods Most participants identified as female (n = 65,74%) and were conceived using donor sperm (n = 79,90%). Participants completed the 25-item DCIQ (adapted from studies of donor conception and adoption identity), and the Mental Health Continuum, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and adapted versions of the community connectedness and pride subscales of the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Measure and the HIV Stigma Scale. Participants reported on whether they had searched for and/or found donor connections. Main results and the role of chance Factor analysis of items on the DCIQ identified four domains: 1. Concern and centrality, 2. Internalised stigma, 3. Pride and acceptance, and 4. Openness and understanding. ‘Concern and centrality’ correlated positively with community connectedness (r(86)= 283, p=.008), and stigma (r(86)= 280, p= .008), and negatively with pride (r(86) =-.398, p<.001). ‘Internalised stigma’ was positively correlated with stigma (r(86)=.858, p<.001) and negatively correlated with psychological wellbeing (r(85)=-.378, p <.001), satisfaction with life (r(86)= -.263, p=.013) and pride (r(86)=-716, p<.001). ‘Pride and acceptance’ was positively correlated with psychological wellbeing (r(85) = .276, p = .010), satisfaction with life (r(86)=.329, p =.002) and pride (r(86)=.800, p<.001), and negatively correlated with stigma (r(86)=-.396, p <.001). ‘Openness and understanding’ was positively correlated with psychological wellbeing (r(85)=.304, p=.004), satisfaction with life (r(86)=.316, p=.003), and pride (r(86)=.584, p<.001) and negatively correlated with stigma (r(86)=-.614, p<.001). Searchers scored higher than non-searchers on ‘concern and centrality’ F(1, 79) = 7.543, p= .007 and ‘internalised stigma’ (F(1, 79)=4.355, p=.040). Donor conceived individuals who had found donor connections scored lower on ‘internalised stigma’ F(1, 79) = 7.071, p=.009 and higher on ‘openness and understanding’ (F(1, 79)=6.083, p=0.016) compared to those who had not found their donor connections. Limitations, reasons for caution Lack of diversity within the sample with regards to participant gender, age, and donation type means that findings may not apply across donor conceived populations. The sample were self-selected. Causal relationships between variables cannot be established. Wider implications of the findings The DCIQ may be useful to understand variation in donor conceived people’s psychological health and interest in their donor. The value of the measure in a practical context (e.g., in counselling) should now be evaluated. Further work to validate the scale across different contexts and with different populations is recommended. Trial registration number the UK Economic and Social Research Council [New Investigator Award ES/S015426/1

Psychometric Testing of the Thai Version of Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory Version 4c in Patients With Stroke.

Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory version 4c is a non-disease-specific self-care measure used in individuals with multiple chronic conditions. This instrument may be applied to patients with specific diseases such as stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Thai version of the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory version 4c in patients with stroke. This multicenter, cross-sectional study adhered to the COSMIN (Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments) guidelines and enrolled patients with stroke from 16 primary care centers in southern Thailand. Structural validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability using Cronbach α coefficient and global reliability index, and test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients. The final analysis included a total of 350 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 2-factor Self-Care Maintenance scale structure, although the item allocation to the dimensions differed from that of the original model. The Self-Care Monitoring scale demonstrated a 1-factor structure with permitted residual covariance. The Self-Care Management scale maintained a 2-factor structure, similar to that of the original model. Simultaneous confirmatory factor analysis of the combined items supported the general model with the 3 scales. The Self-Care Maintenance scale exhibited marginally adequate α (0.68) and ω (0.66) coefficients, and an adequate composite reliability index (0.79). The other 2 scales demonstrated adequate α (range, 0.79-0.86), ω (range, 0.75-0.86), and composite reliability (range, 0.83-0.86) indices. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed adequate test-retest reliability for all scales (range, 0.76-0.90). The generic self-care measure, Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory version 4c, demonstrated strong psychometric properties in patients with stroke. This instrument may be a valuable tool for assessing stroke self-care in Thailand.

Validity evidence for the clinical communication skills assessment tool (CCSAT) from 9 years of implementation in a high stakes medical student OSCE

ObjectivesCommunication and other clinical skills are routinely assessed in medical schools using Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) so routinely that it can be difficult to monitor and maintain validity. We report on the accumulation of validity evidence for the Clinical Communication Skills Assessment Tool (CCSAT) based on its use with 9 cohorts of medical students in a high stakes OSCE. MethodsWe describe the implementation of the CCSAT including information on the underlying model, the tool’s items, domains, scales and scoring, and its role in curriculum. Internal structure is explored through item, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analyses. Evidence for CCSAT validity is synthesized within prevailing frameworks (Messick12 and Kane13) based on continuous quality improvement and use of the CCSAT for feedback, remediation, curricular design, and research. ResultsImplementation of the CCSAT over time has facilitated our communication skills curriculum and training. Thoughtful case development and investment in standardized patient training has contributed to data quality. Item analysis supports our behaviorally anchored scale (not done, partly and well done) and the skills domains suggested by an a priori evidence-based clinical communication model were confirmed via analysis of actual student data. Evidence synthesized across the frameworks suggests consistent validity of the CCSAT for generalization inferences (that it captures the construct), responsiveness (sensitivity to change/difference), content validity/internal structure, relationships to other variables, and consequences/implications. More evidence is needed to strengthen validity of CCSAT scores for understanding extrapolation inferences and real-world implications. Conclusions and Practice ImplicationsThis pragmatic approach to evaluating validity within a program of assessment serves as a model for medical schools seeking to continuously monitor the quality of clinical skill assessments, a need made particularly relevant since the US NBME no longer requires the Step 2 Clinical Skills exam, leaving individual schools with the responsibility for ensuring graduates have acquired the requisite core clinical skills. We document strong evidence for CCSAT validity over time and across cohorts as well as areas for improvement and further examination.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the death risk perception scale for advanced cancer patients

