Second-order Factor Model Research Articles

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Cultural Attitudes Toward Healthcare and Mental Illness Questionnaire Among Latino Sexual Minority Men

Mental health disparities among Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) are exacerbated by un(der)treated mental health needs. This study sought to establish the factor structure of the Cultural Attitudes Toward Healthcare and Mental Illness Questionnaire (CAHMIQ) and examine measurement invariance across nativity (born in vs. outside the continental U.S.). Participants included 290 LSMM in South Florida. Confirmatory factor analysis examined the factor structure of CAHMIQ and measurement invariance examined equivalence across LSMM born outside (51.4%) and inside (48.3%) the continental U.S. The second-order factor model showed an acceptable fit (CFI/RMSEA = .91/.03) and consisted of first-ordered factors representing manifest indicators of causes and supports for mental health. Measurement invariance results suggest that the CAHMIQ performs equivalently across nativity groups (∆χ2(18) = 16.941, p = .5272). The CAHMIQ may be used among both nativity groups to understand attitudes toward healthcare and mental illness and inform LSMMs’ engagement in mental health treatment.

The Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Emotional Abuse Questionnaire

Objective: Intimate partner emotional abuse is a serious issue that can lead to catastrophic outcomes for victims. Emotional abuse involves psychological tactics to control, manipulate, and degrade a person within an intimate relationship. This research aimed to translate the Emotional Abuse Questionnaire (EAQ) developed by Jacobson and Gottman into Persian for use among Iranian university students. Method: The translation of the 66-item EAQ involved a meticulous forward and backward translation process, linguistic matching, and a pilot review. In this cross-sectional study, 346 university students from Rasht, Iran, completed the EAQ. The mean age of participants was 26.78 ± 8.10 years, with most being female (89.0%). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest analysis while content and face validity were assessed by a panel of experts. Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency measures. Divergent validity was assessed by comparing the EAQ with the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS). Results: Impact scores for face validity ranged from 2.33 to 3.92, based on respondents' ratings of frequency and importance. Content validity assessment led to removing four items with a CVR below 0.62, resulting in 62 valid items. The EAQ showed strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70. CFA results confirmed the validity of the second-order factor model of the EAQ (χ2/df = 4.34, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.098, SRMR = 0.077). The EAQ demonstrated a strong correlation with EMS measures, confirming divergent validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the EAQ is a reliable instrument for assessing emotional abuse among Iranian university students. Future research should explore the cultural sensitivity of the questionnaire and investigate associations between emotional abuse and other variables of interest, such as mental health outcomes or relationship dynamics. These avenues promise valuable insights into the frequency and effects of emotional abuse across diverse cultural contexts.

Unique versus shared neural correlates of externalizing psychopathology in late childhood.

Childhood externalizing psychopathology is heterogeneous. Symptom variability in conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and callous-unemotional (CU) traits designate different subgroups of children with externalizing problems who have specific treatment needs. However, CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits are highly comorbid. Studies need to generate insights into shared versus unique risk mechanisms, including through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, we tested whether symptoms of CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits were best represented within a bifactor framework, simultaneously modeling shared (i.e., general externalizing problems) and unique (i.e., symptom-specific) variance, or through a four-correlated factor or second-order factor model. Participants (N = 11,878, age, M = 9 years) were from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study. We used questionnaire and functional magnetic resonance imaging data (emotional N-back task) from the baseline assessment. A bifactor model specifying a general externalizing and specific CD, ODD, ADHD, and CU traits factors demonstrated the best fit. The four-correlated and second-order factor models both fit the data well and were retained for analyses. Across models, reduced right amygdala activity to fearful faces was associated with more general externalizing problems and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity to fearful faces was associated with higher CU traits. ADHD scores were related to greater right nucleus accumbens activation to fearful and happy faces. Results give insights into risk mechanisms underlying comorbidity and heterogeneity within externalizing psychopathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The mediating effect of team trust on shared leadership and team performance

