Multiple-group Confirmatory Factor Analysis Research Articles

Examining the Dimensionality, Internal Consistency, and Invariance of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) Across Age, Race, Ethnicity, and Caretaking Status.

This study investigates the performance of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) across diverse demographic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a large, generalizable U.S. sample (N = 676), we applied multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis to examine the scale's internal consistency and measurement invariance in relation to age, race, ethnicity, and caretaking status. Our findings offer mixed evidence on the performance of the original three-factor structure of the DASS-21, which appears to function more consistently across groups defined by caretaking status and ethnicity, but less well across groups defined by age and racial identity. This research contributes substantially to the field by enhancing the understanding of DASS-21's applicability in diverse populations, particularly in the context of a global health crisis. It underscores the need for nuanced interpretation of DASS-21 scores considering significant demographic variability in its interpretation by participant racial identity and age, thereby guiding more accurate mental health assessments and interventions.

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity-Revised (PIOS-R) Across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Groups

The revised Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity (PIOS-R) is widely used. Support for its factor structure is mixed across either a two-factor or a bifactor model. Normed on a primarily Christian sample, researchers use the PIOS-R to examine scrupulosity across religious groups. This study’s primary aims were to clarify the PIOS-R’s factor structure in a religiously diverse sample and determine whether the PIOS-R shows measurement invariance across religious groups. A secondary aim was to evaluate psychometric properties. U.S. participants (N = 718) who self-reported as Christian, Jewish, or Muslim were recruited using MTurk. Multiple group CFA indicated that a two-factor solution comprised of Fear of God (FOG) and Fear of Sin (FOS) provided the best-fitting model. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance held across religious groups. Internal consistency was strong for the full scale (ωt = .96) and both FOS (ωt = .95) and FOG (ωt = .92) subscales. The PIOS-R was more strongly correlated with DOCS Scrupulosity (r = .71) than with DASS-21 Depression (r = .58), DASS-21 Anxiety (r = .66), or a measure of religiosity (SCSRFQ; r = .36), supporting relative discriminant validity. The PIOS-R appears appropriate for assessing scrupulosity within and among these religious groups.

Eating Pathology and Interoceptive Sensibility Using the Brief Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2: Can There be Too Much of a Good Thing?

This study evaluated the factorial structure and invariance of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-v2 (MAIA-2). We also investigated incremental validity of the MAIA-2 factors for predicting eating pathology beyond appetite-based interoception. US-based online respondents (N = 1294; M age=48.7 ± 18.4; 63% cis women; 78% White) were sampled. We conducted hierarchical stepwise regressions, dominance analysis, and multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses across age, gender, and eating disorder symptoms. An 8-factor, 24-item Brief MAIA-2 (BMAIA-2) model showed optimal fit. Using strict criteria ( Δ CFI > 0.002), configural, metric, and scalar invariance were supported. After controlling for appetite-based interoception, higher scores on body listening, noticing, and emotional awareness unexpectedly predicted worse eating pathology, while higher scores on not worrying, not distracting, and trusting predicted less eating pathology, as hypothesized. Dominance analysis showed no subscales contributed >2% unique variance to global disordered eating beyond appetite-based interoception. For loss of control eating, however, not worrying was the dominant BMAIA-2 predictor, explaining 5% unique variance beyond appetite-based interoception. Research supported the relevance of multiple interoceptive sensibility dimensions captured by the BMAIA-2 to understanding eating-based pathology. Future studies should consider assessing its incremental validity using behavioral tasks and autonomic biomarkers of interoception to better understand the complex interplay among interoceptive skills and eating behavior.

Burnout Assessment Tool for Students (BAT-S): evidence of validity in a Chilean sample of undergraduate university students.

