One-month Test-retest Reliability Research Articles

Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Binge Eating Scale in Young Adults.

Although structured clinical interviews are considered the gold standard for assessing binge eating disorder (BED), the self-administered Binge Eating Scale (BES) has been widely used as a screening tool for BED in clinical research. However, the psychometric properties of the BES among Chinese young adults remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the validity of a Chinese version of the BES with a large sample. A total of 2182 young adult college students were tested using the Simplified Chinese version of BES (SCBES), the 7-Item Binge-Eating Disorder Screener (BEDS-7), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Dual-Modes of Self-Control Scale (DMSC). The frequency of objective binge-eating episodes was used as a measure of severity. Validity and reliability of the SCBES were assessed through multiple analyses, along with the item analysis. The data revealed that the SCBES demonstrated reasonable reliability and validity. The Cronbach's α value was 0.813, with a one-month test-retest reliability of 0.835. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) extracted three first-order factors, which explained a total of 53.82% of the variance. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the three-factor model (ie, Binge-eating behaviors, Lack of control, Negative affects related to overeating), with a good model fit. The SCBES also demonstrated excellent concurrent and criterion validity, significantly correlating with the BEDS-7 and frequency of objective binge-eating episodes (r=0.760-0.782, p<0.001). Gender, body mass index, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and self-control were significantly associated with the total score of SCBES. The SCBES demonstrated sound psychometric properties and exhibited good cross-cultural adaptability in Chinese young adults, with a novel three-factor model fitting the data best. This scale could serve as a useful screening tool for identifying the severity of binge eating behaviors among Chinese youths.

Reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5).

In order to assess the internal consistency, fit indexes, test-retest reliability, and validity of the Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 (PID-5) and its associations with age, gender, and education, 471 non-clinical (69,6% female; mean age: 37,63) and 314 clinical participants (69,7% female, mean age: 37,41) were administered the Hungarian translation of the PID-5, as well as the SCL-90-R and the SCID-II Personality Questionnaire. We found that; (a) temporal consistency of the Hungarian PID-5 was confirmed by one-month test-retest reliability analysis, (b) validity of the PID-5 instrument is acceptable in the clinical and the non-clinical sample as well, based on significant correlations with SCID-II and SCL-90-R, (c) PID-5 facets' and domains' associations with gender, age, and level of education are in accordance with previous findings. These findings support that the Hungarian PID-5 is a reliable and valid instrument for both clinical and non-clinical populations.

Psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the 5-item Problem Areas in Diabetes (AR-PAID-5) scale

BackgroundScreening for diabetes distress is recommended when caring for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary healthcare (PHC). The 5-item Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID-5) scale is widely used to measure diabetes distress, but its Arabic validation studies are scarce, so this study was carried to assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the PAID-5 (AR-PAID-5) in Egyptian PHC patients with T2DM.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including 260 participants from six rural PHC settings in Ismailia governorate, Egypt. Internal consistency using Cronbach’s α and one-month test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were investigated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the one-factor structure of the AR-PAID-5. Correlations of the AR-PAID-5 with the Arabic versions of the 20-item Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scales and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were investigated for supporting the convergent validity. Associations of the PAID-5 with sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics were assessed for demonstrating the discriminant validity. Criterion validity was also evaluated.ResultsThere was a good internal consistency (α = 0.88) and a stable test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.74). The CFA confirmed the one-factor structure of the AR-PAID-5. Significant positive correlations existed between the AR-PAID-5 with diabetes distress evaluated by the Arabic version of the PAID (rho = 0.93, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) (rho = 0.56, p < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (GAD-7) (rho = 0.47, p < 0.001), emotional well-being (WHO-5) (rho = − 0.38, p < 0.001), and HbA1c (rho = 0.16, p = 0.003). A satisfactory discriminant validity, and an acceptable criterion validity were demonstrated.ConclusionsThe AR-PAID-5 scale is a reliable and valid tool that can be used for diabetes distress screening and in research in Arabic speaking PHC patients with T2DM.

Investigating the Multidimensionality and Psychometric Properties of the Children's Anger Rumination Scale (CARS): A Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Framework.

