Measurement Invariance Testing Research Articles

Community ambulation in older adults and people with OA – a model verification using Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) data

BackgroundThere are health and well-being benefits of community ambulation; however, many older adults do not regularly walk outside of their home. Objectives were to estimate the associations between latent constructs related to community ambulation in older adults aged 65–85 (65+), and in adults with osteoarthritis (OA) aged 45–85.MethodsSecondary data analysis of the comprehensive baseline and maintaining contact questionnaire data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA) was completed. Based on a previous model of community ambulation post-stroke, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to develop measurement and structural models for two groups: older adults 65+ and people with OA. Multi-group SEM was conducted to test measurement invariance across sex and age groups. Measurement models were developed for the following latent factors: ambulation (frequency of walking outside/week, hours walked/day, ability to walk without help, frequency and aids used in different settings); health perceptions (general health, pain frequency/intensity); timed functional mobility (gait speed, timed up-and-go, sit-to-stand, balance). Variables of depression, falls, age, sex, and fear of walking alone at night were covariates in the structural models.ResultsData were used from 11,619 individuals in the 65+ group (mean age 73 years ±6, 49% female) and 5546 individuals in the OA group (mean age 67 ± 10, 60% female). The final 65+ model had a close fit with RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.018 (0.017, 0.019), CFI = 0.91, SRMR = 0.09. For the OA group, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.021 (0.020, 0.023), CFI = 0.92, SRMR = 0.07. Health perceptions and timed functional mobility had a positive association with ambulation. Depression was associated with ambulation through negative associations with health perceptions and timed functional mobility. Multi-group SEM results reveal the measurement model was retained for males and females in the 65+ group, for males and females and for age groups (65+, < 65) in the OA group.ConclusionsThe community ambulation model post-stroke was verified with adults aged 65+ and for those with OA. The models of community ambulation can be used to frame and conceptualize community ambulation research and clinical interventions.

Validation and measurement invariance of the Compulsive Exercise Test among Brazilian and American young adults

PurposeTo evaluate compulsive exercise, researchers often rely on the widely used Compulsive Exercise Test (CET). However, the measure has shown unstable factor structure in several validation studies and is not available in Portuguese for use in Brazil. We aimed to describe the translation and cultural adaptation of the CET to Brazilian Portuguese, to test several factor structures among Brazilian and US samples of men and women, to test measurement invariance across countries, and to evaluate its internal consistency. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate convergent validity, correlating the CET with a measure of eating disorder symptoms, and to compare compulsive exercise symptoms between countries.MethodsFour models of the latent structure of the CET were tested using confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), three-factor structure with 15 items, three-factor structure with 18 items, four-factor structure with 21 items, and the original five-factor structure with 24 items, in a sample of 1,531 young adults (601 Brazilians and 930 Americans), aged 18–35 years.ResultsA series of CFAs demonstrated that the three-factor structure with 15 items showed a better fit to the data. This model demonstrated good convergent validity and internal consistency. Results from the CET multigroup CFA showed evidence for the invariance at the configural, metric, and scalar levels across Brazilians and Americans. Furthermore, significant differences were found between Brazilians and Americans, with Brazilians demonstrating higher scores on the Avoidance and rule-driven behavior and Mood improvement subscales, whereas US participants scored higher on the Weight control exercise subscale.ConclusionsResults support the three-factor structure with 15 items to be used as a measure of compulsive exercise among Brazilians and Americans, allowing cross-cultural comparisons between these countries.Level of evidence Level V, Cross-sectional, Psychometric study.

