Serbian Adaptation Research Articles

Validation and adaptation of the Serbian adaptation of the Marijuana Effect Expectancies Questionnaire among adolescents

Background/Aim. Expectancies about the effects of cannabis have been related to the onset and frequency of its consumption. One of the most used instruments to measure cannabis effect expectancies is the Marijuana Effect Expectancy Questionnaire (MEEQ). The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Serbian adaptation of the MEEQ among secondary school pupils. Methods. The retrospective study included 1,642 secondary school pupils (52.3% female) from the South Backa District, Vojvodina, Serbia. In addition to the MEEQ, the Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ) was also used, as well as a self-report measure of cannabis use. Results. The original six-factor MEEQ model showed the best fit indices with the following factors: Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment, Relaxation and Tension Reduction, Social and Sexual Facilitation, Perceptual and Cognitive Enhancement, Global Negative Effects, and Craving and Physical Effects. All MEEQ scales showed positive and expected correlations with the CUIQ scales, among which the highest correlation was with the Attitudes toward Consumption scale. Correlations with self-report cannabis use were significant for all MEEQ scales, except for Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment. Conclusion. The results suggested good psychometric properties of the Serbian adaptation of the MEEQ. The results also confirmed the originally proposed factor structure, good reliabilities of the scales? scores based on internal consistency, as well as convergent and criterion validity.

The Short Dark Tetrad (SD4)

Abstract: This study aimed to test the construct and criterion validity of the Serbian adaptation of the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4). In addition to testing measurement invariance between the Serbian ( N = 488) and Canadian samples ( N = 739), the construct validity of the SD4 was also assessed through correlations with more extensive measures of the Dark Tetrad, and criterion validity was evaluated through correlations with variables related to mental health. The results indicated good model fit indices for the SD4 in both samples and partial scalar invariance across samples. Validity correlations with extensive measures confirmed the construct validity of all SD4 scales, with caution noted for the psychopathy scale, which shares similar content with sadism. Profile similarity, based on construct and criterion correlations, revealed substantial dissimilarity between narcissism and the other scales but high similarity among the Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism scales. Regardless of the similarity between the scales, they showed distinctive correlations with emotional distress and positive mental health aspects.

The big five inventory (BFI-2): Psychometric properties and validation in Serbian language

The Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2), as a comprehensive measure encompassing the Big Five domains and their facets, has undergone numerous validations in various languages. To validate a Serbian adaptation of the BFI-2, data from two samples, comprising a total of 1016 adult participants, along with a US sample (N = 1000), were utilized. The originally proposed factor structure of Serbian adaptation of the BFI-2 was confirmed, along with partial scalar invariance across Serbian and US samples. Convergent validity was established in relation to an alternative Big Five measure, as well as six-factor and seven-factor models. Criterion validity was confirmed through correlations with various behavior, cognitive, and emotional indicators. These findings contribute to evidence supporting the cross-cultural validity of BFI-2.

Approaches to higher education teaching: validation of the Serbian adaptation of the approaches to teaching inventory - revised (ATI-R)

Approaches to higher education teaching: validation of the Serbian adaptation of the approaches to teaching inventory - revised (ATI-R)

Trait emotional intelligence in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders

Studies that point to the difficulties in terms of communication, social skills, reading and interpreting emotions in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as those regarding the protective function of trait emotional intelligence (TEI), are not complemented by studies directly comparing TEI of caregivers of children with ASD and those of neurotypical children. The aim of this study was to examine differences in TEI between mothers of children with ASD and mothers of children of typical development, as well as the effect of different sociodemographic factors on maternal TEI. Participants were 156 mothers, divided into two groups: 1) mothers of children with ASD (ASD group) (N = 78) and 2) mothers of neurotypical children (control group) (N = 78). Participants completed the Serbian adaptation of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue), short form, and answered various questions about their own and their children’s sociodemographic characteristics. Results suggest equivalence of global and factor-level TEIQue scores. Inspection of facet-level differences revealed higher scores on Stress management, and lower scores on Assertiveness in the ASD group compared to controls. Maternal age was not related to their TEI, while Well-being and Optimism of mothers decreased with increasing of ASD child`s age. Mothers with lower education had significantly lower TEI scores on several factors and facets regardless of the child’s ASD status. Obtained findings significantly contribute to the knowledge of perceived emotional self-efficacy in mothers of children with ASD which could elicit additional research and various mental health professional programs aimed at this vulnerable population.

Assessing conspiracist beliefs across societies: Validation of the Serbian adaptation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS).

