Psychological Assessment Tools Research Articles

Divergent thinking as a predictor of life skills in patients with schizophrenia: Evidence from the modified Tinkertoy Test.

Patients with schizophrenia often exhibit poor life skills, posing significant clinical challenges. Life skills comprise cognitive functions crucial for planning daily activities, including divergent thinking. However, the cognitive deficits contributing to these diminished skills among patients with schizophrenia are underexplored. This study introduces a modified Tinkertoy Test (m-TTT) to investigate the correlation between life skills, divergent thinking, and psychological assessment tools in patients with schizophrenia. Fifty-two patients with schizophrenia, alongside a control group, matched for sex, age, and education, were evaluated using psychological assessment tools. For the patient group, the Life Skills Profile (LSP) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were administered to measure functional abilities and psychiatric symptoms, respectively. Additionally, duration of disease and antipsychotic daily dosage levels were assessed exclusively in the patient group. Both groups were evaluated with the m-TTT, Idea Fluency Test (IFT), Design Fluency Test (DFT), and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) to comprehensively assess cognitive functions. A stepwise multiple regression model was conducted to identify significant correlates of LSP total score among the patient group. The schizophrenia group scored notably lower than the neurotypical controls on the m-TTT, IFT, DFT, and BACS. Our stepwise multiple regression analysis highlighted that the LSP total score was significantly correlated with the total m-TTT score and presence of negative symptoms. Divergent thinking could be a crucial factor in the life skills of individuals with schizophrenia. Rehabilitation programs based on this cognitive function might enhance their daily living capabilities.

Shortening and Personalizing Psychodiagnostic Assessments with Decision Tree-Machine Learning Classifiers: An Application Example Based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9

AbstractThe development of psychological assessment tools that accurately and efficiently classify individuals as having or not a specific diagnosis is a major challenge for test developers and mental health professionals. This paper shows how machine learning (ML) provides a valuable framework to improve the accuracy and efficiency of psychodiagnostic classifications. The method is illustrated using an empirical example based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The results show that, compared to traditional scorings of the PHQ-9, that based on decision tree (DT) algorithms is more advantageous in terms of accuracy and efficiency. In addition, the DT-based method facilitates the development of short test forms and improves the diagnostic performance of the test by integrating external information (e.g., demographic variables) into the scoring process. These findings suggest that DT-algorithms and ML applications such as feature selection represent a valuable method for supporting test developers and mental health professionals, and highlight the potential of ML for advancing the field of psychological assessment.

Experiences of nurses involved in air ambulance service: A qualitative study

Introduction: Nurses undertaking air ambulance service encounter environmental, equipment, and personnel limitations during their work. Moreover, they must cope with various types of injuries and illnesses, as well as changes in patient conditions. These factors pose a significant pressure on nurses. Currently, there is a lack of qualitative research on the experiences of nurses performing air ambulance tasks. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of nurses undertaking air ambulance service, with a focus on capturing their personal perceptions regarding this field of work. Methods: Twelve nurses were selected using purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The analysis identified three major themes: "Ambiguous and risky emergency missions," "Challenges during air transfer," and "Nurses’ personal limitations.” Eight categories were formulated within these themes, including "Mission uncertainty," “Urgency of medical conditions," “Hazards at high altitude," "Cabin environment limitations," "Inadequate equipment," "Incomprehensive operating mechanisms," "Physical discomfort," and "Recognition of professional shortcomings." Conclusions: Improving the performance and well-being of nurses engaged in air ambulance services necessitates the implementation of a psychological adaptation program. This includes the utilization of psychological stress assessment tools or engaging in role-playing activities. Successful patient rescues demand the establishment of comprehensive standard operating procedures, involving an interprofessional team. Supporting nurses in adeptly managing challenges during air ambulance services requires an expanded scope of education and training, facilitated through initiatives like situational simulation and similar approaches.

The influence of psychological readiness of athletes when returning to sport after injury.