PurposeAs team members temporarily assume the role of leader, a system of shared leadership emerges. This study had three purposes: (a) to test the underlying three dimensions of shared leadership behaviors, (b) to examine the relationship between shared leadership behaviors and team performance, and (c) to examine the mediating effect of trust between team members’ perceptions of shared leadership and performance.Design/methodology/approachWe used the sub-dimensions of shared leadership: relation-oriented shared leadership (ROSL), task-oriented shared leadership (TOSL), and creativity-oriented shared leadership (COSL). We collected survey data from college student teams at two different time points.FindingsThis study’s factor analysis results supported a second-order factor model that explains shared leadership with TOSL, ROSL, and a new COSL construct. Additionally, we discovered that shared leadership behaviors predicted team performance both directly and indirectly through team trust.Originality/valueThis study confirms the role of the new sub-dimension of COSL originally discovered by video analysis of project teams (Leight et al., 2018), thereby adding value to shared leadership research. This quantitative study supports the COSL with TOSL and ROSL in a second-order model where each component contributes unique input into the team dynamics. Our findings underscore the significance of shared leadership in elevating team trust, ultimately resulting in improved team performance. This insight holds particular relevance for educational management and leadership, offering a framework for understanding how shared leadership practices can positively influence team dynamics within academic contexts.

Longitudinal measurement invariance and psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-Four in China

BackgroundDepression and anxiety symptoms among medical students are often a concern. The Patient Health Questionnaire-Four (PHQ-4), an important tool for depression and anxiety screening, is commonly used and easy to administer. This study aimed to assess and update the longitudinal measurement invariance and psychometric properties of the simplified Chinese version.MethodsA three-wave longitudinal survey was conducted among healthcare students using the PHQ-4. Structural validity was based on one-factor, two-factor, and second-order factor models, construct validity was based on the Self-Rated Health Questionnaire (SRHQ), Sleep Quality Questionnaire (SQQ), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and longitudinal measurement invariance (LMI), internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were based on structural consistency across three time points.ResultsThe results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated that two-factor model was the best fit, and LMI was supported at three time points. Inter-factor, factor-total, and construct validity correlations of the PHQ-4 were acceptable. Additionally, Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and the intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated acceptable/moderate to excellent reliability of the PHQ-4.ConclusionsThis study adds new longitudinal evidence that the Chinese version of the PHQ-4 has promising LMI and psychometric properties. Such data lends confidence to the routine and the expanded use of the PHQ-4 for routine screening of depression and anxiety in Chinese healthcare students.

Adolescents’ School-Based Universal Well-Being Screening: A Validation of the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire in Portugal

AbstractSchool-based universal well-being screening is proposed within the Multi-tiered Systems of Support approach to collect data on school and individual well-being. Universal screening allows for data-based informed decision, allocating each pupil or set of pupils in universal, selective and/or indicated structured interventions and supports. However, schools require adequate and validated measures of both positive well-being and indicators of psychological health problems. This study focused on the adaptation and validation of the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (SSWQ) in Portugal, a tool directed to positive well-being screening. After a translation process, data was collected in 10 schools. A sample of 942 school pupils in the 3rd cycle was randomly split into two subsamples. First was conducted on one subsample, and then, CFA was conducted in the other. Gender and school year invariance were also conducted with the CFA subsample. Internal consistency was likewise analysed. The analysis finished with convergent and discriminant validity. Overall, results supported a second-order factor model (subjective well-being), including four first-order factors, with the elimination of one item and changing one item to another subscale. Results showed good reliability of each factor (all above 0.70). Full measurement invariance was reached for gender (male and female) and school year (7th, 8th and 9th grades). Convergent validity was found with measures of satisfaction with school, group identification with peers and school social support, and divergent validity was found with BPM-Y. Altogether, results support that SSWQ-PG can be used to screen for subjective well-being in schools, helping schools in identifying and addressing pupils’ mental health needs more effectively.

Assessment of a Second-Order Multi-Problem Factor Model Involving Sexual Partners, Marijuana Use, and Post-Arrest Placement Among Persistent Male Adolescent Delinquents

ABSTRACT Problem-behavior theory suggests problem behaviors (e.g. substance use and delinquency) cluster among adolescents. This study explored a second-order problem behavior model of marijuana use, sexual partners, and post-arrest juvenile justice system placement among male adolescents over three waves. Results confirmed a second-order latent factor of problem behaviors, with male adolescents persistently involved in the juvenile justice system experiencing problems with marijuana use, risky sexual behavior, and increased severity of post-arrest placement. Further, older, Hispanic, African American, and urban persistent male delinquents were more likely to demonstrate continued problem behaviors. We discuss implications for future research and practice.

Translation and psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the metacognitive awareness scale among nursing students.