Initial validation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) identified five correlated factors: Government Malfeasance, Malevolent Global Conspiracies, Extraterrestrial Cover-up, Personal Well-being and Control of Information. Despite replications of this structure, ensuing research, mostly using translated versions of the GCBS (i.e., Persian and Japanese), has reported factorial alternatives. Concomitantly, researchers postulated that belief in conspiracies was higher in historically troubled societies (e.g., Serbia). To further assess the cultural stability of the five correlated factor solution and test the assumption that GCBS scores are affected by social-political instability, a Serbian adaptation of the GCBS was assessed alongside the standard English language version. Data were collected from Serbian (n = 259, 44.40% males) and UK samples (n = 402, 52.25% males). Within samples, confirmatory factor analysis replicated the five-factor solution. Additionally, national and gender invariance was confirmed. National comparisons (Serbia vs. UK) revealed that the Serbian sample scored higher on Government Malfeasance, Malevolent Global Conspiracies, Personal Well-being and Control of Information, whereas the UK sample scored higher on Extraterrestrial Cover-up. There were no gender differences on GCBS factors. Findings indicated that while the Serbian GCBS was interpreted similarly to the GCBS, societal factors influenced endorsement of belief facets.

Translation, transcultural adaptation, and validation of the Serbian version of the PSS-QoL questionnaire: A pilot research

Background/Aim. The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is fundamental for a better understanding of the effect of a disease on different aspects of a patient?s daily functioning and the efficacy of the treatment modalities. Primary Sj?gren?s Syndrome (SS) Quality of Life Questionnaire (PSS-QoL) is the first disease-specific instrument for evaluating HRQoL in patients with primary SS. The aim of this study was to formally translate the PSS-QoL questionnaire from English to Serbian, assess its psychometric properties, and validate it for use in the Serbian population. Methods. The research was designed as a pilot study and included 30 participants. Internal consistency was determined by calculating Cronbach?s alpha coefficient. The construct validity of the questionnaire was estimated by the correlation of its overall result with the patients? EuroQoL- 5D, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) SS Patient Reported Index, Oral Health Impact Profile-14, and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire scores. Results. There were 29 (96.7%) female participants and one (3.3%) male participant in the research. The average (? standard deviation) score of PSS-QoL was 44.63 ? 12.901 at baseline and 41.70 ? 12.075 at follow-up. Cronbach?s alpha value of the Serbian version of PSS-QoL was 0.922. The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.981 (95% confidence interval: 0.436?0.996). Analysis revealed a statistically significant moderate to strong correlation between PSS-QoL scores and EuroQol-5D (rs = -0.696), EULAR SS Patient Reported Index (rs = 0.883), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scores (rs = 0.809). Conclusion. Serbian adaptation of the PSS-QoL instrument can be used to evaluate HRQoL of patients with primary SS both in academic re-search and clinical practice as a novel outcome measure.

Self-assessment of teacher efficacy in Serbia: Serbian adaptation of the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice (TEIP) scale

ABSTRACT Teachers are often mentioned among the key factors in the quality of the teaching process. This research aims to adapt to Serbian the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice (TEIP) Scale, and identify factors that correlate with high levels of perceived efficacy. A total of 288 teachers participated in the research. We conducted a factor analysis and reliability analysis and obtained satisfactory results similar to those of the authors of the scale. We were able to reproduce the three-factor structure that was shown by the authors when the three items were excluded. Correlation analysis results showed that training that contributes to competencies related to the education of children with disabilities and experience in the implementation of inclusive practice is connected with teachers’ self-efficacy. Teachers believe in their professional abilities, knowledge, and skills to work with students with disabilities, but it is necessary to support them in cooperation with experts and parents, as well as to upgrade their skills in behaviour management.

Validation of the Serbian version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence/Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12).

Urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) significantly decrease quality of life and sexual health. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a Serbian adaptation of the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12) used in assessing sexual function in women with UI and/or POP. This study included 416 women, 310 (74.5%) with UI and/or POP and 106 (25.5%) without UI and/or POP. The adaptation of the PISQ-12 to Serbian language was performed via back-translation. The content validity of the questionnaire was conducted by experts in the field. The reliability and validity of the PISQ-12 were analyzed. Evaluation of the data was performed using Content Validity Index (CVI), Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability, item total correlation and confirmatory factor analysis. Content validity of the Serbian PISQ-12 was 1.00 (100%). Item total correlations were between 0.459 and 0.819 (P < 0.001). The PISQ-12 had an adequate and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.806) as well as high test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.807; P < 0.001). Factor analysis results revealed strong construct validity. The mean scores of PISQ-12 were significantly better in the control group compared with the women with UI and/or POP. Sexual function was negatively affected by UI and/or POP as assessed with SF-36 and I-QoL questionnaires. This study showed that the Serbian version of the PISQ-12 is a reliable, consistent, valid and condition-specific instrument to assess sexual function in women with UI and/or POP.