Anger Rumination (AR) represents a maladaptive cognitive process that contributes negatively to psychosocial functioning. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties (e.g., factorial structure, measurement invariance, and reliability) of the Children's Anger Rumination Scale (CARS). Factorial structure was tested by contrasting alternative model representations of the instrument (one- and four-factor independent cluster models-confirmatory factor analysis [ICM-CFA], exploratory structural equation modelling [ESEM], bifactor-CFA and bifactor-ESEM) in a convenience sample of 552 Greek students (Mage = 11.50 years; 53.6% girls). The hypothesized bifactor-ESEM solution, composed by a general anger rumination factor and four specific factors (Angry Afterthoughts, Thoughts of Revenge, Angry Memories, and Understanding of Causes) provided the best fit to the data and revealed the unitary dimensionality of the CARS. Measurement invariance across gender and age in level of the latent means indicated no significant differences in relation to AR tendency. The CARS showed internal consistency, one-month test-retest reliability as well as desirable patterns of convergent and discriminant validity. The predictive power of the instrument was also supported as participants' AR propensity was found to explain both depressive symptoms and bullying behaviors. Overall, our findings indicate that the CARS is a developmentally appropriate and psychometrically sound instrument that conceptualizes AR as an unidimensional construct among children and preadolescents.

A Measure of Illness Awareness in Individuals With Nicotine Dependence-Nicotine Use Awareness and Insight Scale.

Impaired illness awareness or the inability to recognize that one has a dependence on nicotine may be a major barrier to seeking cessation treatment. To better understand the role of impaired illness awareness on treatment-seeking behavior and clinical outcomes, we developed and examined the psychometric properties of a novel scale measuring illness awareness in individuals with dependence on nicotine. We developed the Nicotine Use Awareness and Insight Scale (NAS), a 7-item self-report measure to assess the theoretical construct of illness awareness in individuals with dependence on nicotine (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). Data from participants 18 years of age or older were collected via a web-based survey company, Dynata. Participants with moderate dependence on nicotine were included, defined by a score of four or more on the Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD) or the FTCD adapted for electronic cigarettes (eFTCD). A total of 100 participants (mean [SD] age = 49.1 [16.1] years, 52% women) that met the inclusion criteria for either FTCD (n = 50) or eFTCD (n = 50) were included. The NAS demonstrated good convergent (r = .74, p < .001) and discriminant validity (r = .03, p = .786). It also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78) and one-month test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.86). An exploratory factor analysis yielded the retention of two components. The NAS is a novel scale to asses illness awareness in individuals with dependence on nicotine. This study provides initial support for the psychometric validity and reliability of NAS. The NAS may be used in research and clinical practice to evaluate the impact of impaired illness awareness on treatment-seeking behavior and clinical outcomes.

A measure of subjective substance use disorder awareness – Substance Use Awareness and Insight Scale (SAS)

IntroductionImpaired illness awareness or inability to recognize that one has a substance use disorder can be a barrier to treatment seeking and rehabilitation. A validated scale is needed to better understand the clinical impact of impaired substance use disorder awareness. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Substance Use Awareness and Insight Scale (SAS), a novel scale to assess impaired illness awareness in individuals with substance use disorder. MethodsWe developed the SAS, a 7-item self-report measure to assess the theoretical constructs of illness awareness in substance use disorder (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). Participants 18 years of age or older with a score of 8 or more on the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) were included. Data were collected via Dynata, an online survey platform. ResultsA total of 299 participants were included (mean (SD) age = 47.3-years (15.4), 54% women). The SAS demonstrated good convergent (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and discriminant validity (r = −0.23, p < 0.001) with a measure of illness recognition and positive affect, respectively. SAS also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86) and one-month test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.87). An exploratory factor analysis suggested the retention of two components. Separate analyses of the SAS in individuals with cannabis, opioid, and other substance use showed similar results. DiscussionThe results of this study provide initial support for the psychometric validation of the SAS in adults with substance use disorder. The SAS holds promise for use in research and clinical settings to assess the influence of impaired substance use disorder awareness on treatment outcomes.

A Measure to Assess Illness Awareness in Problem Gambling: Gambling Awareness and Insight Scale (GAS).