Validation of the Perceived Islamophobia Scale (PIS) among Muslims living in the United States

Islamophobia (i.e., the fear of Islam and Muslims) increases dramatically in response to local and global events. The Perceived Islamophobia Scale (PIS) captures perceptions of Islamophobia within a culture via three subscales titled Islamophobia in the Media, Fear of Islamization, and General Fear (Kunst et al., 2013). The PIS has been validated among both Muslims and non-Muslims in several countries. Although it has been used in US samples, exploring its psychometric properties among Muslims living in the United States (MLUS) is needed as MLUS are particularly vulnerable for experiencing Islamophobia. The current study validated the PIS in a representative sample of 350 MLUS (50% women; 33% immigrants). Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) revealed both a four-factor structure, encompassing the three original subscales alongside a separate factor with the reverse-scored items (Items 3, 4, and 5), and a higher-order factor structure encompassing all 12 items. This suggests that the full-scale PIS may be used as a standalone measure. Tests of measurement invariance across gender, immigrant status, and denomination of Islam suggested the PIS demonstrates strict measurement invariance, but only when used without its reverse-scored items. Further, there was a positive association between total scores on the PIS and the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS; Williams et al., 1997), demonstrating construct validity of the PIS with an established measure of individual-level discrimination. Further tools are needed to capture the private and structural forms of Islamophobia experienced by Muslims.

The Quality of Supervision Questionnaire – associations between quality, person and context variables

Abstract Only a few instruments can monitor the quality of individual supervision sessions. Therefore, the first objective was to develop a brief Quality of Supervision Questionnaire (QSQ). The second objective was to examine person and context variables associated with more effective supervision sessions. Two online samples of n=374 psychotherapy trainees and n=136 supervisors were used to develop the QSQ using exploratory factor analysis, validity and reliability analyses, and tests for measurement invariance. In addition, correlations between the QSQ and person and context variables were examined. The final QSQ included 12 items and three factors (Effectiveness, Procedural Knowledge, Relationship). The supervisee version had good reliability (α=.83 to .88) and correlated moderately to strongly with convergent measures (r=.37 to .68). The supervisor version was partially invariant to the supervisee version, displayed weak to good convergent validity (r=.27 to .51) and mixed reliabilities (α=.67 to .81). Regarding person variables, higher session quality was positively associated with supervisee self-efficacy (r=.16) and being a supervisor (vs supervisee, d=0.33 to 0.56). Regarding context variables, there were significant effects for supervisors in cognitive behaviour therapy (vs psychodynamic therapy; in terms of Procedural Knowledge, d=0.86) and for competence feedback (vs no feedback; d=0.47 to 0.68), but not for individual (vs group-based) sessions. Overall, the QSQ is a valid and reliable self-report questionnaire. We discuss the conceptual overlap between supervision scales. Key learning aims As a result of reading this paper, readers will: (1) Be aware of the Quality of Supervision Questionnaire (QSQ), which is a brief self-report scale assessing the quality of individual supervision sessions with 12 items and three subscales: Effectiveness, Procedural Knowledge, and Relationship. (2) Learn that there are no significant differences in the quality of supervision between sessions in individual and group formats. Compared with psychodynamic supervisors, supervisors in cognitive behaviour therapy report more procedural knowledge (i.e. what exactly to do and how to do it) in their sessions. (3) Understand that supervisees evaluate sessions that included competence feedback as qualitatively better than supervisees who did not receive competence feedback.

Do ECERS-3 scores mean the same thing across racial groups? Measurement invariance testing by teacher and classroom race

The purpose of the current study is to use secondary data to examine the extent to which the ECERS-3, specifically the factor structure, is equivalent across Black and Latine/Hispanic teachers, racial and ethnic classroom composition, and race/ethnicity of students. Data were drawn from a large-scale 2015-16 validation study of the ECERS-3 in three states (Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Washington) that were using the ECERS-3 as part of their quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS). Approximately 1,063 classrooms serving children between the ages of 3 and 5 were included in the final sample, and about 69 percent of the teachers identified as White. Findings revealed that the basic factor structure of the ECERS-3 was similar in the sample of classrooms when compared across lead teacher race, classroom racial composition, and lead teacher-child match; however, some differences were found in factor loadings and item thresholds. These findings have implications for ensuring that measures to assess global quality consider differential effects of race of the teacher, child, and classroom composition.