This brief report examines both within-network and between-network construct validity of the Burnout Assessment Tool for Students (BAT-S) in a sample of 461 Chilean undergraduate university students (70.9% female) ranging between 18 and 58 years old (M = 21.6, SD = 4.34). The reliability analysis results showed adequate internal consistency for the overall burnout score and for each dimension. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a second-order factor (academic burnout) and four first-order factors (exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment) solution. Moreover, the results of multiple-group CFA supported gender invariance. Finally, structural equation model (SEM) analysis showed that academic resources and academic demands are associated with academic burnout. Overall, the BAT-S was found to be a reliable and valid tool to assess academic burnout in chilean sample of undergraduate university students.

Assessing the satisfaction with school life among Turkish adolescents: adapting the Academic Life Satisfaction Scale

ABSTRACT Objective The present study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the Academic Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS) on adolescents. Design Two different samples were recruited for data collection. The first sample consisted of a total of 423 high school students, 272 (64.3%) females and 151 (35.7%) males, with a mean age of 15.97 (SD = 1.16). The second sample also comprised 360 high school students, 225 (62.5%) females, and 135 (37.5%) males, with a mean age of 16.44 (SD = .76). The Personal Information Form, the Academic Procrastination Scale, and the ALSS – Adolescent Version (ALSS-AV) were utilised as data collection tools. Results Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed that the adolescent version has good structural validity. The factor analyses revealed that the scale had a two-factor structure and an acceptable fit to the data. The multiple-group CFA results regarding gender revealed that the structure of the scale had measurement invariance on both female and male students. Analyses also revealed that the scale had good convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Furthermore, the internal consistency and split-half reliability of the scale were found to be adequate. Conclusion The ALSS-AV has good evidence of validity and reliability in a sample of adolescents. It can be used to assess academic life satisfaction among this group.

Are "Global Measures" of Psychological Intimate Partner Violence Against Women Really Comparable? A Measurement Invariance Analysis of Controlling Behaviors in 19 Low- and Middle- Income Countries.

Background One third of adult women report lifetime psychological intimate partner violence (IPV). Controlling behavior is a common dimension of psychological IPV; however, evidence is mixed on its cross-national and cross-time measurement invariance, limiting its use to monitor Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.2.1, to eliminate all forms of violence against women. We explored easier-to-modify survey-design features and harder-to-modify individual-level and national-level characteristics that may account for non-invariance of these controlling-behavior items. Methods We analyzed data on five controlling behaviors administered to 373,167 ever-partnered women 15-49 years in 19 low- or middle-income countries in which at least two national Demographic and Health Surveys were administered during 2005-2019. We performed multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) to test for exact forms of invariance and alignment optimization (AO) to test for approximate invariance across 7-9 survey-design groups, defined by the number of preceding questionnaire modules (to proxy respondent burden) and weeks of interviewer training (to proxy interviewer skills). Adjustment for covariates in the MGCFA assessed whether individual- and national-level characteristics could account for any observed non-invariance across survey-design groups. Results In MGCFA without covariates, configural invariance of the controlling-behavior items was observed across survey-design groups. Exact invariance, partial invariance (with 20% of parameter estimates freed), and approximate invariance were not observed across groups. In adjusted MGCFA, neither woman-level covariates (schooling, attitudes about IPV against women) nor national-level covariates (women's mean schooling, mean attitudes about IPV against women, gender-related legal environment) alone or combined accounted for the non-invariance of controlling-behavior items across survey-design groups. Conclusions Comparing estimates for controlling behavior across country, time, and survey design variations warrants caution. Standardizing questionnaire length and interviewer training may improve the invariance of these items. Other characteristics, like ethnicity and language, may account for the non-invariance of controlling-behavior items across survey-design groups and should be tested. Current controlling-behavior items should be refined to enhance their comparability, and new controlling-behavior items should be identified and tested to improve the item set's content validity. Given current evidence of the high prevalence and health impacts of psychological IPV against women, advancing this research agenda is needed to monitor SDG 5.2.1.

Psychometric Properties of the Japanese Translation of the Parent Overprotection Measure for Mother and Father Reports.

