Self-report Instrument Research Articles

Mediating role of self-esteem on university students’ physical activity attitude and frequency

Background and Study Aim. The health benefits of physical activity are well-known. Despite this, there is an ongoing decline in total physical activity (PA), especially among adolescents and young women. This decline points to the need to find more effective solutions. This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and attitudes toward physical activity, and also between self-esteem body image (as subjective variables) and body mass index (as an objective variable). Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study measured and investigated 152 female students from various faculties in their first and second years of study at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. The research utilized direct anthropometrical measurements and several self-reported instruments. These included questionnaires on self-esteem body image, physical activity attitude, and a report on the frequency of physical activity. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Body dissatisfaction was evaluated using the Contour Drawing Rating Scale. Results. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) value of 20.89 kg/m² indicates a healthy, normal BMI. The mean self-esteem score (31.48) falls within the normal range, but 60% of respondents could not match their actual body shape with their ideal or desired body image. 54% of respondents reported engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity, three times a week, outside the university program. As a result, the mean value of the attitude towards physical activity is slightly positive. 33% of young women's self-esteem is related to physical factors such as body image, frequency of physical activity, and attitude towards physical activity. Conclusions. The study indicates that targeted physical education programs and consistent, independent physical activity can mitigate the challenges associated with the investigated variables. Moreover, self-esteem significantly mediates the relationship between body image and physical activity frequency, as well as students’ attitudes toward physical activity.

The mediating role of self-directed learning ability in the impact of educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence on metacognitive awareness in nursing students

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the mechanisms influencing metacognitive awareness among nursing students, encompassing educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability. These findings could be a theoretical reference for formulating metacognitive awareness intervention strategies specifically designed for nursing students.MethodThrough stratified sampling, 600 nursing students were recruited from two universities in China. Data collection involved five self-report instruments: the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, Medical Education Environment Evaluation Scale, Learning Motivation Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Self-Directed Learning Ability Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was utilized to test the measurement model, while structural equation modeling utilized multiple indices to assess model fit. Bootstrapping was conducted to analyze total, direct, and indirect effects.ResultsAll study variables differed significantly according to age and year level (p < 0.01). Metacognitive awareness positively correlated with the educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability ( r = 0.493–0.729; all p < 0.01). The test of the measurement model shows good reliability and validity. The model depicting factors influencing metacognitive awareness demonstrated a good fit (χ2/df = 2.42, SRMR = 0.048, RMSEA = 0.049, CFI = 0.947, IFI = 0.935). Path analyses revealed that educational environment (EE), learning motivation (LM), and emotional intelligence (EI) directly impacted self-directed learning ability (SDLA) ( βEE = 0.189, βLM = 0.436; βEI = 0.215; all p < 0.05). Moreover, educational environment and self-directed learning ability directly influenced metacognitive awareness (βEE = 0.224, βSDLA = 0.520; all p < 0.05). Lastly, the educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence influenced metacognitive awareness by self-directed learning ability.ConclusionMetacognitive awareness in nursing students rises with age and year level. Females exhibit more potent self-directed learning abilities than males. Educational environment, motivation, and emotional intelligence indirectly influence metacognitive awareness via self-directed learning ability. This finding has enriched the ways and perspectives of metacognitive awareness training for nursing students.

Reliability, reproducibility, and feasibility of youth activity profile (YAP) questionnaire in Chilean children and adolescents

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, reproducibility, and feasibility of the Youth Activity Profile Questionnaire (YAP-SL) in the Chilean version (YAP-C) in a sample of children and adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 160 youth, 59 children (5–11 years old), and 101 adolescents (12–17 years old) from the city of Viña del Mar (Chile). The YAP-SL is a 15-item self-report instrument which was administered twice at an interval of 7 days apart. This questionnaire was designed to capture physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in youths in the last week, categorizing them into three domains: PA at school, PA out-of-school, and sedentary habits. Cronbach’s α coefficients were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency (reliability), and the reproducibility was determined by test-retest and Kendall’s tau b coefficients. Concerning the total YAP-C score, results indicated moderate-to-high reliability in the total sample (0.71), boys (0.76) and girls (0.66), as well as for children (0.73) and adolescents (0.70). The results also revealed variations in reliability and reproducibility across the three domains. In conclusion, the YAP-SL questionnaire presents moderate-to-high reliability in Chilean children and adolescents. However, the reliability and consistency of the YAP varied across the domains.