BackgroundAn accurate perception of death risk is a prerequisite for advanced cancer patients to make informed end-of-life care decisions. However, there is to date no suitable scale to measure death risk perception. This study was to develop and psychometrically test the death risk perception scale (DRPS) for advanced cancer patients.MethodsProcess of instrument development and psychometric evaluation were used. First, qualitative research, a literature review, brainstorming, a Delphi study, and cognitive interviews were conducted to construct a pretest scale of death risk perception. Second, a scale-based survey was administered to 479 advanced cancer patients. Item, exploratory factor, and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to optimize the scale. The Cronbach’s alpha was calculated as a reliability analysis. The validity analysis included construct, convergent, discriminant, and content validity values.ResultsA three-dimension, 12-item scale was developed, including deliberative, affective, and experiential risk perception. The confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor model with satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity levels. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.807 and scale-level content validity index was 0.98.ConclusionsThe 12-item DRPS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the level of death risk perception in advanced cancer patients. More studies are needed to examine its structure and robustness prior to use.

Dimensional assessment of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms by workers: Amulti-case study.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) encompass a range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves. Visual diagrams are widely used to identify symptoms and to generate musculoskeletal discomfort metrics. However, there is no consensus on the number of discomfort dimensions that can originate from self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms by individuals. This study aimed to test the fit of WMSD symptom models from workers in two samples of different sizes. A combination of Full-Information Item Factor Analysis (FIFA) and Item Response Theory (IRT) was utilized to analyze and test the models. The study was conducted in two samples of workers (n1 = 6944 and n2 = 420) who had their symptoms identified with the aid of a human body diagram. An analysis was conducted considering each sample's unidimensional and three multidimensional models. The unidimensional model (general musculoskeletal discomfort), bi-dimensional model (discomfort in upper and lower body), and tridimensional model (discomfort in the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk) showed good values of factor loading and communalities, along with satisfactory item discrimination ability. Regardless of sample size, parameter estimation for IRT and FIFA proceeded without issues, presenting suitable fit parameters. Three models were valid and reliable for more extensive and smaller samples. However, the tridimensional model was best for generating discomfort scores in body regions. Companies and safety professionals can use these findings to devise strategies to mitigate musculoskeletal pains based on perceived symptom locations.

한국형 목격자 메타기억척도의 타당화 연구

This study validated the Eyewitness Metamemory Scale, developed for the specific context of eyewitness identification, under Korean conditions. Data from 362 participants between the ages of 19 and 60 were subjected to item analysis, factor analysis, convergent and discriminant validity and reliability using the original 35 items. After extraction, 25 items were retained, 10 items were removed and 3 new items were added. Factor analysis confirmed the three-factor structure of the Korean version, which reflected the original scale and achieved a reasonable model fit. Adequate convergent and discriminant validity, as well as internal consistency, supported the reliability and validity of the Korean Eyewitness Metamemory Scale. These findings confirm the utility of the Korean Eyewitness Metamemory Scale as a tool to aid legal decision-making in the Korean criminal identification process and provide a basis for cross-cultural metamemory research in the context of eyewitness identification.

Exploring the challenges faced by Dutch truck drivers in the era of technological advancement.

Despite their important role in the economy, truck drivers face several challenges, including adapting to advancing technology. The current study investigated the occupational experiences of Dutch truck drivers to detect common patterns. A questionnaire was distributed to professional drivers in order to collect data on public image, traffic safety, work pressure, transport crime, driver shortage, and sector improvements. The findings based on 3,708 respondents revealed a general dissatisfaction with the image of the industry and reluctance to recommend the profession. A factor analysis of the questionnaire items identified two primary factors: 'Work Pressure', more common among national drivers, and 'Safety & Security Concerns', more common among international drivers. A ChatGPT-assisted analysis of textbox comments indicated that vehicle technology received mixed feedback, with praise for safety and fuel-efficiency improvements, but concerns about reliability and intrusiveness. In conclusion, Dutch professional truck drivers indicate a need for industry improvements. While the work pressure for truck drivers in general may not be high relative to certain other occupational groups, truck drivers appear to face a deficit of support and respect.

Early Predictors and Concurrent Correlates of Tonic and Phasic Irritability in Adolescence.

Irritability is a common presenting problem in youth mental health settings that is thought to include two components: tonic (e.g., irritable, touchy mood) and phasic (e.g., temper outbursts), each with unique correlates and outcomes, including later internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. However, we are unaware of any studies of early predictors of tonic and phasic irritability. We utilized data from a longitudinal study of a community sample of 3-year-old children followed to age 15 (n = 444). We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of items from several self-report irritability measures at age 15, including the Affective Reactivity Index, the International Personality Item Pool, the Schedule for Non-Adaptive and Adaptive Personality Youth Version, and the Child Depression Inventory, and examined their early childhood predictors. The CFA identified dimensions consistent with tonic and phasic irritability. Tonic irritability at age 15 was uniquely associated with concurrent internalizing disorders and suicidal behavior while phasic irritability was uniquely associated with concurrent externalizing disorders. When adolescent tonic and phasic irritability were examined together, female sex and parental depressive and substance use disorders at age 3 uniquely predicted adolescent tonic irritability. Additionally, male sex, less parental education, greater laboratory-observed anger and impulsivity, ODD symptoms, higher irritability, and no parental substance use history at age 3 uniquely predicted adolescent phasic irritability. Youth-reported tonic and phasic irritability at age 15 appear to be distinguishable constructs with distinct concurrent correlates and early antecedents. Findings have important implications for research on the etiology of irritability and developing effective treatments.