This study endeavors to translate and psycho-metrically validate the metacognitive awareness inventory scale (MAS) for nursing students in China. A total of 592 nursing students were enlisted from four universities situated in the eastern, southern, western, and northern regions of China. Content validity and reliability were evaluated using the content validity index and item-total correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. Convergent validity examined the goodness of fit among sub-scales through the average extracted variance and composite reliability. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the first-order and second-order factor models, contributing to a cumulative variance of 89.4 and 59.5%, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha values were 0.963 and 0.801, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis outcomes indicated an excellent overall fit index for the model, satisfying the convergent validity criteria and achieving a target coefficient of 96.0%, which is consistent with the original scale structure. The Chinese version of the MAS (C-MAS) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing metacognitive awareness among Chinese nursing students. Further research should consider a broader sample of nursing students across China to reinforce the scale's applicability.

Multidimensional Scale to Assess Digital Security in Adolescents

The study examined the psychometric properties of a Digital Security Scale (DSS-A) in a sample of 868 adolescents (460 female, 408 male), made up of 424 early adolescents (M age = 11.84 years, SD = 0.36) and 444 middle adolescents (M age = 13.44, SD = 0.49). The sample was randomly split into two for validation (n = 434) and cross-validation (n = 434) purposes. The results confirmed the fit of a one second-order factor model with four first-order factors (personal data protection, safe relationships, healthy internet use, and self-disclosure). As expected, digital security dimensions were positively associated with parental mediation. Measurement invariance was found in this model by gender and stage of adolescence. Latent mean comparisons showed differences by gender and stage of adolescence. Overall, findings indicate that the measurement model is helpful for measuring adolescents’ digital security behaviors.

Sustainability-related product satisfaction – Development and application of a multi-dimensional measurement instrument

Given the increased pressure of customers on companies to engage in sustainability efforts, satisfying their sustainability expectations for their products is crucial. However, research on customer satisfaction so far has widely neglected sustainability concerns. Based on the sustainability literature we conceptualize a multi-dimensional measurement instrument for sustainability-related product satisfaction (SPS). Scale purification and validation using three independent samples support six subdimensions: sustainable product value, sustainable product manufacturing, sustainable product use, sustainable product life-cycle, product accessibility, and sustainable product end-of-life. The employed MIMIC approach lends support to the conceptualization of SPS as a Type II second-order factor model. Measurement invariance tests support the scale's cross-regional equivalence. When assessing criterion-related validity, we find that compared with other facets of product satisfaction, SPS is strongly related to increasing word-of-mouth but less so to customer loyalty. The availability of sustainability-related information is positively associated with SPS, which in turn contributes to overall product satisfaction.

Psychometric characteristics of the career adapt-abilities scale in Thai undergraduate students: a multiple indicators multiple causes model.

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Career Adapt-abilities Scale (CAAS) and analyze the relationships between sociodemographic variables and career adaptability using the MIMIC model with DIF. In this cross-sectional study, the CAAS, consisting of four sub-scales-concern, control, curiosity, and confidence-each comprising six items, was administered to 620 undergraduate students from 34 universities in Thailand. Among the participants, women constituted 66.77%, while men accounted for 32.58% (Mean Age = 20.33). To explore the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on specific CAAS item responses, a Multiple-Indicators, Multiple-Causes model with Differential Item Functioning (MIMIC-model with DIF) was employed. The findings revealed robust internal consistency and reliability in the CAAS. Both the four-factor and second-order factor models exhibited excellent fit indices, emphasizing the significance of each item within the measure. Sociodemographic characteristics did not demonstrate a significant direct effect on the four CAAS subscales, it is worth noting the exception regarding paternal education. Paternal education was found to have a statistical significance impact on two specific CAAS items: "looking for opportunities to grow as a person" and "becoming curious about new opportunities." These findings underscore the intricate influence of paternal education on specific aspects of career adaptability, suggesting that certain dimensions of career adaptability may be shaped by factors extending beyond the conventional sociodemographic variables examined in this study. Future research could delve deeper into the complex interplay of sociodemographic factors and individual attributes to provide a more holistic perspective on career adaptability in Thailand.