The Parent Overprotection Measure (POM) is a promising scale to measure parent overprotection toward a child from the parent's perspective. However, no Japanese translation of the scale has been developed, and whether the POM can be applied to a Japanese population is unknown. This study translated the POM into Japanese and examined its psychometric properties. Parents of 380 children aged 4 to 7years (including 190 mothers and 190 fathers) completed online questionnaires. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) indicated that the Japanese translation of the POM has a bi-factor structure, including one general factor (general overprotection) and two specific factors (care/attention and control/prevention). The measurement invariance of reports from mothers' and fathers' perspectives was confirmed by multiple group CFA. The McDonald's Omega was acceptable for all factors, but the general overprotection factor explained most scale variance. Pearson's correlation coefficients were more than .20 between the control/prevention factor and child anxiety symptoms in both mother and father reports. The correlation between the control/prevention factor and parent anxiety according to fathers' reports also exceeded .20. These results provided the factor structure and supported the reliability of the POM among a Japanese population; however, further investigation of the validity of the scale is needed.

Assessment of the psychometric properties of the traditional Chinese version of the cancer survivors’ self-efficacy scale

BackgroundThe reliability and validity of the traditional Chinese version of the Cancer Survivors’ Self-Efficacy Scale (CS-SES-TC) has not been assessed.ObjectiveTo assess the psychometric properties of the Traditional Chinese version of the CS-SES-TC.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the outpatient departments of a hospital in Taiwan. A single questionnaire was administered to 300 genitourinary cancer survivors. The scales included in the initial questionnaire were the CS-SES-TC, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scale (FACT-G). Data obtained from 300 survivors were used to confirm the structure through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).ResultsThe CFA results indicate that the 11-item CS-SES-TC is consistent with the original scale. Furthermore, it was identified as a unidimensional scale, with the model showing acceptable goodness-of-fit (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.97). The factor loading of each item in the CS-SES-TC was above 0.6 and had convergent validity. Based on multiple-group CFA testing, the change (ΔCFI) between the unconstrained and constrained models was ≤ 0.01, indicating that measurement invariance holds for gender. The participants’ CS-SES-TC scores were positively correlated with their FACT-G scores and negatively correlated with their CES-D scores. The scales exhibited concurrent validity and discriminant validity. The CS-SES-TC had a Cronbach’s α in the range of .97–.98.ConclusionThe CS-SES-TC had acceptable reliability and validity. Healthcare workers can use this scale for ongoing assessment of the cancer-related self-efficacy of cancer survivors.

Evaluating measurement invariance of students’ practices regarding online information questionnaire in PISA 2022: a comparative study using MGCFA and alignment method

International large-scale assessments provide cross-national data on students’ cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics. A critical methodological issue that often arises in comparing data from cross-national studies is ensuring measurement invariance, indicating that the construct under investigation is the same across the compared groups. This study addresses the measurement invariance of students’ practices regarding online information (ICTINFO) questionnaire across countries in the PISA 2022 cycle. Some methodological complexities have arisen when testing the measurement invariance across the presence of many groups. For testing measurement invariance, the multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA), which is a traditional procedure, was employed first, and then a novel approach, the alignment method, was performed. This study comprised 29 OECD countries, with a total sample size of 187.614 15-year-old students. The MGCFA results revealed that metric invariance was achieved across countries, indicating comparable factor loadings while not the same for factor means. Consistent with MGCFA results, the alignment method identified noninvariant parameters exceeding the 25% cut-off criteria across countries. Monte Carlo simulation validated the reliability of the alignment results. This study contributes to international assessments by providing a detailed examination of measurement invariance and comparing the findings from various methodologies for improving assessment accuracy. The results provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers to ensure fair and equitable evaluations of student performance across different countries, thereby contributing to more reliable and valid international assessments.