Injuries are a common occurrence in sports participation; however, they have the potential to be accompanied by negative thoughts and feelings, which may play a part in the athletes' state of mind when they return to their sport. Assessing the degree to which this occurs provides an opportunity to evaluate and address athletes' state of mind before their return to play. To determine if athletes are psychologically ready to return to play after an injury and if there are differences in fear avoidance behaviour between those who were and were not ready to return. Eighty-eight athletes participated in this descriptive survey. Athletes' confidence to return to play was measured by the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Play (I-PRRS) questionnaire and their fear avoidance was measured by the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ). Fifty injured athletes with a mean age of 23.3±4.0 years old responded to the I-PRRS and the AFAQ questionnaires. The average I-PRRS score was 46.5±9.1 AU. The evidence suggests that 60% of the athletes were not ready to return to sport (41.0±7.5 AU), whereas 40% were ready to return (54.8±3.1 AU). The difference in scores was not significant. The relationship between the AFAQ scores and the I-PRRS score for the 'ready' and 'not ready' groups was not significant (p=0.066). The mean AFAQ score (26.1±8.6 AU) for the 'not ready' group is marginally greater than the mean AFAQ score (21.6±7.5 AU) for the 'ready' group. There was a negative correlation between psychological readiness to return to sport and athletic fear avoidance (r =-0.508, p<0.001). There needs to be a greater utilisation of psychological assessment tools like the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Play (I-PRRS) questionnaire, which can assist the athlete's support team, who can help identify athletes who are apprehensive about returning to sport after injury.

The Psychological Experience of Grandparents: Proposal of a Qualitative Clinical Assessment Tool in Pediatric Palliative Care.

In Portugal, there are over 7800 children with life-limiting conditions. The context of pediatric palliative care represents a complex and distressing experience for families. Compared to parental caregivers and healthy siblings, grandparents are underexplored in the literature and clinical practice. The aim of the present study is to propose a psychological experience assessment tool of grandparents in this context. It consists of a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and a semi-structured interview based on sharing a testimony with other grandparents. On the basis of the latter, 10 dimensions were explored through the grandparents' own perspective: representation of the illness; representation of the sick grandchild; changes in routine and life; family impact; grandparents' contributions to the family system; social support and coping strategies; emotional impact; triple concern; needs identification; and post-traumatic growth. The tool can be used in person or remotely and may be combined with other instruments. Its application enables a personalized identification of needs and challenges for each family, promoting the adjustment of the clinical intervention to their wellbeing and resilience from an eco-systemic perspective. The clinical tool is presented in detail and its importance in the context of research and systemic intervention is discussed.

비행청소년의 부모 애착수준에 따른 새둥지화 반응특성 연구

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Bird's Nest Drawing(BND) test has any possibility to be used as a psychological assessment tool for evaluating the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents according to their level of attachment to their parents. The subjects of this study were 252 juvenile delinquents who received criminal punishment from a juvenile protection institution located in G City. And the research tools used were a Bird's Nest Drawing test and a parent-attachment scale to determine the level of parental attachment. Data analysis was conducted through cross-analysis using SPSS 25.0.&#x0D; The research results are as follows. First, in the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents to Bird Nests Drawing, significant differences were found in nest content, presence or absence of nest support and trees, distance from parent birds, threats, use of space, and number of colors. Second, in the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents to the Bird's Nest story, significant differences were found in the theme and emotion classification of the story content.&#x0D; Based on the results of this research, it was confirmed that the Bird's Nest Drawing (BND) test can be used as a tool to evaluate psychological characteristics through the level of juvenile delinquents’ attachment to their parents.

Prevalence of anxiety and depression in adult patients with CHD.