Language learner well-being in heritage language learning: conceptualisation, measurement, and a pathway to flourishing

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the process of developing an original framework for conceptualising and measuring language learner well-being within the context of heritage language (HL) learning. Drawing on a quantitative validation study with 545 young Chinese heritage language (CHL) learners, aged 7–18, in the UK, this paper presents an empirically validated model alongside a self-report instrument designed to measure learner well-being. A comprehensive development and validation process yielded a 24-item Language Learner Well-being Scale, exhibiting robust psychometric properties, including face, content, construct validity, and internal reliability. Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses uncovered a four-factor model of language learner well-being – enjoyment, connectedness, meaning, and competence – which represent the key pillars of flourishing among CHL learners. This multi-dimensional model provides potential pathways through which flourishing can be actively promoted in HL learning, with implications that are applicable to wider second/foreign language learning contexts. By exploring what constitutes well-being and developing an effective measure, the study also sets the stage for meaningful interventions in the future to optimise students’ language learning experience.

Microbiome-based correction for random errors in nutrient profiles derived from self-reported dietary assessments

Since dietary intake is challenging to directly measure in large-scale cohort studies, we often rely on self-reported instruments (e.g., food frequency questionnaires, 24-hour recalls, and diet records) developed in nutritional epidemiology. Those self-reported instruments are prone to measurement errors, which can lead to inaccuracies in the calculation of nutrient profiles. Currently, few computational methods exist to address this problem. In the present study, we introduce a deep-learning approach—Microbiome-based nutrient profile corrector (METRIC), which leverages gut microbial compositions to correct random errors in self-reported dietary assessments using 24-hour recalls or diet records. We demonstrate the excellent performance of METRIC in minimizing the simulated random errors, particularly for nutrients metabolized by gut bacteria in both synthetic and three real-world datasets. Additionally, we find that METRIC can still correct the random errors well even without including gut microbial compositions. Further research is warranted to examine the utility of METRIC to correct actual measurement errors in self-reported dietary assessment instruments.

Does adapting a self-report instrument to improve its cognitive accessibility for people with intellectual disability result in a better measure? − A cognitive interview study

Background and aimsWe investigated whether improving the cognitive accessibility of a widely used self-report measure leads to better understanding and more accurate answers in a sample of adults with mild intellectual disability and borderline intellectual functioning. Methods and proceduresWe undertook a series of cognitive interviews before and after adaptation of the instructions and selected items of an existing self-report measure of adaptive functioning. Interview results and participant feedback were supplemented with quantitative comparisons between participant and carer scores. Outcomes and resultsAdaptation based on participant experiences and preferences combined with evidence-informed guidelines improved understanding and accuracy. Self-report and carer-report scores showed greater convergence after adaptation; this occurred because people with intellectual disabilities appeared to understand the self-report measure more effectively. Conclusions and implicationsThe results show that adaptation of the self-report instrument to suit the needs and preferences of people with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning leads to a more accessible measure and more reliable and valid results. Results also highlight the importance of complementing proxy reports with a first-person perspective in assessment as clients and informants may differ in their assessment of behavior and skills.