Development and Validation of the Teacher Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire

Purpose: Grounded in the expectancy-value theory framework, the purpose of this study was to develop and identify the psychometric properties of the Teaching Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire. Methods: The process included testing content validity with experts (n = 16), construct validity and measurement invariance using factor analysis, and convergent validity using structural equation modeling (SEM) in two physical education teacher samples (n = 373; n = 400). Results: Factor analysis identified a 17-item questionnaire measuring teachers’ expectancy, value, and cost beliefs. Measurement invariance testing revealed equivalence between male and female as well as primary and secondary physical education teachers. Correlational and structural equation modeling analyses showed the adaptive nature of expectancy and subjective task value beliefs along with the maladaptive nature of cost beliefs. Discussion/Conclusion: The Teaching Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire provides a theoretically grounded approach to investigate physical education teachers’ motivation toward curriculum and instruction.

Longitudinal effects of basic psychological need support on the development of intrinsic motivation and perceived competence in physical education. A multilevel study.

Grounded in self-determination theory, this article deals with a multidimensional measurement of the support of the basic psychological needs and the individual and combined effects on the development of intrinsic motivation and perceived competence in physical education. In addition to the supportive teacher behaviors of autonomy support, competence support and relatedness support, peer relatedness support is examined as an additional factor. A total of 1,047 students from 72 classes from various German-speaking Swiss cantons took part in the study. The hypothesized four factorial structure was analyzed using multilevel confirmatory factor analyses. Longitudinal measurement invariance testing of intrinsic motivation and perceived competence indicates scalar measurement invariance. Multilevel regression analyses were specified to analysis the longitudinal effects on the development of intrinsic motivation and perceived competence, whereby both the effects of the individual factors as well as the adjusted effects under the inclusion of all predictors were examined. Results of multilevel confirmatory factor analysis indicate that the hypothesized four-factor model (e.g., CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.04; SRMR between = 0.11) is to be favored over alternative models at both levels. Regarding the prediction of the development of intrinsic motivation and perceived competence our study underlines the predictive value of basic psychological need support. The models that examine the effects of the individual predictors indicate that the effects are largely consistent with expectations at both the class and individual level. At class level, however, autonomy support appears to be no significant predictor for the development of intrinsic motivation (p < 0.10), but for perceived competence (p < 0.05). Peer relatedness support is a significant predictor for both outcome variables at both levels of analysis. Regarding the simultaneous integration of all predictors, only the effects of peer relatedness support remain significant for both outcome variables. The empirical support of the multidimensionality of the instrument is particularly interesting in the context of the common conceptualization of a unidimensional measurement of autonomy support or a composite factor of psychological need support, whereby only few studies have adequately tested the factorial validity. Although significant effects of supportive teacher behaviors can be demonstrated in the multilevel regression analyses, it is also indicated that the different dimensions lack of incremental predictive validity. Particularly noteworthy is the rarely investigated role of peer relatedness support, which has been shown to be a meaningful predictor, even when supportive teacher behaviors are taken into account.

Psychometric Evaluation of an Adapted Short-Form Spirituality Scale in a Sample of Predominantly White Adults in an Inpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program.

Spirituality is an important aspect of treatment and recovery for substance use disorders (SUDs), but ambiguities in measurement can make it difficult to incorporate as part of routine care. We evaluated the psychometric properties of an adapted short-form version of the Spirituality Scale (the Spirituality Scale-Short-Form; SS-SF) for use in SUD treatment settings. Participants were adult patients (N = 1,388; Mage = 41.23 years, SDage = 11.55; 68% male; 86% White) who entered a large, clinically mixed inpatient SUD treatment program. Factor analysis supported the two-dimensional structure, with factors representing Self-Discovery and Transcendent Connection. Tests of measurement invariance demonstrated that the scale was invariant across age and gender subgroups. The SS-SF exhibited convergent and concurrent validity via associations with participation in spiritual activities, hopefulness, life satisfaction, 12-step participation, and depressive symptoms. Finally, scores on the SS-SF were significantly higher at discharge compared to admission, demonstrating short-term sensitivity to change. These findings support use of the SS-SF as a concise, psychometrically sound measure of spirituality in the context of substance use treatment.