Validation of the extended e-health literacy scale: structural validity, construct validity and measurement invariance

BackgroundGiven the rapid proliferation and use of online health resources, many of which may be of dubious quality, there is an increasing need to develop electronic health literacy (e-health literacy) skills among the population of internet users. E-health literacy encompasses the skills and abilities needed to access, understand, validate, evaluate, interpret, and apply online health-related information. Measuring e-health literacy has become crucial for developing targeted interventions, assessing their impact, and producing high-quality research findings that can inform health policy and clinical practice, which can lead to improved health outcomes and potentially reducing health inequalities. The scales need to be valid and reliable so that decisions are based on high-quality data. In this regard, the issue of the measurement invariance of scales across different demographic groups has been neglected. This is critical, as assessments should be valid across different sociodemographic groups to avoid bias when comparing them. The aim of this study was to validate the Extended e-health literacy scale (eHEALS-E) on general population and investigate its structural validity and internal consistency, construct validity in terms of convergent and discriminant validity, and examine its measurement invariance across gender, age, education and social status.MethodsThe data were collected as a part of a national health literacy survey conducted by the Slovenian National Institute of Public Health. For this survey the initial eHEALS-E scale was revised in order to address its limitations and applicability to general population. Based on a nationally representative sample, the final sample for the analysis comprised 1,944 individuals who at least occasionally used one of the various internet services to obtain health-related information. Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the measurement invariance of the scale.ResultsWith some adjustments, the measurement model of the revised 6-dimensional eHEALS-E scale demonstrated a good fit to the data (χ2 = 2508, df = 282, RMSEA = 0.064, SRMR = 0.070, CFI = 0.90). The scale had good internal consistency (alpha = 0.89). Although evidence of the scale’s convergent and discriminant validity was partially provided, the analysis revealed robust measurement invariance across sociodemographic groups.ConclusionsWith a minor limitation, the scale ensures an unbiased e-health literacy assessment across different social groups, which is crucial for interventions that aim to reduce health-related social inequalities. This ensures that the interventions derived from the assessment of reality are equally valid and effective for everyone, regardless of their sociodemographic background.

Measurement invariance of the action competence in sustainable development questionnaire: can we compare between groups?

There is a need for valid and reliable instruments to assess learning outcomes in education for sustainable development (ESD). Measurement invariance (MI) needs to be established before results of these instruments can be validly compared between groups. Despite its importance, establishing MI is an often overlooked validation step. To provide an example of testing for MI in the field of ESD, thereby setting a precedent for subsequent studies, this study tested the MI of the Action Competence in Sustainable Development Questionnaire (ACiSD-Q). First, Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) were carried out to make refinements to the original model. Subsequently, nested multiple-group CFAs were performed to test for MI of the ACiSD-Q for the grouping variables of educational level (primary versus secondary), language spoken at home (instructional language versus other languages), and gender. Model fit indices of the refined model and the ACiSD-Q’s proneness to MI are discussed.

Validation of the Interpersonal Relationships in Eating Disorders (IR-ED) Scale in an Eating Disorder Sample.

Interpersonal problems have been identified as a plausible mechanism underlying the onset and maintenance of eating disorders. The Interpersonal Relationships in Eating Disorders (IR-ED) scale is the first eating disorders-specific measure of interpersonal problems, which was developed in a nonclinical sample. The aims of the current study were to (a) confirm the factor structure of the IR-ED within a large clinical sample, (b) investigate measurement invariance of the IR-ED across nonclinical and clinical samples, (c) examine the convergent validity of the IR-ED using a generic measure of interpersonal problems, and (d) investigate the incremental clinical utility of the IR-ED in uniquely predicting eating disorder symptomatology. Treatment-seeking individuals (N = 437) completed the IR-ED at their initial assessment appointment at a specialist eating disorder outpatient service. A multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis supported an invariant bifactor structure comprising a general interpersonal problems factor and two group factors-Avoidance of Body Evaluation and Food-Related Interpersonal Tension. Convergent validity was demonstrated by a large, statistically significant correlation with a generic measure of interpersonal problems (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). A series of structural equation models further revealed unique incremental predictive utility of the IR-ED for eating disorder symptomatology. The IR-ED has strong psychometric properties and may prove beneficial in the assessment, formulation, and treatment of eating-specific interpersonal problems among patients with eating disorders.