Impaired subjectiveawareness of problem gambling may act as a barrier to help-seeking and treatment adherence. However, the impact of impaired problem gamblingawareness on clinical and social outcomes has received little empirical study. The aim of this study was to develop and investigate the psychometric properties of a novel scale that measures impaired illnessawareness in individuals with problem gambling. We developed the Gambling Awareness and Insight Scale (GAS), a self-report measure that assesses the core theoretical constructs of illness awarenessin problem gambling, namely General Disorder or Problem Awareness, Accurate Symptom Attribution, Awareness of Need for Treatment and the Negative Consequences attributable to problem gambling( www.illnessawarenessscales.com ). Data were acquired from an online survey platform, Dynata, to evaluate the psychometric properties of the GAS.A total of 100 participantsaged 18years or older with problem gambling defined by a score of 4 or more on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Pathological Gambling Diagnostic Form were included. The GAS demonstrated good convergent (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and discriminant validity (r = -0.18, p = 0.080). It also demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.80) and one-month test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.86). An exploratory factor analysis suggested retention of two components.The GAS is a novel psychometric tool designed to evaluate impaired subjectiveillnessawareness in problem gambling. Initial evidence suggests that the GAS can be used in research and clinical settings to evaluate the impact of impaired problem gambling awareness on adherence to treatment programs, clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Replication in applied settings is needed.

A measure of illness awareness in alcohol use disorder—Alcohol Use Awareness and Insight Scale (AAS)

IntroductionImpaired illness awareness in individuals with alcohol use disorder can negatively affect treatment adherence, rehabilitation, and other clinical outcomes. However, the construct of illness awareness in alcohol use disorder and its clinical implications remain to be better conceptualized and understood. The objective of this study was to develop and psychometrically test a scale designed to assess impaired illness awareness in individuals with alcohol use disorder. MethodsWe developed the Alcohol Use Awareness and Insight Scale (AAS), a self-report measure that assesses the core theoretical domains of illness awareness, including general disorder or problem awareness, accurate symptom attribution, awareness of the need for treatment, and the negative consequences of the disorder in individuals with alcohol use disorder (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). Data from 99 participants was obtained using a web-based survey platform, Dynata. ResultsThe AAS displayed good convergent (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) and discriminant validity with measures of illness recognition and affect states, respectively. The AAS also exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.89) and one-month test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.84). Exploratory factor analysis resulted in the retention of a single component. ConclusionsThe AAS is a novel instrument developed to measure impaired illness awareness in individuals with alcohol use disorder. The AAS may be useful in clinical or research settings in evaluating the influence of subjective alcohol use disorder awareness on interventions to promote treatment adherence and other clinical outcomes.

Validation of the Korean Version of the Anosognosia Questionnaire for Dementia.

ObjectiveAnosognosia is a common phenomenon in individuals with dementia. Anosognosia Questionnaire for dementia (AQ-D) is a well-known scale for evaluating anosognosia. This study aimed to establish a Korean version of the AQ-D (AQ-D-K) and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the AQ-D-K in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. MethodsWe translated the original English version of AQ-D into Korean (AQ-D-K). Eighty-four subjects with very mild or mild AD dementia and their caregivers participated. Reliability of AQ-D-K was assessed by internal consistency and one-month test-retest reliability. Construct validity and concurrent validity were also evaluated. ResultsInternal consistencies of the AQ-D-K patient form and caregiver form were high (Cronbach alpha 0.95 and 0.93, respectively). The test-retest reliability of AQ-D-K measured by intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.84. Three factors were identified: 1) anosognosia of instrumental activity of daily living; 2) anosognosia basic activity of daily living; and 3) anosognosia of depression and disinhibition. AQ-D-K score was significantly correlated with the clinician-rated anosognosia rating scale (ARS), center for epidemiological studies-depression scale (CES-D) and state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). ConclusionThe findings suggest that the AQ-D-K is a reliable and valid scale for evaluating anosognosia for AD dementia patients using Korean language.

Validation of the Italian version of the peritraumatic distress inventory: validity, reliability and factor analysis in a sample of healthcare workers

ABSTRACT Background: Peritraumatic distress as assessed by the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), has been consistently shown to predict the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after the exposure to a potentially traumatizing event. Objective: The present study aims to validate the Italian version of the PDI in a sample of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) exposed to COVID-19 related potentially traumatizing events. Method: N = 265 HCWs who repeatedly experienced the deaths of patients during COVID-19 emergency in Italy, were enrolled from the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (Pisa, Italy). They completed the PDI, Impact Event Scale – revised (IES-R) and the reactions to losses or upsetting events Trauma and Loss Spectrum – Self Report (TALS-SR) domain. Results: Internal consistency was good with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .874. The PDI correlated strongly with measures that was conceptually close (TALS-SR reactions to losses or upsetting events domain; r = .723, p < .001). Participants who scored above the cut-off for PTSD reported significantly higher PDI scores than those who did not (6.47 ± 5.25 vs. 19.11 ± 8.291, p < 0.001). The one-month test–retest reliability (n = 21) was excellent (ICC = .997). Finally, factor analyses revealed that the PDI exhibited a single-factor structure. Conclusions: the Italian version of the PDI showed good psychometric proprieties and may be used to detect those at risk for developing PTSD.