CHD are among the most common congenital defects. Due to the chronic nature of CHD, patients face various risk factors that threaten their mental health. However, a comprehensive understanding of the medical and social predictors of mental health issues in adults with CHD is lacking. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in adults with CHD. This cross-sectional descriptive study focused on adults with CHD in Kerman, Iran. The participants completed demographic information alongside two psychological assessment tools: the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS)-21. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26. The mean age of the participants was 29.94 ± 12.36 years, and 63.8% were female. According to the DASS, 73.4% did not have depression, 61% did not have anxiety, and 76.2% did not have stress. In total, 19% had mild stress, and 4.8% had moderate stress. According to the BAI, 27.6% did not have anxiety. Individual characteristics were not significantly associated with depression. However, gender, age, and type of surgery were significantly associated with anxiety. Cyanosis was significantly associated with stress. The results show that mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress are highly prevalent in adults with CHD. The prevalence depends on individual factors such as age, gender, and disease severity. Therefore, it is recommended that mental disorders in this population be evaluated and treated accurately.

Long Story Short, I Survived: An Exploration of the Meaning-making Stories of Suicide Attempt Survivors

This study aimed to explore how suicide attempt survivors construe meaning in their experiences. Using the case study approach by Robert Yin (2009), qualitative research was employed. Purposive and snowballing techniques were used to gather data from primary interviews, key informants, and psychological assessment tools. The analytic techniques were thematic and cross-case syntheses. The findings revealed the participants' earlier experiences such as relationship breakdowns and prior nonsuicidal self-injury behaviors were risk indicators of suicide attempt. However unique cases were due to same-sex attraction and gender identity issues. Protective factors included social support, effective control over situations, and reason for living. The study identified five themes of meaning-making: strengthening social connections, positive religious coping: a belief in the presence of a Higher Power (God), developing new perspective to life, value positioning on gratitude and grit, and optimism. The study highlights the importance of holistic approach that recognizes the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of suicide. This study has implications for families, social communities, practitioners and future researchers to investigate and broaden the breadth of these relationships for theory and practice. In conclusion, the urgency of this research stemmed from the need to address the rising global suicide rate and enhance suicide prevention efforts. By amplifying the perspectives of suicide attempt survivors and exploring the multifaceted nature of suicide, this research can be ultimately contributing to the preservation of lives and the reduction of the worldwide burden associated with suicide.

Enhancing students’ hyperactivity disorder through physical education classroom design and blended teaching: a research study

Background Hyperactivity disorder significantly affects their academic and mental health. The research aims to explore whether the design of physical education classrooms using blended learning can have a positive effect on students’ ADHD psychology.Subjects and MethodsParticipants were selected from a school and divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group experienced a blended teaching approach within the physical education classroom, combining conventional sports activities with interactive e-learning resources. In contrast, the control group followed a traditional physical education classroom design. Data collection tools comprised a hyperactivity disorder questionnaire and psychological assessment tools, with Epidata 2.0 employed for data processing.ResultsThe scores of hyperactivity disorder in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The average ADHD score of the experimental group students decreased from the initial 6.78 to 3.92, while the average ADHD score of the control group students decreased from the initial 7.12 to 6.28. The difference between the experimental group and the control group was verified to be statistically significant using appropriate statistical methods.Conclusions The incorporation of blended learning within the physical education classroom design yields a positive impact on students’ hyperactivity disorder psychology. The integration of traditional sports activities with interactive e-learning resources establishes a more diverse and adaptable learning environment. This approach enables students to channel excess energy effectively, thereby enhancing their focus and self-regulation capabilities.

A Study on the Impact of Dance Flow on Individual Creative Expression

This study investigates the influence of Dance Flow on individual creative expression, as well as its mechanisms and pathways. The research demonstrates that Dance Flow enhances individuals’ perception and control of their bodies, stimulates their creative potential, and even improves their emotional state. Through methods such as literature review, fieldwork, experimental research, psychological assessment tools, questionnaire surveys, and statistical analysis, this article constructs a model of the impact of Dance Flow on individual creative expression and proposes possible mechanisms and pathways. The results indicate that Dance Flow has a positive impact on individual creative expression, promoting the development of their creativity, enhancing their artistic cultivation, and enabling artistic self-realization. Additionally, the study explores the influence of Dance Flow on individual personal development and growth and suggests innovative approaches.

Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport After Shoulder Instability.

» The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body, representing 50% of all major joint dislocations. This injury occurs most commonly in contact sports and may be treated either nonoperatively (rest, immobilization, and physical therapy) or surgically.» Several factors contribute to an athlete's recovery after shoulder injury, including psychological readiness that has been identified as having a significant impact on athlete's rate of return to sport. The psychological readiness of athletes can be quantified using patient-reported outcome measures and psychological assessment tools.» Managing priorities and expectations, mood, social support, and confidence have all been identified as factors that affect readiness to return to play. Kinesiophobia was the most common factor reported in patients interviewed after arthroscopic Bankart repair.» Psychological interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness are aimed at reducing the effects of psychological factors and mood states by decreasing stress, anxiety, and kinesiophobia. These interventions may also increase the rates of return to sport after shoulder instability.

Pain Catastrophizing: Controversies, Misconceptions and Future Directions

Recent reports have pointed to problems with the term “pain catastrophizing.” Critiques of the term pain catastrophizing have come from several sources including individuals with chronic pain, advocates for individuals with chronic pain, and pain scholars. Reports indicate that the term has been used to dismiss the medical basis of pain complaints, to question the authenticity of pain complaints, and to blame individuals with pain for their pain condition. In this paper, we advance the position that the problems prompting calls to rename the construct of pain catastrophizing have little to do with the term, and as such, changing the term will do little to solve these problems. We argue that continued calls for changing or deleting the term pain catastrophizing will only divert attention away from some fundamental flaws in how individuals with pain conditions are assessed and treated. Some of these fundamental flaws have their roots in the inadequate training of health and allied health professionals in evidence-based models of pain, in the use of psychological assessment and intervention tools for the clinical management of pain, and in gender equity and antiracism. Critiques that pain scholars have leveled against the defining, operational, and conceptual bases of pain catastrophizing are also addressed. Arguments for reconceptualizing pain catastrophizing as a worry-related construct are discussed. Recommendations are made for remediation of the problems that have contributed to calls to rename the term pain catastrophizing. PerspectiveThe issues prompting calls to rename the construct of pain catastrophizing have their roots in fundamental flaws in how individuals with pain are assessed and treated. Efforts to address these problems will require more than a simple change in terminology.

Violence against Women: Attachment, Psychopathology, and Beliefs in Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a violation of women’s human rights. Attachment is an IPV risk or vulnerability factor, in part because of the role that it plays in interpersonal relationships. An insecure attachment can predispose women victims to psychological maladjustment, which can reflect psychopathology. Likewise, our general society reveals beliefs that support and legitimize IPV. Thus, this study examined the relationship between adult attachment, psychopathology, and IPV beliefs. Our sample comprises 158 women IPV victims, aged between 18 and 73 years old. The psychological assessment tools Experiences in Close Relationships, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Scale of Beliefs about Marital Violence were used. All ethical issues had been taken due to the sensitive nature of the involved data. The results showed that most victims had a secure attachment style, and it may be an indicator that these women possibly had safe experiences with an attachment figure leading to reduced anxious state attachment in adult relationships. The results show a positive association between adult attachment and psychopathology, as well as between attachment and beliefs about violence. Globally, attachment is related to psychopathology and IPV beliefs. These results allow aid professionals and institutions to have deep knowledge about adult attachment as a risk or vulnerability factor for IPV and the adverse consequences of this phenomenon. IPV requires urgent attention since is the greatest threat to the health and safety of women around the world.