Psychometric Properties of Scales Assessing Psychosocial Determinants of Staff Compliance with Surgical Site Infection Prevention: The WACH-Study.

Psychosocial determinants influence healthcare workers' compliance with surgical site infection (SSI) preventive interventions. In order to design needs-based interventions promoting compliance, such determinants must first be assessed using valid and reliable questionnaire scales. To compare professional groups without bias, the scales must also be measurement-equivalent. We examine the validity/reliability and measurement equivalence of four scales using data from physicians and nurses from outside the university sector. Additionally, we explore associations with self-reported SSI preventive compliance. N = 90 physicians and N = 193 nurses (response rate: 31.5%) from nine general/visceral or orthopedic/trauma surgery departments in six non-university hospitals in Germany participated. A written questionnaire was used to assess the compliance with SSI preventive interventions and the determinants of compliance based on the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior-Model. Psychometric testing involved single- and multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses, and explorative analyses used t-tests and multiple linear regression. The scales assessing individual determinants of compliance (capability, motivation, and planning) were found to be reliable (each Cronbach's α ≥ 0.85) and valid (each Root-Mean-Square-Error of Approximation ≤ 0.065, each Comparative-Fit-Index = 0.95) and revealed measurement equivalence for physicians and nurses. The scale assessing external determinants (opportunity) did not demonstrate validity, reliability, or measurement equivalence. Group differences were found neither in compliance (p = 0.627) nor determinants (p = 0.192; p = 0.866; p = 0.964). Capability (β = 0.301) and planning (β = 0.201) showed associations with compliance for nurses only. The scales assessing motivation, capability, and planning regarding SSI preventive compliance provided reliable and valid scores for physicians and nurses in surgery. Measurement equivalence allows group comparisons of scale means to be interpreted without bias.

The universality of anxiety experiences between Germany, Indonesia, and the US: A measurement invariance analysis

BackgroundGeneralized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) is a widely used self-report that assesses generalized anxiety disorder symptomatology. Whilst previous studies have reported good-to-excellent psychometric properties across different languages, it remains unclear whether GAD-7 measures the same construct across Western and non-Western countries. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the GAD-7 is measurement invariant across Western and non-Western countries and the hypothesis that a less severe GAD symptomatology can be found in non-Western countries. MethodsThe present study employed an online survey to examine the GAD-7's measurement invariance (MI) across community samples from Indonesia, Germany, and the USA (N = 2350). MI was computed using multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses with a general factor model of the GAD-7. ResultsThe general factor of the GAD-7 had good model fit and configural, metric, scalar, and residual MI across the three countries. No significant differences were found in mean scores (Indonesia, M = 1.78, SD = 0.64, Germany, M = 1.84, SD = 0.69, USA, M = 1.87, SD = 0.79; F (2, 1514) = 3.079, p = 0.046; Games-Howell post-hoc analysis, tGermany-Indonesia = 1.720, p = 0.199; tGermany-USA = 0.750, p = 0.734; tIndonesia-USA = 2.330, p = 0.053). LimitationsThis study's online nature may have inflated cross-country similarities and reduced data generalizability. ConclusionThe full MI demonstrates the GAD-7 captures the same GAD construct across Western and non-Western countries. Inconsistent with the previous findings GAD severity levels were similar across countries. Despite some possible reservations, the GAD-7 appears to be a culturally fair GAD measure.

The eTIMSS and TIMSS Measurement Invariance Study: Multigroup Factor Analyses and Differential Item Functioning Analyses with the 2019 Cycle

In this study, measurement invariance and differential item functioning (DIF) studies of the TIMSS 2019 4th and 8th-grade mathematics and science achievement tests were conducted for the country groups participating in both TIMMS and eTIMMS. The study sample consisted of 9560 responders of the first booklet of the 2019 cycle. Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) was utilized to test measurement invariance, and Mantel-Haenszel (MH), Logistic Regression (LR), and SIBTEST were used for the DIF analyses. The measurement invariance results indicated strict invariance between groups for all subtests which included 111 items in total. In the DIF analyses, for the 4th and 8th-grade mathematics subtests, only three items showed moderate DIF with MH, and four items showed DIF with SIBTEST. For the 4th-grade science subtest, one item showed moderate DIF with both MH and SIBTEST. However, in the 8th-grade science subtest, no items showed DIF with MH and LR methods, while four items showed moderate DIF with SIBTEST. Overall, MH and SIBTEST techniques were in agreement, whereas LR method produced inconsistent results and showed disagreement with these two methods. The results of the measurement invariance analysis and the LR method were consistent and indicated equivalency of TIMMS and e-TIMMS scores.