Relationships among critical thinking disposition components of Chinese undergraduates: A moderated mediating effect analysis

Critical thinking (CT), as a form of higher-order thinking, is intended to help individuals form reasonable reflection and judgment to deal with increasingly severe employment situations. As the primary workforce in the labor market, undergraduates must possess a strong critical thinking disposition (CTD) to make better use of CT. Despite extensive research on components of CTD from the perspective of educational practices, there is limited emphasis on investigating the components and their relationships of CTD in the labor market and the impact of gender differences. Therefore, this study presented an analysis of 1535 Chinese undergraduates (Mage = 20.89; SD = 1.43) using the Employer-Employee-Supported Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (2ES-CTDI), aiming to explore the CTD that undergraduates should possess before entering the labor market. The relationships among the components were examined using SmartPLS4.0 in conjunction with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Additionally, a multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA) with a measurement invariance (MI) test was conducted to validate the moderating effects of gender. The findings indicate that (a) self-efficacy has a significant negative effect on habitual truth-digging, and boys are more affected than girls, instant judgment plays a competitive partial mediating role in this relationship; (b) self-efficacy has a significant positive effect on instant judgment, and boys are more likely to make instant judgments than girls; (c) instant judgment significantly positively affects habitual truth-digging. These findings highlight the dynamic equilibrium among the internal components of CTD in the labor market and call for increased attention from educators to the importance of gender differences in the cultivation process.

The dire disregard of measurement invariance testing in psychological science.

Self-report scales are widely used in psychology to compare means in latent constructs across groups, experimental conditions, or time points. However, for these comparisons to be meaningful and unbiased, the scales must demonstrate measurement invariance (MI) across compared time points or (experimental) groups. MI testing determines whether the latent constructs are measured equivalently across groups or time, which is essential for meaningful comparisons. We conducted a systematic review of 426 psychology articles with openly available data, to (a) examine common practices in conducting and reporting of MI testing, (b) assess whether we could reproduce the reported MI results, and (c) conduct MI tests for the comparisons that enabled sufficiently powerful MI testing. We identified 96 articles that contained a total of 929 comparisons. Results showed that only 4% of the 929 comparisons underwent MI testing, and the tests were generally poorly reported. None of the reported MI tests were reproducible, and only 26% of the 174 newly performed MI tests reached sufficient (scalar) invariance, with MI failing completely in 58% of tests. Exploratory analyses suggested that in nearly half of the comparisons where configural invariance was rejected, the number of factors differed between groups. These results indicate that MI tests are rarely conducted and poorly reported in psychological studies. We observed frequent violations of MI, suggesting that reported differences between (experimental) groups may not be solely attributed to group differences in the latent constructs. We offer recommendations aimed at improving reporting and computational reproducibility practices in psychology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The Reasoning through Evidence versus Advice (EvA) Scale: Scale Development and Validation

Our well-being can improve when people heed evidence rather than simply follow familiar or charismatic advisors who neglect evidence. We developed the Reasoning through Evidence versus Advice (EvA) scale to measure individual differences in reasoning through evidence like science and statistics versus following advisors such as politicians and celebrities. No existing scales directly measure these tendencies; moreover, it was theoretically unknown whether they reflect a single dimension (from evidence- to advice-based) or distinct tendencies to value or distrust each. Our scale validation process included qualitative interviews and four studies that involved 1583 respondents (753 college graduates, 830 non-college graduates) in which we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and tests of convergent validity, discriminant validity, and measurement invariance by gender and education. This process yielded a 16-item EvA scale with four dimensions: Pro-evidence, Anti-evidence, Pro-advice, and Anti-advice. In assessing criterion validity, these tendencies identified individual differences in important, real-world attitudes and behaviors, including susceptibility to health misinformation, adherence to CDC guidelines on social distancing, confidence in the COVID vaccine, science curiosity, and religiosity. The EvA scale extends our understanding of individual differences in reasoning tendencies that shape critical attitudes, decisions, and behaviors and can help promote informed decisions.