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Women in Rural Areas of Greece in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Background/Objectives: Depressive and anxiety syndromes are associated with elevated disability and are more prevalent in women. Data on the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in the rural context are limited and contradictory. It is relevant to study common mental disorders in rural areas in the most vulnerable population of women, particularly in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in two primary healthcare sites in the rural region of Farsala, Central Greece after the obviation of all restrictive measures that had been posed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All consecutive female patients that attended the study sites for any non-emergent reason were asked to participate in the study. For the recording of symptoms of depression and anxiety, the self-reported Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used. Results: The study sample consisted of 129 women. The majority of participants were &gt;50 years, with 27.9% being older adults. A small percentage (13.2%) suffered a chronic physical disease. A large proportion of the sample, slightly exceeding 40%, reported clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety, whereas a lower percentage of women with depressive symptoms was detected (17.1%). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were found to be interrelated, while a number of sociodemographic variables were associated with both, such as older age, education (primary), living status (alone, OR 123.5; 95% CI: 7.3–2098.8 for anxiety; OR 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3–9.8 for depression), employment (not working, (OR 0.157; 95% CI: 0.06–0.41 for anxiety; OR 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01–0.62 for depression) and the history of a chronic disease (OR 33.8; 95% CI: 4.3–264.7 for anxiety; OR 37.2; 95% CI: 10–138.1 for depression). Self-rated financial status was not related to symptoms of anxiety or depression. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of inquiring for symptoms of depression and anxiety in women attending the rural primary care setting. The use of valid and reliable self-reported instruments that are easy to administrate may be helpful in this regard.

Cyberbullying Experiences: Whether and How Do the Need for Popularity and Emotional Intelligence Dimensions Affect Them?

The need for popularity and emotional intelligence (EI) have been shown to be relevant factors in relation to aggressive behavior, including cyberbullying. However, the need for popularity and EI have not yet been explored together in relation to cyberbullying victimization and perpetration in adolescence. This research attempts to examine whether the need for popularity was a relevant mediating variable in the link between EI dimensions and both cybervictimization and cyberbullying perpetration, and to identify possible gender differences. A total of 6,186 students aged 12 to 17 years (50.2% female, Mage =13.23, SD = 1.05) completed self-reported instruments. Structural equation analyses revealed that EI dimensions were directly associated with cyberbullying perpetration and cybervictimization, as well as indirectly via the need for popularity. However, self-emotion appraisal did not show links with cybervictimization. Gender differences were also found. For boys, self-emotion appraisal, other-emotion appraisal, and use of emotions were more strongly related to the need for popularity in comparison to girls. For girls, emotion regulation showed greater effects on both cyberbullying perpetration and cybervictimization. These findings highlight the mediating role of the need for popularity in the relationship between EI and cyberbullying, especially among boys. Overall, this research provides preliminary evidence that comprehensive prevention efforts to effectively combat cyberbullying should not only target EI skills directly and include a gender-tailored perspective, but also address the underlying motivations and influences related to popularity among adolescents.

The Mediating Role of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in the Relationship between Adult Attachment and Quality of Life.

There is evidence that anxiety and avoidance toward close relationships (i.e., insecure attachment orientations), as well as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs), are linked to a poor quality of life. The current study aimed to investigate the potential mediating effects of PTSSs on the associations between insecure attachment orientations and domains of quality of life. A convenience sample of 497 adults (375 females, 75.5%), ranging in age between 18 and 65 years old (M = 32.48, SD = 13.26), was recruited. Participants were administered self-report instruments assessing attachment anxiety and avoidance, PTSSs, and domains of quality of life, including physical health, psychological status, social relationships, and environment. A series of mediation analyses were performed to test the mediating role of PTSSs in the relationships between attachment orientations and domains of quality of life. Results showed that attachment anxiety was related to decreased levels of quality of life in all domains, and that their associations were mediated by PTSSs. Also, attachment avoidance was related to a worse quality of psychological status and social relationships, and PTSSs were a significant mediating variable in these associations. Prevention programs and clinical interventions focused on promoting effective strategies for managing distress might be critical in reducing the impact of distressing events on the quality of life of individuals with insecure attachment.