Validity of a common measure of intimate partner violence perpetration: Impact on study inference in trials in low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundIn lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs), studies of interventions to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration are expanding yet measurement equivalence of the construct has not been established. We assessed the measurement equivalence of physical and sexual IPV perpetration used in recent trials in LMICs and tested the impact of non-invariance on trial inference. MethodsWith data from three recent intervention trials among men (sample size 505–1537 across studies), we calculated tetrachoric correlations among items and used multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis to assess invariance across arms and over time. We also assessed treatment effects adjusting for covariate imbalance and using inverse probability to treatment weights to assess concordance of invariant measures with published results, where warranted. Findings.The average correlation among items was high and increased over time with several items in two studies showing correlations ≥0.85 at endline. Increases in correlation for physical IPV were concentrated in the treatment arm in two of the studies. The increase in correlation in sexual IPV differed by arm across studies. Across all studies, a correlated two-factor solution was the best fitting model according to the EFAs and CFAs. One study demonstrated measurement invariance across arms and over time. In two of the studies, longitudinal measurement non-invariance was detected in the intervention arms. In post hoc testing, one study attained invariance with a one-factor model and study inference was concordant with published findings. The other study did not attain even partial invariance. ConclusionCommon measures of physical and sexual IPV perpetration cannot be used for valid effect estimation without further refinement. The study highlights the need for an expanded item set, content validity assessments, further measurement invariance testing, and then consistent use of the item sets in future intervention trials to support accurate inference on the effectiveness of IPV perpetration prevention interventions.

Structural Validity Evidence for the Oxford Utilitarianism Scale Across 15 Languages

Abstract: Background: The Psychological Science Accelerator (PSA) recently completed a large-scale moral psychology study using translated versions of the Oxford Utilitarianism Scale (OUS). However, the translated versions have no validity evidence. Objective: The study investigated the structural validity evidence of the OUS across 15 translated versions and produced version-specific validity reports. Methods: We analyzed OUS data from the PSA, which was collected internationally on a centralized online questionnaire . We also collected qualitative feedback from experts for each translated version. Results: For each version, we produced version-specific psychometric reports which include the following: (1) descriptive item and demographics analyses, (2) factor structure evidence using confirmatory factor analyses, (3) measurement invariance testing across languages using multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses and alignment optimization, and (4) reliability analyses using coefficients α and ω.

Reliability and validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 scale and its subscales of depression and anxiety among US adults based on nativity