Mental health and psychological well-being of Kenyan adolescents from Nairobi and the Coast regions in the context of COVID-19

BackgroundDespite the high burden of mental health problems during adolescence and its associated negative consequences, it has remained neglected especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2019 novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has placed additional stress on adolescent mental health. However, there are few studies documenting the burden of mental health problems and even fewer mental health services in the region. In relation to the limited body of knowledge, the present study aims to determine the psychological well-being of adolescents and to assess the risks and associated factors of mental health problems among adolescents in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2022 among adolescents aged 13–19 years living in Nairobi, and the Coast region of Kenya. We utilized standardized psychological assessment tools including the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, The World Health Organization- Five Well-Being Index Scale, and the Pandemic Anxiety Scale, to evaluate the psychological wellbeing of the adolescents. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the correlates associated with quality of life, pandemic anxiety, and emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents. Subsequently, a logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with depression and general anxiety disorders. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the univariate model were included in the multivariable regression model.ResultsThe results are based on 797 participants who met the inclusion criteria. We found the prevalence of depression to be relatively higher among out-of-school adolescents at 36.0% compared to school-going adolescents at 20.6%. Furthermore, out-of-school adolescents had significantly higher anxiety scores when compared to their school-going counterparts (27.7% vs 19.1%) respectively. In-school adolescents had a better quality of life scores, lower pandemic anxiety scores, and lower emotional and behavioral problems scores compared to their out-of-school counterparts. Key risk factors associated with depression include; being out-of-school (OR = 1.96 (95% CI 1.33- 2.88) p-value = 0.001), loneliness (OR = 10.68 (95% CI 4.49–22.86) p-value < 0.001), and living in an unsafe neighborhood (OR = 2.24 (95% CI 1.52–3.29) p-value < 0.001). An older age (OR = 1.16 (95% CI 1.03–1.30) p-value = 0.015), being out-of-school (OR = 1.81 (95% CI 1.19–2.77) p-value = 0.006), and living in an unsafe neighborhood (OR = 2.01 (95% CI 1.33–3.04) p-value = 0.001 were key factors associated with anxiety. Furthermore, key factors positively correlated with quality of life include; high socioeconomic status (ß (Std.Err) = 0.58 (0.14) p-value < 0.001, talking to friends often (ß (Std.Err) = 2.32 (0.53) p-value < 0.001, and being close to parents (ß (Std.Err) = 1.37 (0.62) = 0.026.ConclusionOur findings imply that mental health support services targeting adolescents in the country should be prioritized, especially for those who are out-of-school.

Virtual Post-Intensive-Care Rehabilitation for Survivors of COVID-19: A Service Evaluation.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety, utilisation, and effectiveness of a novel, virtual rehabilitation programme for survivors of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection (COVID-19) and intensive care admission. A service evaluation was performed. Adults admitted to a United Kingdom intensive care unit with COVID-19-induced respiratory failure and surviving hospital discharge were invited to an eight-week rehabilitation programme. The programme consisted of virtually delivered exercise classes and support groups led by critical care physiotherapists and follow-up nurses. Thirty-eight of 76 eligible patients (50%) agreed to participate, of which 28 (74%) completed the rehabilitation programme. On completion of the rehabilitation programme, there were significant improvements in exercise capacity (one-minute sit-to-stand test; 20 stands vs. 25 stands, p< 0.001), perceived breathlessness (Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale; 3 vs. 2 p< 0.001), shoulder disability (Quick Dash; 43 vs. 19 p= 0.001), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale; 4 vs. 3 p= 0.021), depression (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale; 4 vs. 2.5 p= 0.010), and psychological distress (Intensive Care Psychological Assessment Tool; 3 vs. 2 p= 0.002). No adverse events or injuries were recorded during the programme. It is feasible to recruit and retain survivors of COVID-19-induced respiratory failure for virtual post-intensive-care rehabilitation. It appears that the virtual rehabilitation programme is safe and improves physical and psychological morbidity.

Face Validity

Face Validity

Effects of response format on achievement and aptitude assessment results: multi-level random effects meta-analyses.