Risk factors for sexual harassment and abuse victimization among adolescent athletes and non-athletes: A one-year follow-up study

BackgroundThe association between SHA and negative mental health increases the need to understand risk factors for SHA victimization, which is important for future development of prevention programs. ObjectiveTo examine which combinations of demographic- and mental health factors were associated with subsequent SHA victimization, and the prevalence of elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students who experienced sexual revictimization. Participants and settingNorwegian elite athletes and recreational athletes attending sport high schools, and reference students attending non-sport high schools (mean age: 17.1 years) were eligible for participation. MethodsThe participants answered an online questionnaire at two measurement points one year apart, T1 and T2 (n = 1139, 51.1 % girls). After testing for measurement invariance, data were analyzed with Classification and Regression Tree analysis (CRT) using demographic- and mental health variables from T1 as independent variables, and SHA at T2 as outcome. ResultsThe combination of being a girl with high level of symptoms of eating disorders and other psychological symptoms was associated with subsequent reporting of SHA. Among the students with lifetime experience of SHA at T1 (n = 533, 58.3 %), 49.5 % reported revictimization at T2 (60.9 % girls, 32.2 % boys, p ≤ .001). The prevalence of SHA revictimization was lower among elite athletes (44.3 %) compared with recreational athletes (49.1 %) and reference students (59.4 %, p = .019). ConclusionThe combination of female gender and mental health symptoms are risk factors for subsequent SHA victimization. These findings, and the high prevalence of SHA revictimization is important knowledge for developing preventive programs targeting elite athletes, recreational athletes, and reference students.

Psychometric evaluation of the United States-adapted perceived perioperative competence scale-revised: A national survey

BackgroundNursing competence is integral to ensuring patient safety, especially in high-risk environments such as the operating room. Instruments which facilitate self-assessment of specialty specific nursing competence allow nurses to gain important insights into their practice to facilitate continuous growth in their professional practice. Currently, there are no psychometrically tested tools to assess perioperative competence applicable to the United States context. ObjectiveTest the psychometric properties of the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised in the United States context. MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was used. Perioperative nurses were recruited via four professional associations and the survey was administered online. Construct validity of the six-dimensional Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised was tested using a multidimensional item response theory model known as the graded response model. Measurement invariance was assessed relative to years of perioperative experience. Internal consistency was estimated using McDonald's Omega and Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients. ResultsResponses from a total of 1,581 participants were analyzed in the psychometric analysis. The six-dimensional graded response model of the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised displayed satisfactory model fit for the sample (Chi-square(df) = 5,699.09(725); root mean square error of approximation = 0.066, 90% confidence interval: 0.064, 0.067; comparative fit index = 0.955; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.952; standardized root mean squared residual = 0.045). Scalar invariance was established when assessing the psychometric equivalence of the scale across years of perioperative experience (<10 years, ≥ 10 years) (Chi-square(df) = 5,785.29(1,573); root mean square error of approximation = 0.058, 90% confidence interval: 0.057, 0.060; comparative fit index = 0.959; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.959). Reliability across the six subscales ranged from alpha = 0.87 - 0.94 and Omega = 0.93 - 0.97. ConclusionsResults suggest that the Perceived Perioperative Competence Scale-Revised is suitable to use with perioperative nurses practicing in clinical settings in the United States. Measurement invariance testing indicates the scale is measuring the same construct and is being interpreted in a conceptually similar manner across groups based on years of perioperative experience.

Preliminary validation of the Cognitive Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised in cancer populations.