BackgroundThe burdens of anxiety and depression symptoms have significantly increased in the general US population, especially during this COVID-19 epidemiological crisis. The first step in an effective treatment for anxiety and depression disorders is screening. The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4, a 4-item measure of anxiety/depression) and its subscales (PHQ-2 [a 2-item measure of depression] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-2, a 2-item measure of anxiety]) are brief but effective mass screening instruments for anxiety and depression symptoms in general populations. However, little to no study examined the psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and validity) of the PHQ-4 and its subscales (PHQ-2 and GAD-2) in the general US adult population or based on US nativity (i.e., foreign-born vs. the US-born). We evaluated the psychometric properties of the PHQ-4 and its subscales in US adults, as well as the psychometric equivalence of the PHQ-4 scale based on nativity.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 5,140 adults aged ≥ 18 years. We examined the factorial validity and dimensionality of the PHQ-4 with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) was used to evaluate the comparability of the PHQ-4 across nativity groups. Reliability indices were assessed. Also, the scales’ construct validities were assessed by examining the associations of both the PHQ-4 and its subscales’ scores with the sociodemographic characteristics and the 3-item UCLA Loneliness scale.ResultsThe internal consistencies were high for the PHQ-4 scale (α = 0.92) and its subscales of PHQ-2 (α = 0.86) and GAD-2 (α = 0.90). The CFA fit indices showed evidence for the two-factor structure of the PHQ-4. The two factors (i.e., anxiety and depression) were significantly correlated (r = 0.92). The MCFA demonstrated measurement invariance of the PHQ-4 across the nativity groups, but the model fits the data better in the foreign-born group. There were significant associations of the PHQ-4 scale and its subscales’ scores with the sociodemographic characteristics and the UCLA Loneliness scale (all p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe PHQ-4 and its subscales are reliable and valid measures to screen anxiety and depression symptoms in the general US adult population, especially in foreign-born individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF COVID-19 BRIEF ANXIETY SCALE IN OMAN

Introduction: The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased levels of anxiety and stress. A recent study reported that 99% of its sample experienced anxiety, stress, stigma, and concerns about potential social isolation. Aims: This study aims to address the lack of a specific COVID-19 anxiety scale in Oman. Methods: The online scale was distributed via Google Form to 431 students, representing 3% of the total student population at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The students were enrolled in different colleges of Sultan Qaboos University. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional factorial structure consisting of four items. Item loadings ranged from 0.617 (item 4) to 0.847 (item 3). Results: The results indicated that the validity fit indices were excellent. The RMSEA and SRMR values were greater than 0.05 indicating a perfect fit. The X2/DF value was 0.854, with a p-value of less than 0.653, while the GFI, AGFI, IFI, NFI, TLI, CFI, RMR, and RMSEA values were 0.999, 0.995, 1.003, 0.998, 0.959, 1.00, 0.015, 0.000, respectively (90% CI [0.000; 0.074]). The COBAS-4 showed convergent validity through its significant association with similar scales. Discriminant validity was established via its insignificant correlation to distinct constructs. McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha showed adequate reliability at 0.810 each. The results of multiple group CFA indicated configural, metric, and scalar invariance between male and female students (ΔCFI ≤ 0.01, ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.015). No significant differences were found between the two sexes. The scale was calibrated using the Rasch rating scale, which provided robust results. The Mantel-Haenszel test showed no differential item functioning (DIF) across sexes. Conclusion: The COBAS-4 is a valid, reliable, simple, and easy-to administer self-report instrument for assessing COVID-19-related anxiety.

Assessment of psychopathy among justice-involved adult males with low versus average intelligence: Differential links to violent offending.

Psychopathic personality is a multidimensional construct (De Brito et al., 2021) and the dimensions have differential associations with general and violent offending. Impairment in cognitive functioning, particularly intelligence (IQ), is another construct linked to both general and violent offending. However, the evidence is mixed on whether the combination of elevated psychopathy and low IQ increases the risk for violent offending (Hampton et al., 2014; Heilbrun, 1982; Walsh et al., 2004). Also, before this interaction can be firmly established, assessment of whether psychopathic traits are equivalent among individuals with different levels of IQ, especially those in the justice system, is needed. Using multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA), this study of justice-involved adult males tested whether Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2003) item parameters were invariant among those with low (< 85) versus average IQ (≥ 85). In addition, moderated nonlinear factor analysis was conducted using continuous IQ scores to test for its effect on a range of model parameters. Both approaches provided evidence of measurement invariance. Adding criminal offenses to the MG-CFA revealed differential associations of the psychopathy dimensions with violent offending. Finally, analysis of variance results suggested an interaction between psychopathy status and IQ level-that is, those meeting diagnostic criterion for psychopathy with low IQ had the highest number of violent offenses. This study provides evidence of measurement invariance for the PCL-R among justice-involved persons with varying levels IQ and helps to extend research on the dynamic associations between psychopathy, IQ, and violent behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).