Psychological achievement and aptitude tests are fundamental elements of the everyday school, academic and professional lives of students, instructors, job applicants, researchers and policymakers. In line with growing demands for fair psychological assessment tools, we aimed to identify psychometric features of tests, test situations and test-taker characteristics that may contribute to the emergence of test bias. Multi-level random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate mean effect sizes for differences and relations between scores from achievement or aptitude measures with open-ended (OE) versus closed-ended (CE) response formats. Results from 102 primary studies with 392 effect sizes revealed positive relations between CE and OE assessments (mean r = 0.67, 95% CI [0.57; 0.76]), with negative pooled effect sizes for the difference between the two response formats (mean d av = -0.65; 95% CI [-0.78; -0.53]). Significantly higher scores were obtained on CE exams. Stem-equivalency of items, low-stakes test situations, written short answer OE question types, studies conducted outside the United States and before the year 2000, and test-takers' achievement motivation and sex were at least partially associated with smaller differences and/or larger relations between scores from OE and CE formats. Limitations and the results' implications for practitioners in achievement and aptitude testing are discussed.

A comprehensive cognitive profile of patients with cervical dystonia (P5-12.006)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To conduct a comprehensive analysis of cognition in cervical dystonia (CD). <h3>Background:</h3> Cervical dystonia is the most prevalent phenotype of the adult onset idiopathic focal dystonias (AOIFD), a group of hyperkinetic disorders. Patients with AOIFD have been shown to have varying abnormalities in cognition. This non-motor feature is underrecognised and may influence QoL. Studies into cognition in CD have been limited by inconsistent psychological assessment tools making generalisations difficult. We selected wide ranging neuropsychological tests to create a comprehensive cognitive profile. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> 13 adult patients (5 male, 8 female) with idiopathic focal CD completed an extensive neuropsychological battery. Participants were screened for presence of mood disorders (HADS). All patients were receiving 3 monthly botulinum toxin treatment and were not on any medications that could influence cognition. Cognitive domains assessed: premorbid functioning, general intellectual functioning, language, information processing speed, attention, memory, executive function and social cognition using reliable and valid standardized neuropsychological assessments. <h3>Results:</h3> Mean age was 60-years. Mean HADS-A= 6 and mean HADS-D=5. CD patients showed clear evidence of cognitive dysfunction compared to normative data. The most significant impairments were noted in social cognitive measures [emotional prosody to emotional face, FAB (mean Z score: −1.75); naming emotional prosody, FAB (mean Z score: −0.81)], executive function [SWMBE468, CANTAB (mean Z score: −0.73)] and, memory [LM2, WMS (mean Z score: −0.82)]. Moderate impairments were seen in information processing speed [WAIS coding (mean Z score: −0.51)], language [Boston Naming Test (mean Z score: −0.51)] and attention and working memory [RVPA, CANTAB (mean Z score: −0.61)]. Patients performed better than controls in another aspect of social cognition [conflicting emotional prosody, FAB (Z score: 1.67)]. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> There is mounting evidence of cognitive deficits in CD, implicating cognitive pathways in disease pathogenesis. This non-motor aspect may influence QoL and patient satisfaction. Early recognition and neuropsychological input could improve outcomes. <b>Disclosure:</b> Ms. Diepman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rafee has nothing to disclose. Ruth Monaghan has nothing to disclose. Miss McCormack has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hutchinson has nothing to disclose. Dr. O’Keeffe has nothing to disclose.

Screening del funzionamento psicologico: l’ottavo segno

Mental health problems are a significant cause of disability in children and adolescents. The most common are anxiety, depression, eating disorders and somatic symptom disorder. All these disorders have a negative impact on the child/adolescent functioning and they may lead to more severe psychiatric illnesses. For these reasons, paediatricians should be able to identify the patients with high risk of psychological dysfunction, by knowing the right questions to ask and using some simple psychological assessment tools (Paediatric symptom checklist, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, HEADS-ED) that can help patients to receive the psychological/neuropsychiatric support they need as soon as possible.

Direct Replication in Psychological Assessment Research

Direct Replication in Psychological Assessment Research