A brief, valid, and comprehensive measure of mindfulness is needed for cancer populations. This study examined the factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and measurement invariance of the 10-item Cognitive Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R) in patients with cancer. Patients with breast, gastrointestinal, lung, or prostate cancer (N=404, 50% stage IV cancer, 51% women) were recruited from academic and public clinics in Indianapolis, IN. Patients completed the CAMS-R and other psychological measures at one time point. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the dimensionality of the CAMS-R. Internal consistency and construct validity were also assessed. Measurement invariance was examined for gender, cancer type, and cancer stage. CFA showed that the original CAMS-R structure with four first-order factors (attention, present focus, awareness, and acceptance) and one second-order factor (mindfulness) had a reasonable fit (RMSEA=0.09, CFI=0.95, SRMR=0.04). Internal consistency was excellent (α=0.90). The CAMS-R total score showed significant positive associations with several subscales of a widely used mindfulness questionnaire and self-compassion (rs=0.61-0.66) and significant negative associations with anxiety, depressive symptoms, rumination, psychological inflexibility, and avoidant coping (rs=-0.35-0.58). Measurement invariance testing indicated that the CAMS-R was invariant across populations of varying genders, cancer types, and stages. Findings provide preliminary support for using the CAMS-R in cancer populations. Future research should assess the responsiveness of the CAMS-R to intervention.

Structural Validation and Measurement Invariance Testing of the Chinese Version of the eHealth Literacy Scale Among Undergraduates: Cross-Sectional Study.

The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) was introduced in China in 2013 as one of the most important electronic health literacy measurement instruments. After a decade of development in China, it has received widespread attention, although its theoretical underpinnings have been challenged, thus demanding more robust research evidence of factorial validity and multigroup measurement properties. This study aimed to evaluate the Chinese version of the eHEALS in terms of its measurement properties. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university setting in China. Item statistics were checked for response distributions and floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency reliability was confirmed with Cronbach α, split-half reliability, Cronbach α if an item was deleted, and item-total correlation. A total of 5 representative eHEALS factor structures were examined and contrasted using confirmatory factor analysis. The study used the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and the average of the I-CVI scores of all items on the scale to assess the content validity of the dominance model. Furthermore, the validated dominance model was subsequently used to evaluate the relevance and representation of elements in the instrument and to assess measurement invariance across genders. A total of 972 respondents were identified, with a Cronbach α of .92, split-half reliability of 0.88, and item-total score correlation coefficients ranging from 0.715 to 0.781. Cronbach α if an item was deleted showed that all items should be retained. Acceptable content validity was supported by I-CVIs ≥0.80. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the 3-factor model was acceptable. The measurement model met all relevant fit indices: average variance extracted from 0.663 to 0.680, composite reliability from 0.810 to 0.857, chi-square divided by the df of 4.768, root mean square error of approximation of 0.062, standardized root mean squared residual of 0.020, comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.987, and Tucker-Lewis index of 0.979. In addition, the scale demonstrated error variance invariance (Δnormed fit index=-0.016, Δincremental fit index=-0.012, ΔTucker-Lewis index=0.005, Δcomparative fit index=-0.012, Δrelative fit index=0.005, and Δroot mean square error of approximation=0.005). A 3-factor model of the Chinese version of the eHEALS fits best, and our findings provide evidence for the strict measurement invariance of the instrument regarding gender.

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.

An examination of factorial invariance of the Asthma Control Questionnaire among adults with severe asthma