Psychometric Properties of the Subhealth Measurement Scale V1.0 for Assessing Suboptimal Health Status of Midwives: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

Aim. Midwives are prone to suboptimal health status (SHS), while there is a lack of unified measurement standard of SHS for them to early detect and prevent SHS. This study aimed to evaluate validity and reliability of Subhealth Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0) in midwives. Design and Methods. The cross-sectional study had 842 midwives from 46 midwifery institutions in southeastern China completing the SHMS V1.0 with 39 items. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity of SHMS V1.0 were assessed. Project analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to assess construct validity. Results. SHMS V1.0 had acceptable reliability with Cronbach’s alpha and a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.908 and 0.804, respectively. The correlation coefficients between each item and corresponding dimension and those between dimension and corresponding subscale were all greater than 0.4. The CFA supported the structure of SHMS V1.0 with strong factor loadings and excellent fit indexes in the first-order and modified second-order factor model, illustrating that SHMS V1.0 had good construct validity among midwives. The concurrent validity for SHMS V1.0 showed large correlation with FS-14, but the social subscale showed medium correlations with fatigue, inferring that SHMS V1.0 can more comprehensively reflect SHS of midwives than FS-14, especially for social health symptoms. Practice Implications. SHMS V1.0 with excellent psychometric properties can accurately and reliably evaluate the SHS of midwives. These findings of our study provide an important measurement tool and inspiration for midwives to early detect and prevent SHS.

Early childhood pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards digital technologies and their relation to digital competence

This study examines early childhood pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards digital technologies and their relations to their self-perceived digital competence. Attitudes towards digital technologies were divided into core attitudes: general attitudes towards digital technologies; attitudes towards educational use of digital technologies; and perceived ease of digital technology use. Technological knowledge [TK] and technological content knowledge [TCK] dimensions of the TPACK framework were used to assess pre-service teachers’ self-perceived digital competence. Two structural equation models, a correlated-traits model and a second-order factor model, were used to analyse the relations between attitudes and digital competence. Based on the results, the early childhood pre-service teachers held positive attitudes towards digital technologies. Both models fit the data well, but the correlated-traits model explained a larger portion of variance in competence measures. Moreover, this model provided a more fine-grained picture of the associations between attitudes and competence. The general attitudes towards digital technologies and perceived ease of digital technology use were related to both TK and TCK, whereas attitudes towards educational use of digital technologies were not. Therefore, the correlated-traits model was viewed as better at describing the relations between attitudes towards digital technologies and digital competence. The study contributes to the development of teacher education. Instead of considering the current generation of pre-service teachers as a homogeneous group, this study aims to understand how they differ in their attitudes and how they perceive their own competence to use digital technologies.

Choosing Between the Bi-Factor and Second-Order Factor Models: A Direct Test Using Latent Variable Modeling

ABSTRACT This paper is concerned with the process of selecting between the increasingly popular bi-factor model and the second-order factor model in measurement research. It is indicated that in certain settings widely used in empirical studies, the second-order model is nested in the bi-factor model and obtained from the latter after imposing appropriate parameter constraints. These restrictions can be directly tested within the framework of the latent variable modeling methodology employing widely circulated software. The outlined model selection procedure provides a readily applied means of choosing between the two models of growing interest to measurement scholars, and is illustrated using numerical data.

A Generalized Nesterov-Accelerated Second-Order Latent Factor Model for High-Dimensional and Incomplete Data.

High-dimensional and incomplete (HDI) data are frequently encountered in big date-related applications for describing restricted observed interactions among large node sets. How to perform accurate and efficient representation learning on such HDI data is a hot yet thorny issue. A latent factor (LF) model has proven to be efficient in addressing it. However, the objective function of an LF model is nonconvex. Commonly adopted first-order methods cannot approach its second-order stationary point, thereby resulting in accuracy loss. On the other hand, traditional second-order methods are impractical for LF models since they suffer from high computational costs due to the required operations on the objective's huge Hessian matrix. In order to address this issue, this study proposes a generalized Nesterov-accelerated second-order LF (GNSLF) model that integrates twofold conceptions: 1) acquiring proper second-order step efficiently by adopting a Hessian-vector algorithm and 2) embedding the second-order step into a generalized Nesterov's acceleration (GNA) method for speeding up its linear search process. The analysis focuses on the local convergence for GNSLF's nonconvex cost function instead of the global convergence has been taken; its local convergence properties have been provided with theoretical proofs. Experimental results on six HDI data cases demonstrate that GNSLF performs better than state-of-the-art LF models in accuracy for missing data estimation with high efficiency, i.e., a second-order model can be accelerated by incorporating GNA without accuracy loss.

Development and psychometric evidence of the Academic Engagement Scale (USAES) in Mexican college students.