Relationship between perceived value, attitudes, and academic motivation in distance learning among nursing students in rural areas

BackgroundNursing students manifest a distinct level of intellect and comprehension, impacting their attitudes and perceived significance of distance learning in education. This study examined the attitudes, perceived value, and academic motivation surrounding distance learning among Jordanian nursing students, offering insights crucial to optimizing their educational journey.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 298 undergraduate Jordanian nursing students was recruited from two public universities in rural cities in south Jordan. Data were collected via self-reported instruments (June 2022 to August 2022). A Pearson correlation and independent t-test were used to examine the relationship between variables.ResultsThe mean age of students was 20.9 years (SD = 1.16), and most students have a low perceived value of distance learning (n = 181, 60.7%). Most students (n = 179, 60.1%) have negative attitudes toward distance learning, and only 39.9% reflected positive attitudes. More than half of the participants (n = 166, 55.7%) reflected less academic motivation toward distance learning. Positive significant relationships were found between students’ perceived value of distance learning and their attitudes and academic motivation toward distance learning; low perceived value of distance learning was related significantly with low attitudes (r = 0.844, p < 0.01) and less academic motivation toward it (r = 0.721, p < 0.01).ConclusionNursing students’ perceived value, attitudes, and academic motivation toward DL in rural regions is inadequate. Educators must provide valuable visions to expand the quality of health education in rural universities and improve health care.

Understanding the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and neglect and psychological distress in pregnant women: the role of prenatal attachment

BackgroundChildhood abuse and neglect pose important risk factors for the development of psychopathology during pregnancy. However, only a few studies have assessed the effects of a specific type of abuse during the perinatal period, namely, psychological maltreatment, which includes emotional abuse and neglect. These studies have found that women who have experienced psychological maltreatment exhibit higher levels of antenatal depressive symptoms and greater difficulties forming attachment with their babies than women who have not experienced this kind of adversity. The aim of this study was to examine how emotional abuse and neglect experiences may favor the occurrence of psychological distress in pregnant women, and whether prenatal attachment might explain this association.MethodsParticipants comprised 128 Italian pregnant women ranging in age from 21 to 46 years (Mage = 33.4; SD = 6.10). Women responded to the following self-report instruments: CECA.Q and CTQ-SF, for the assessment of psychological maltreatment experiences; MAAS, for the evaluation of prenatal attachment; and PAMA, for the assessment of perinatal psychological distress.ResultsPearson correlations revealed a positive association between childhood neglect and perinatal psychological distress and a negative association between childhood neglect and prenatal attachment scores. No significant correlations were found for emotional abuse. Perinatal psychological distress was negatively associated with prenatal attachment. Mediation analyses showed significant associations between childhood neglect and the dimensions of perinatal affectivity and prenatal maternal attachment. Prenatal maternal attachment mediated the relationship between neglect and perinatal psychological distress.ConclusionsThe transition to motherhood is a sensitive period, particularly for women who have experienced abuse and neglect during childhood. These experiences may negatively impact a woman’s disposition to emotionally and behaviorally engage in the formation of a bond with their unborn baby. These results may have important prevention and clinical implications and thus warrant further exploration.

The Profile of Symptom Change with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder

BackgroundAntidepressant treatments can differ in the depressive symptoms that improve the least and the most. The profile of symptom change with TMS has yet to be characterized. MethodsThe PHQ-9 and QIDS-SR were administered to 578 patients with MDD who scored ≥10 on both instruments at baseline and received ≥36 TMS sessions. For both instruments, differences in severity among symptoms were characterized before and following TMS. The extent to which TMS produced a non-specific, generalized improvement across symptoms or a symptom-specific profile of improvement was evaluated. ResultsSymptoms differed markedly in average severity at baseline, with the profiles consistent across the two instruments. Comparisons of symptom severity before and after TMS produced very large main effects of time (Pre vs Post) and inventory item, but only small interaction effects, indicating limited symptom specificity in improvement. There was widespread improvement across symptoms, and the limited apparent symptom specificity was largely due to floor effects in specific symptoms present at baseline. Comparisons of three TMS protocols, Left, Sequential Bilateral, and Mixture, revealed no differences in profile of symptom change. Following TMS, the severity of residual symptoms in responders who did not remit, while substantially improved, largely mirrored the baseline profile. LimitationsThe findings derived from two self-report instruments that assess nine criterion depressive symptoms. Corroboration with clinician ratings is needed. ConclusionsTreatment of depression with TMS results in a marked downward shift of the baseline profile of symptom severity. There is large, generalized improvement across symptoms and limited symptom specificity.