Background The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) is used to assess asthma symptom control. The relationship between the questionnaire items and symptom control has not been fully studied in severe asthmatic patients, and its validity for making comparisons between subgroups of patients is unknown. Methods Data was obtained from patients in the United Kingdom Severe Asthma Registry whose symptom control was assessed using the five-item ACQ (ACQ5) (n = 2,951). Confirmatory factor analysis determined whether a latent factor for asthma symptom control, as measured by the ACQ5, was consistent with the data. Measurement invariance was examined in relation to ethnicity, sex and age; this included testing for approximate measurement invariance using Bayesian Structural Equation Modelling (BSEM). The fitted models were used to estimate the internal consistency reliability of the ACQ5. Invariance of factor means across subgroups was assessed. Results A one-factor construct with residual correlations for the ACQ5 was an excellent fit to the data in all subgroups (Root Mean Square Error Approximation 0.03 [90%CI 0.02,0.05], p-close fit 0.93, Comparative Fit Index 1.00, Tucker Lewis Index 1.00}. Expected item responses were consistent for Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients with the same absolute level of symptom control. There was some evidence that females and younger adults reported wakening more frequently during the night than males and older adults respectively with the same absolute level of symptom control (p&lt;0.001). However approximate measurement invariance was tenable and any failure to observe strong measurement invariance had minimal impact when comparing mean levels of asthma symptom control between patients of different sexes or ages. Average levels of asthma symptom control were lower for non-Caucasians (p = 0.001), females (p&lt;0.01)and increased with age (p&lt;0.01). Reliability of the instrument was high (over 88%) in all subgroups studied. Conclusion The ACQ5 is informative in comparing levels of symptom control between severe asthmatic patients of different ethnicities, sexes and ages. It is important that analyses are replicated in other severe asthma registries to determine whether measurement invariance is observed.

Psychometric properties of the family assessment task parental monitoring scenario among adolescents receiving substance use treatment

IntroductionThe Family Assessment Task (FAsTask) is an observer-rated parent-child interaction task used in adolescent substance use intervention. The parental monitoring component of the FAsTask is thought to provide an objective assessment of parental monitoring that can guide treatment planning and circumvent the potential limitations of self-report measures. Yet, the factor structure, measurement invariance, and concurrent validity of the parental monitoring FAsTask has not been evaluated; doing so is essential to effectively guide clinical care. This study examined if the parental monitoring FAsTask can be reliably administered across adolescent age and sex, and to identify which components of the parental monitoring FAsTask are most consistently associated with adolescent substance use. MethodsThe study pooled data from 388 adolescent-caregiver dyads across six separate clinical trials (adolescents [Mage = 15.7, 57.5% male, 61.9% White, 31.2% Latine]; caregivers [Mage = 42.14, 88.7% female, 72.7% White, 24.2% Latine]). Dyads completed the FAsTask and the Timeline Followback at baseline, prior to randomization. Analyses proceeded in three steps. First, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted in half of the sample, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the second half of the sample. Second, measurement invariance was tested as a function of adolescent age and biological sex. Third, a series of structural equation models were used to assess the associations of each factor with alcohol use, binge drinking, and cannabis use. ResultsEFA and CFA indicated the presence of four factors (labeled Supervised/Structured, Active Monitoring, Task Engagement, and Parental Rules/Strategies). Evidence of measurement invariance was found across adolescent age and sex. The Supervision/Structure was negatively associated with adolescent alcohol use, binge drinking, and cannabis use. ConclusionsThe parental monitoring FAsTask demonstrates validity and retains its structure across adolescent age and sex. Items focused on parental supervision and structure are most strongly associated with adolescent substance use and may best inform clinical care for adolescent substance use.

Conceptualizing adverse childhood experiences as a latent factor: Tests of measurement invariance across five racial and ethnic groups.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are conventionally measured using a cumulative-risk index without consideration of distinct measurement properties across racial and ethnic groups. Drawing from the 2018-2020 National Survey of Children's Health (N = 93,759; 48% female; average age: 9.52 years), we assess the measurement invariance of a latent-factor ACE model across five groups: Hispanic children (14%) and non-Hispanic White (73%), Black (7%), Asian/Pacific Islander (5%), and American Indian/Alaskan Native (1%) children. Results support configural and full metric invariance across groups. However, several ACE item thresholds differed across groups. Findings highlight the potential utility of a latent factor approach and underscore the need to assess differences across racial and ethnic groups in terms of the optimal conceptualization and measurement of ACEs.

Validating an Adapted Version of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale: Testing Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance in Chinese Adolescents

Validating an Adapted Version of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale: Testing Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance in Chinese Adolescents