Psychometric Analysis of CCAPS-34 Scores With a Large University Sample

Analysis of CCAPS-34 scores on a large (n = 4,852) university counseling center student sample supported internal consistency (α = .803-.896), one-month test-retest reliability (rtt = .706–.829), convergent and divergent validity, and good model fit. Measurement invariance of scores for all categories of race and student status was supported.

Italian Validation of the Touch Avoidance Measure and the Touch Avoidance Questionnaire.

Social touch is essential in relationships and well-being, but the unique personal experience of touch is not assessed and taken into account in health and social care services. The pleasantness of gentle stroking is influenced by gender, toucher genre, toucher familiarity, culture, and age. Moreover, pleasantness is influenced by touch avoidance, the attitude toward interpersonal touch. The aim of this article is to present the translation, adaptation, and validation in Italian of two scales to measure touch avoidance. For translation and validation, we selected the most used scale, the Touch Avoidance Measure (TAM) and a more recent scale, the Touch Avoidance Questionnaire (TAQ). Confirmatory factor analyses reported good model fit for the TAM [comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.947, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.940, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.065] and excellent model fit for the TAQ (CFI = 0.954, TLI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.058). Internal consistency was high for all subscales, except the TAQ “Stranger” subscale. One-month test–retest reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.90 for each subscale. Lastly, convergent validity between the TAM and TAQ was also found to be high. We conclude that the TAM and TAQ can be used to assess touch avoidance with Italian samples. The instrument can be used to support healthcare professionals and to assess attitudes toward touch in individuals with interpersonal difficulties.

DAS: The Diabetes Awareness and Insight Scale

Background and aimsDiabetes mellitus affects approximately 8.5% of the world’s population with the majority of cases diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Impaired awareness or denial of T2DM is a common yet understudied construct that may negatively contribute to clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop the Diabetes Awareness and Insight Scale (DAS), a self-report scale that measures illness awareness in persons with T2DM. MethodsNine items were developed for the DAS that measure four domains of illness awareness, namely General Illness Awareness, Accurate Symptom Attribution, Awareness of Need for Treatment, and Awareness of Negative Consequences attributable to T2DM (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). A total of 100 participants with a diagnosis of T2DM were recruited using a digital data collection platform. ResultsThe DAS demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, and one-month test-retest reliability. An exploratory factor analysis showed that the DAS exhibited three factors. ConclusionsOverall, the DAS is a novel and easy-to-administer scale that comprehensively measures subjective illness awareness in persons with T2DM. As the first scale of its kind, the DAS holds promise for use in epidemiology studies to examine the extent to which impaired illness awareness or illness denial contributes to clinical outcomes and T2DM management.

Development and Validation of the Thought Impact Scale: A Measure of Subconscious Connectedness

The Thought Impact Scale (TIS) is a new questionnaire designed to measure the theorized psychological characteristic of subconscious connectedness, defined as the degree to which nonconscious mental functions spontaneously interact with, and are accessible to, conscious awareness in everyday life. A principal reason for developing the TIS was the expectation that subconscious connectedness influences hypnosis treatment responses and seeking of hypnosis treatment. Two studies involving 1,216 subjects were carried out to validate the questionnaire. The TIS exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.93 and 0.95), good one-month test-retest reliability (r = 0.89), and convergent validity evidenced by substantial correlations with other measures hypothesized to partly assess the same construct: Absorption (r = 0.70), fantasy proneness (r = 0.54), dissociation (r = 0.50), and emotional empathy (r = 0.39). TIS scores were approximately normally distributed, higher in females than males, and declining with age. Exploratory factor analysis showed the TIS to be composed of a single dominant factor. High TIS scorers were 2.5 times as likely as low scorers to have undergone hypnosis treatment, 2.6 times as likely to report at least moderate benefit after hypnosis treatment, and 3.8 times as likely to consider themselves highly hypnotizable. High TIS scorers also more frequently reported being highly creative, art lovers, intuition-reliant, absentminded, spontaneous, novelty-seeking, and prone to form intense relationships. The TIS is a reliable and valid measure that is likely to be useful in clinical hypnosis practice and hypnosis research and for quantifying communication between conscious and nonconscious mental functions.