School engagement is considered an effective college dropout antidote; therefore, understanding the construct, its underpinnings, and its effects remains critical for scholars. Although several scholars have offered multiple scales to measure engagement, their use has been hindered by significant limitations. This study sought to develop a scale to measure academic engagement by unifying and improving existing work and theories that resulted in a three-dimensional measurement model (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive). The items included were validated by a group of experts who ensured that the wording of the items captured the uniqueness of the college experience. A sample of 992 Mexican college students was used to test the fit of a second-order three-dimensional factor model of school engagement. The sample was randomly split in two for model cross-validation. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed that student engagement is a three-dimensional construct, with evidence that supports the hypothesized second-order engagement factor structure (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive). The stability of these models was confirmed by using an independent sample. Measurement invariance by gender was found in this model. Then, differences in latent factor means were analyzed. Finally, the scale showed discriminant and concurrent validity. These results indicate that the scale is theoretically and psychometrically grounded for measuring college students' school engagement.

The Russian version of the Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale: psychometric properties in adolescents aged 13-16 years.

This study is the first to assess the internal consistency and factor validity of the Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS) in a sample of Russian adolescents as well as gender differences and gender invariance. The study included 4,218 adolescents in grades 7-9 (M = 14.23, SD = 0.92). Internal consistency, measured with Cronbach's alpha, was high. Analysis of the factor structure revealed the best correspondence of the second-order factor model, which included two scales (learning math anxiety and math evaluation anxiety) and the general scale of math anxiety. There were greater gender differences in the all three scales. Analysis of gender invariance demonstrated that the mathematics anxiety construct was uniform in boys and girls. These findings confirm the reliable psychometric properties and validity of the AMAS, enabling its use in adolescents.

Analysis of a Second-Order Factor Model of Attitude Toward Mathematics

Based on a multidimensional definition of attitude, this study tested a second-order factor model of attitude toward mathematics using data from 1960 7th-grade students. This study found that students’ attitudes toward mathematics are identified with cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors. This study confirmed three hypotheses: the cognitive component of attitude toward mathematics is explained by students’ confidence in learning mathematics and their beliefs about the usefulness and importance of mathematics; the affective component of attitude toward mathematics is explained by their liking of mathematics and mathematics anxiety; and the behavioral component of attitude toward mathematics is explained by learner behaviors toward mathematics and the time they spent on mathematics at home. Moreover, the final model obtained through factor analysis revealed strong relationships between the three components of attitude and attitude toward mathematics.

Evaluating the dimensionality of L2 grit: A confirmatory bifactor model

This study applied bifactor models to evaluate the dimensionality of two L2 grit models: the 2-factor model (Teimouri et al., 2022) and the 3-factor model we proposed based on Datu et al. (2017). We tested the bifactor models in conjunction with several feasible models including the unidimensional models, the correlated-factors models, and the second-order factor models. Our objective was to investigate whether the grit models effectively measure a unidimensional general construct while also assessing the viability of the domain-specific subconstructs. We utilized a range of bifactor statistical indices to evaluate the unidimensionality of the grit instrument, including omega coefficients (ω), omega subscale coefficients (ωs), omega hierarchical coefficients (ωH), omega hierarchical subscale coefficients (ωHs), explained common variance (ECV), Percent of Uncontaminated Correlations (PUC), item ECV (I-ECV), and construct replicability H-index. The major findings include: (1) the general L2 grit construct comprising 3 domain-specific subconstructs can be treated as essentially unidimensional; (2) the sum scores of the 3-factor grit scale can reliably measure a general L2 grit construct; (3) an alternative version consists of 8 items fits a unidimensional model well. These findings offer valuable implications regarding how to effectively use the sum scores and which items best represent a unidimensional construct.

Social cohesion and reconciliation between the Rohingya and host communities in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

PurposeThe Rohingyas are forcefully displaced from Myanmar and sheltered in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh. They have outnumbered the local people indicating a critical condition of their living situation after the year 2017 influx. The aim of this paper is to present how coexistence has impacted social cohesion and reconciliation among different groups of Rohingyas and host communities.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 903 households through a multistage stratified random sampling. Social cohesion and reconciliation (SCORE) index was measured as a multifaceted theoretical construct based on the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.FindingsThe findings of this study are inclined toward the miracle of social cohesion and reconciliation between the Rohingya and host communities. Also, it is revealed that youth, males and Rohingyas who came before the year 2017 influx are more cohesive. In the host or local community, people having lower income, less education and involvement with the informal sector are revealed as less cohesive.Practical implicationsThis study suggests vocational training as a short-term, cash-for-work as a mid-term and repatriation, proper identity, and protection services as long-term strategic plans to make the two communities more cohesive.Originality/valueThis study focuses on the SCORE indexes with a quantitative format, applying a second-order factor model.