Building patient safety culture by using interprofessional simulation with nursing, paramedic and emergency telecommunication students: A mixed-methods research study

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate student attitudes toward interprofessional education and collaborative practice and their perceptions of simulation design elements after participating in an interprofessional simulation educational activity. BackgroundPatient safety continues to be an international healthcare priority. However, critical incidents to patients continue to persist due to poor communication between professionals and poor teamwork. DesignA mixed methods design. MethodThe study sample consisted of Bachelor of Nursing (n=81), Paramedic (n=38) and Emergency Telecommunication (n=11) students randomized into interprofessional groups. Following the interprofessional learning experience, students completed two standardized self-reporting instruments, Students Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education, National League for Nursing Simulation Design Scale and open-ended questions of their perceptions on teamwork and collaboration, communication skills, transfer of care and patient safety. ResultsStudents in each program reported high scores for attitudes toward the importance of teamwork and collaborative practice. There were significant differences in scores between programs for the ranking factors ‘Teamwork and Team-Based Practice’ (BN=4.74SD 0.72, PM=4.66SD 0.81, ET=4.95SD 0.15 *; p = 0.00005) and ‘Roles & Responsibilities’ (BN=3.78SD 1.12, PM=3.55SD 0.92, ET=4.67SD 0.85*; p= 0.012). Themes included: communication and collaboration in teamwork; roles, responsibilities and leadership; patient-centred care and safety; and emotional dynamics and professional growth. ConclusionAn interprofessional simulation is an effective strategy to practice teamwork and collaboration and communication skills during transfer of care. Ensuring earlier education of roles and responsibilities during transfer of care needs review as do strategies for structured handover communication tools.

Psychometric properties of self-report instruments for assessing self-care in patients with oncological diseases: protocol for a COSMIN-based systematic review

Background: The topic of self-care in cancer has garnered increased attention from researchers and clinicians over the years. This has prompted the development and testing of several instruments to capture the multidimensional nature of the self-care construct in cancer patients. Several self-report instruments are available in the literature; however, which instrument exhibits the best reliability and validity remains unclear.Objective: The aim of this protocol is to identify all available instruments developed for measuring self-care behaviors in adult cancer patients and critically appraise their psychometric properties.Methods: This systematic review will follow the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases will be searched for relevant articles on the topic. Studies testing the psychometric properties of self-report instruments assessing self-care behaviors in adult cancer patients, published in English, Italian, or Spanish, will be included. Two independent reviewers will assess the eligibility of the studies and extract the data. Risk of bias will be evaluated using the COSMIN Risk of Bias Checklist, and the quality of the results will be assessed based on specific COSMIN criteria.Conclusion: A thorough and critical evaluation of all available evidence for instruments measuring self-care in patients with cancer might have both strong clinical and research implications. The results of this review could drive healthcare providers in the selection of the most appropriate assessment tool for detecting and monitoring the self-care levels of this population. On the other hand, the results may underline the necessity of validating new instruments.

Validating the CogSleep Screener in older adults at a memory and cognition clinic.