Validity and reliability of two alternate versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Hong Kong version) for screening of Mild Neurocognitive Disorder.

ObjectiveRepeated testing using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) increases risks for practice effects which may bias measurements of cognitive change. The objective of this study is to develop two alternate versions of the MoCA (Hong Kong version; HK-MoCA) and to investigate the validity and reliability of the alternate versions in patients with DSM-5 Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (Mild NCD) and cognitively healthy controls.MethodsConcurrent validity and inter-scale agreement were examined by Pearson correlation of the total scores between the original and alternate versions and the Bland-Altman Method. Criterion validity of the two alternate versions in differentiating patients with Mild NCD was tested using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. One-month test-retest and inter-rater reliability were examined in 20 participants. Internal consistency of the alternate versions was measured by the Cronbach’s α.Results30 controls (age 73.4 [4.5] years, 60% female) and 30 patients (age 75.4 [5.5] years, 73% female) with Mild NCD were recruited. Both alternate versions significantly correlated with the original version (r = 0.79–0.87, p<0.001). Mean differences of 0.17 and -0.40 points were found between the total scores of the alternate with the original versions with a consistent level of agreement observed throughout the range of cognitive abilities. Both alternate versions significantly differentiated patients with Mild NCD from healthy controls (area under ROC 0.922 and 0.724, p<0.001) and showed good one-month test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation [ICC] = 0.92 and 0.82) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.99 and 0.87) and high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.79 and 0.75).ConclusionThe two alternate versions of the HK-MoCA are useful for Mild NCD screening.

The Parenting to Reduce Adolescent Depression and Anxiety Scale: Assessing parental concordance with parenting guidelines for the prevention of adolescent depression and anxiety disorders.

BackgroundDespite substantial evidence demonstrating numerous parental risk and protective factors for the development of adolescent depression and anxiety disorders, there is currently no single measure that assesses these parenting factors. To address this gap, we developed the Parenting to Reduce Adolescent Depression and Anxiety Scale (PRADAS) as a criterion-referenced measure of parental concordance with a set of evidence-based parenting guidelines for the prevention of adolescent depression and anxiety disorders. In this paper, we used a sample of Australian parents of adolescents to: (1) validate the PRADAS as a criterion-referenced measure; (2) examine parental concordance with the guidelines in the sample; and (3) examine correlates of parental concordance with the guidelines.MethodsSeven hundred eleven parents completed the PRADAS, as well as two established parenting measures, and parent-report measures of adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms. Six hundred sixty adolescent participants (aged 12–15) also completed the symptom measures. Concordance with the guidelines was assessed via nine subscale scores and a total score. Reliability of the scores was assessed with an estimate of the agreement coefficient, as well as 1-month test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was examined via correlations between the scale and two established parenting measures.ResultsOne proposed subscale was removed from the final version of the scale, resulting in a total of eight subscales. Reliability was high for the total score, and acceptable to high for seven of the eight subscales. One-month test-retest reliability was acceptable to high for the total score. Convergent validity was supported by moderate to high correlations with two established measures of parenting. Overall, rates of parental concordance with the guidelines were low in our sample. Higher scores were associated with being female and higher levels of parental education. Greater parental concordance with the guidelines was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescent participants.DiscussionThis initial validation study provides preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the PRADAS. The scale has potential for use in both clinical and research settings. It may be used to identify parents’ strengths and potential targets for intervention, and as an outcome measure in studies of preventive parenting interventions.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE HONG KONG MONTREAL COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT (HK-MOCA) ALTERNATE VERSIONS FOR SCREENING OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a valid and widely used cognitive test in clinical and research settings. However, repeated testing in same individuals results in practice effect which may mask true cognitive changes when evaluating treatment efficacy. The objective of this study is to develop two alternate versions of the Hong Kong version of MoCA (HK-MoCA), together with two alternate versions of the 5-minute protocol and to investigate the validity and reliability of the alternate versions in elderly persons with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. The availability of alternate versions of the HK-MoCA will significantly improve the accuracy in measuring cognitive changes in clinical and research settings. Thirty normal controls and 30 patients with MCI were tested with each alternate version (namely V1-HK-MoCA and V2-HK-MoCA) and the original version one month apart of each other. Twenty subjects were further administered the same alternate version one month later to assess test-retest reliability. Correlational and Bland-Altman analyses for the original and alternate versions of HK-MoCA were performed. Criterion validity was assessed by ability to differentiate MCI from controls using receiver operation curve (ROC) analysis. One-month test-retest reliability was indexed by the intra-class correlation coefficient. The original HK-MoCA and the two alternate versions were highly correlated (V1-HK-MoCA, Pearson r=.87, p<.001; V2-MoCA, Pearson r=.79, p<.001). The alternate versions both showed excellent test-retest reliability (V1-MoCA, Intra-class r=.92, p<.001; V2-MoCA, Intra-class r=.82, p<.001), together with good internal consistency (V1-MoCA: α=.79; V2-MoCA: α=.75). The alternate versions also showed excellent to good ability to detect MCI from normal (ROC area under curve: V1-MoCA=0.92; V2-MoCA=0.72). Bland-Altman analysis of the alternate versions showed a high level of agreement with the original HK-MoCA with no proportional bias.

Children’s social desirability: Effects of test assessment mode

This study examined a recently developed short version of the Children’s Social Desirability (CSD-S) scale with 157 fourth-grade children. Of interest was (a) whether one-month test–retest reliability would vary as a function of test assessment mode (interview or classroom), gender, race, SES, and BMI percentile, and (b) whether the degree of social desirability would vary as a function of these same variables. The CSD-S scale showed good test–retest reliability for both interview and classroom assessment modes (.85 and .83, respectively). Internal consistency also was good (first interview administration=.84; first classroom administration=.81). Reliability was good and did not vary significantly over assessment mode or any child subgroup variables, suggesting that the CSD-S scale is appropriate for general use. The interview mode elicited significantly more socially desirable answers than did the classroom mode. Social desirability did not differ across child subgroups. Some of these findings were examined, and replicated, on another sample. Thus, the CSD-S scale may be used with diverse groups of children to (a) reliably assess a social desirability bias that may systematically bias other self-reports of interest to researchers and (b) examine individual differences in degree of social desirability.

Norms for a neuropsychological test battery to diagnose dementia in the elderly: A study from Sri Lanka.

Aims:To pilot a neuropsychological battery for diagnosing dementia and provide normative scores in an elderly Sri Lankan sample.Materials and Methods:Consecutive subjects over the age of 60 yrs were administered tests assessing the individual domains of language, verbal episodic memory, visual perceptuospatial skills and executive functions in the Sinhala language.Results:There were a total of 230 subjects in the final sample. The mean age of the entire sample was 69 years, mean education level was 12 years and the sample comprised 53% female. One-month test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.85 for the various tests. Most tests were significantly influenced by age and education level but not gender. The exceptions to this were some language subtests (repetition, grammar comprehension and word picture matching) and two tests of executive functioning (maze completion and alternate target cancellation), which were uninfluenced by age. The subtests where ceiling performance was attained by almost all subjects were repetition, grammar comprehension and word picture matching from the language domain, dot position discrimination from the visuospatial domain and maze completion test from the executive function domain. Scores for various tests after stratifying subjects by age and educational level are given.Conclusions:The tests were well received and could provide a basis for cognitive profiling in similar settings elsewhere.

Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the internal consistency, the test-retest reliability and the construct validity of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) in women. The total sample was made up of 325 university women, with an average age of 20.75 years (SD = 2.81). The scale was administered twice (n = 189) with an interval of one or two months between the first and second time of administration. Results showed that Cronbach’s Alpha for the total score of instrument was .87 and for the factors ranged from .66 to .80. The one-month test-retest reliability was .80 and for the two-months was .67. People with symptomatology of eating disorders showed significantly higher scores than the control group in the total score of the FMPS and three of its factors, Concerns about Mistakes, Doubts about Actions and Parental Expectations. These findings provide favorable evidence for internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity of the FMPS.