While sleep disturbances are prevalent in older people and are linked with poor health and cognitive outcomes, screening for the range of sleep disturbances is inefficient and therefore not ideal nor routine in memory and cognition clinic settings. We aimed to develop and validate a new brief self-report questionnaire for easy use within memory and cognition clinics. The design for this study was cross-sectional. Older adults (aged ≥50 in Sydney, Australia) were recruited from a memory and cognition research clinic. Participants (N = 402, mean age 67.3 years, range 50-86, 63.6% female) completed a comprehensive medical, neuropsychological, and mental health assessment, alongside self-report instruments, including existing sleep questionnaires and a new 10-item sleep questionnaire, the CogSleep Screener. We examined the factor structure, convergent validity, internal consistency, and discriminant validity of this novel questionnaire. Using exploratory principal component analysis, a 3-factor solution was generated highlighting the factors of Insomnia, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Symptoms and Daytime Sleepiness. Each factor was significantly correlated with currently used sleep questionnaires for each subdomain (all Spearman rho >0.3, all p < 0.001), suggesting good convergent validity. Internal consistency was also good (Cronbach's α = 0.73). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed good discriminative ability between participants with and without sleep disturbances (all area under curve >0.7, all p < 0.01). The CogSleep Screener has good psychometric properties in older to elderly adults attending a memory and cognition clinic. The instrument has the potential to be used in memory clinics and other clinical settings to provide quick and accurate screening of sleep disturbances.

Development and validation of the Nursing Information Security Questionnaire.

Background Ensuring the security of nursing information holds substantial importance. The awareness of information security among nurses in China is generally inadequate, and there is a lack of standardized evaluation tools for nurse information security in nursing practice. The nursing sector necessitates the establishment of a robust culture surrounding information security. Objective The aim of this study was to construct a self-reporting instrument for evaluating nursing information security. Methods The research team utilized literature analysis and group discussions to draft the item pool. After two rounds of Delphi consultation by 15 experts and pilot testing, the initial questionnaire was formed. Item analysis was carried out on the questionnaire, and the validity and reliability of the instrument were statistically tested by computing the Keiser-Meier-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests, an exploratory factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and discriminative validity, descriptive statistics, Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability. Results A total of 501 nurses participated in the study, supplemented by the inclusion of five experts who were invited to contribute to the assessment of content validity. Four factors were formed using exploratory factor analysis (n=250), and the cumulative variance contribution rate was found to be 60.10%. The confirmatory factor analysis (n=251) showed the model fit was good. The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.948, and the test-retest reliability was 0.837. Conclusion Finally, the NIS-Q with 38 items and three dimensions of knowledge, attitude and practice were formed. A promising assessment instrument for gauging the degree of nursing information security was introduced. Further, a foundational platform was established for implementing specific enhancement strategies aimed at advancing nursing information security.

A Psychometric Evaluation of the Revised Version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale in Chinese Adolescents.

Adolescent-specific ADHD self-report screening measures can greatly increase the likelihood of correct diagnosis and timely treatment of ADHD in adolescents. This study provides preliminary evidence for evaluating the reliability and validity of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-Revised (ASRS-R) in a school-based sample of Chinese adolescents. The ASRS-R and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were administered to 867 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years (Mage = 13.08 years). Construct validity was assessed using correlation analysis of the ASRS-R with the SDQ. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, retest reliability, and measurement invariance of the scales were examined by gender. CFA showed a two-dimensional factor structure of the ASRS-R, and the model fitted the data well (χ2/df = 4.370, RMSEA = 0.062, TLI = 0.932, CFI = 0.940, GFI = 0.927, AGFI = 0.907, and SRMR = 0.038). The ASRS-R scale was invariant across gender and had satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .934) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .874). The construct validity, as calculated using the SDQ, was also acceptable. The ASRS-R can be a psychometrically reliable self-report instrument and provide preliminary support as a simple tool for identifying ADHD symptoms in Chinese adolescents. The findings provide evidence for extending the application of the ASRS, previously limited to adults, to the adolescent populations.

Cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation in eating disorder patients with comorbid generalized anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms

ABSTRACT Research has found that difficulties in emotion regulation negatively impact mental health, whereas cognitive flexibility may promote stress resilience and positive mental health. Little is known about cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation in people with comorbid eating disorder (ED) and anxiety and stress disorders. A transdiagnostic ED population (N = 227) at an outpatient ED treatment facility completed several self-report instruments that measured cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation difficulties, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms upon admission. We investigated cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation differences for those with an ED without comorbidity and those with various combinations of comorbidity. In a one-way between-groups ANOVA, we investigated differences in cognitive flexibility for those with GAD, PTSD, neither, and both comorbidities. We found a statistically significant difference between these groups, with mean cognitive flexibility inventory scores being the lowest in the group with both comorbidities. However, when controlling for emotion regulation, a one-way between-groups ANCOVA indicated no significant differences in cognitive flexibility between comorbidity groups F(3, 222) = 1.20, p = .31 Partial η 2 = .02. Though self-reported cognitive flexibility levels differ among ED patients with and without comorbidities, it appears that these differences are better explained by emotion regulation. Therefore, addressing emotion regulation early in treatment for all individuals with EDs, regardless of comorbidity, is recommended as a future research focus to enhance treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the impact of treating emotion regulation on ED treatment engagement, dropout, and effectiveness.

Microbiome-based correction for random errors in nutrient profiles derived from self-reported dietary assessments.

Since dietary intake is challenging to directly measure in large-scale cohort studies, we often rely on self-reported instruments (e.g., food frequency questionnaires, 24-hour recalls, and diet records) developed in nutritional epidemiology. Those self-reported instruments are prone to measurement errors, which can lead to inaccuracies in the calculation of nutrient profiles. Currently, few computational methods exist to address this problem. In the present study, we introduce a deep-learning approach --- M icrobiom e -based nu t rient p r of i le c orrector (METRIC), which leverages gut microbial compositions to correct random errors in self-reported dietary assessments using 24-hour recalls or diet records. We demonstrate the excellent performance of METRIC in minimizing the simulated random errors, particularly for nutrients metabolized by gut bacteria in both synthetic and three real-world datasets. Further research is warranted to examine the utility of METRIC to correct actual measurement errors in self-reported dietary assessment instruments.

The concurrent validity of the physical activity vital sign and online physical activity logbook in adolescents with autism

Background and aimsThere is an urgent need for valid assessment tools to assess physical activity (PA) levels in adolescents with autism. This study examines the concurrent validity of the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) and Online Physical Activity Logbook (OPAL) with accelerometry in adolescents with autism. A secondary aim was to explore the association and agreement between self-perceived and objectively measured PA intensity levels. MethodsForty-five adolescents with autism (71% males, Mdn = 14.0 (IQR = 13.0–15.5) years) completed the PAVS and OPAL and wore a wGT3X-BT ActiGraph accelerometer twice for seven consecutive days. Concurrent validity was assessed with Spearman correlations (ρ) and Wilcoxon Signed Rank/Paired Sample T-tests. ResultsA poor association was found between the PAVS and accelerometry (ρ = .37). The PAVS overestimated moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels [Mdn = 152.1 min (IQR = 76.8–283.9), p < .001]. Poor associations (ρ = −.06 up to −.45) were observed between the OPAL and accelerometry for time spent in sedentary behavior (SB), light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA) and MVPA. No significant mean and median differences were found for SB and VPA between the two methods respectively. A moderate association was found between self-perceived (OPAL) and objectively measured (accelerometry) VPA (ρ = .60) and MVPA (ρ = .51), while those for LPA and MPA were poor (ρ < .50). No significant median differences were found between self-perceived and objectively measured VPA. ConclusionClinicians and researchers should be very cautious in using the PAVS to assess MVPA levels in adolescents with autism, while the utility of the OPAL, in its current form, is questionable. Adolescents with autism may estimate PA at a vigorous intensity accurately. Future research should further focus on examining the psychometric properties of self-report PA instruments, as well as the ability of adolescents with autism to accurately estimate the intensity of performed PA's.