Validation of the Serbian Adaptation of the Self-Absorption Scale

McKenzie and Hoyle made the first Self-Absorption Scale. Since this scale is not available in Serbian, we designed two studies aimed at its adaptation (Study 1, N = 400), and validation of the instrument (Study 2, N = 212). Results of Study 1 confirmed original two-factorial structure, but without two items on each subscale. The reliability of the public self-absorption was α = 0.75; and α = 0.72 for the private self-absorption. The factors in both, the original and adapted version, are congruent (measured by Tucker`s congruence coefficient). Results of Study 2 showed that self-absorption was positively correlated to the most aspects of pathological narcissism, self-consciousness, depression, stress and anxiety. Also, it was negatively correlated to self-esteem. We can conclude that the Self-Absorption Scale is short, reliable, and valid measure for assessing the pathological aspect of self-focusing on Serbian population.

Importance of a functional measure in the evaluation of patients in a memory clinic: Validation of the Serbian version of the Amsterdam instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire

Introduction and aimThe Amsterdam instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) was developed as a sensitive tool in detecting a functional decline in early dementia. The aim of our study was to analyze the validity and reliability of the Serbian translation of the short version of A-IADL-Q in a population of memory clinic patients. Material and methodsWe have included 160 subjects with Alzhemier's disease (AD) dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or normal cognition (NC). All patients were examined by a neurologist, screened for cognitive impairment (MMSE) and depression, and referred to laboratory testing, neuroimaging examination, and neuropsychological assessment. Informants (close friends or relatives) completed Serbian language versions of the A-IADL-Q –Short version and the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (LB-IADL) scale. Reliability analysis was performed by assessing internal consistency and reproducibility (test-retest reliability). Construct validity was assessed as the impact of gender, аgе, education, diagnosis, cognitive and functional measures on A-IADL-Q scores. ResultsThe internal consistency of the Serbian version of A-IADL-Q was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha 0.82), Test-retest reliability of the A-IADL-Q was excellent (ICC=0.92, 95% CI 0.84–0.98, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in A-IADL-Q scores between male and female subjects (t = 1.183; p = 0.241), while the difference was registered between subjects with different education levels (F=12.955; p < 0.001) and diagnosis (F=209.433; p < 0.001). There was a strong and statistically significant correlation between A-IADL-Q and MMSE scores (tau-b= 0.638; p < 0.001) and IADL-Q and LB-ADL scores (tau-b=0.714; p < 0.001). A significant multiple regression model was found (F(4, 155) = 103.692;p < 0.001), which explained 72.1% of the A-IADL-Q score variance with MMSE score and age as significant predictors. ConclusionThe Serbian adaptation of the A-IADL-Q-short version is a reliable and valid measure of instrumental activities of daily living in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. This easy-to-administer instrument is useful for the early diagnostics of dementia syndrome in a memory clinic population.

Psychometric properties of the Serbian adaptation of the cannabis use intention questionnaire (CUIQ) among secondary medical school adolescents

ABSTRACT Background The period of adolescence is considered extremely intense and complicated from a young person’s perspective, as it involves substantial changes in their functioning. The aim was to explore the psychometric properties of the Serbian adaptation of the Cannabis Use Intention Questionnaire (CUIQ) among students of secondary medical school. Methods The sample consisted of 643 school students (aged 15–19) from four secondary medical schools in Vojvodina, Serbia. Factor structure and reliability were tested. Furthermore, criterion validity was tested via correlations with cannabis use and sensibility and specificity of CUIQ scores were determined. The cutoff points were calculated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results Model parameters for the original four-factor model were high. Moderate correlations were obtained between Intention and Subjective norms (SN), Intention and Self-efficacy to abstinence (SEA), and Attitude and SN, while the rest of the correlations were small. The results showed excellent Cronbach’s alphas of the SEA and Intention and good of the Attitude. The ROC curve analysis showed that Intention was the best predictor for cannabis use. Conclusions The results support the validity and good reliability of the Serbian adaptation of CUIQ scales, with the exception of SEA which was a poor predictor of actual cannabis use.

Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale (BeMaS) Across Serbian and US Samples and Further Validation

Abstract. The aim of this research was to validate the dual conception of envy in Serbian culture, measured by the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale (BeMaS). In Study 1 ( N = 404), the results confirmed cross-cultural invariance of the Malicious Envy scale across Serbian and US samples, with the US sample obtaining higher scores. However, two items in the Benign Envy scale showed significant differential item functioning across samples. Nonetheless, both scales in Serbian showed adequate measurement precision (information) and the expected distinction in relations with narcissistic admiration, narcissistic rivalry, and self-esteem, with more aversive characteristics associated with Malicious Envy. In Study 2 ( N = 404), Malicious Envy showed a negative relation with Conscientiousness and Openness, as well as higher negative correlations with Honesty-Humility, Agreeableness, psychopathy, and sadism compared to Benign Envy. Furthermore, Malicious Envy showed higher positive correlations with psychological distress, while Benign Envy showed negative correlations with some aspects of distress. The results support good psychometric properties of BeMaS scores of the Serbian adaptation and add to the cross-cultural validity of the dual conception of envy.

Psychometric characteristics of a Serbian translation of the unconditional self-acceptance questionnaire and the development of a short form

The Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire is extensively used in the assessment of one?s ability to evaluate their skills, actions, thoughts, and feelings, without a generalized evaluation of one?s worth or value. However, it has often been criticized for being contaminated with self-esteem items and, hence, theoretically incongruent. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the instrument and provided the first validation of the short Serbian adaptation of the USAQ. In Study 1 (n = 288), we examined the latent structure of the original USAQ translated to the Serbian language and found a three-factor solution, consisting of Conditional Self-Acceptance, Unconditional Self-Acceptance, and Attitudes About Human Worth. In Study 2 (n = 354), we sought to validate the shorter version of the scale. The twofactor solution, comprising Unconditional and Conditional Self-Acceptance, explained 51 % of the variance. Re-testing the two-factor structure on a different sample, the CFA revealed satisfactory fit indices. Apart from good internal consistency, the shortened scale showed comparable associations with appropriate convergent and discriminant constructs (e.g., explicit self-esteem, positive and negative state/trait affectivity, and the states of anxiety and depression), supporting the construct validity of the Serbian version. Further implications for research and therapeutic practice are discussed.

PROVERA KONSTRUKT VALIDNOSTI SRPSKE ADAPTACIJE REVIDIRANE COLLETT-LESTER SKALE STRAHA OD SMRTI

The aim of this study was to validate the Serbian adaptation of the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale–Revised (CLFODS-R). On a sample comprised of 263 participants (66% females), aged between 18 and 65 years, along with CLFODS-R, Big Five Plus Two-70 and PANAS were applied. Results support originally proposed factor structure of the scale, with differentiation of four dimensions: fear of death of self, fear of dying of self, fear of death of others, and fear of dying of others. All four dimensions significantly correlate with negative affect and neuroticism, while correlations with positive affect and extraversion are not significant, supporting the validity of the scale. Furthermore, females show higher scores on all dimensions, while older and participants with experience of the death of a close person show a lower fear of death in some of its aspects. The results suggested that the Serbian adaptation of CLFODS-R is a valid and reliable measure, and that it may find application in further examinations of fear of death.

Job crafting in Serbia: Serbian mixed-method validation of the Job Crafting Scale

The aim of the current study was to validate the Serbian adaptation of the Job Crafting Scale (JCS), applying both qualitative and quantitative approaches, within three studies totalling 832 employees from different industries. Job crafting is work behaviour aimed at modifying job tasks in order to enhance and maintain work motivation. In Study 1, we have tested the understanding of all items and their possible cultural embeddedness. In Study 2, we have tested the JCS factor structure, factors? reliability and validity. In Study 3, we have tested the invariance of the proposed models (Study 2 and Study 3 models) and criterion validity by analysing the correlation between the JCS and work engagement. Qualitative analysis has revealed that the majority of items transferred the intended meaning. Special care should be taken in interpreting the decreasing hindering job demands dimension scores, since these items might point toward behaviours that were not perceived as positive. With its overall reliability, second-order four-factor model invariance and criterion validity, originally composed 21-item JCS could be considered to be a valid instrument for assessing job crafting in Serbia. The present study has also shown that the 12-item JCS-Serbian short version has satisfactory psychometric properties and that it could be considered as a valid local job crafting scale.

Preliminarne psihometrijske karakteristike srpskih adaptacija skala za samoprocenu poremećaja pažnje i hiperaktivnosti kod odraslih - ASRS-v1.1 i ASRS-5

The aim of the research is to explore the psychometric characteristics of the Serbian adaptation of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist and Screener, as well as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5 (ASRS-5). In addition to these scales, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII) and the questions about frequency of risky behaviours (use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, overeating, and physical aggression) were administrated on the sample of 226 adults from the general population (43.8% males). The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor structure of the ASRS-5. The three-factor structure had the best fit indices for the ASRS-v1.1 Symptom Checklist (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity factors), while the two-factor structure was the best for the ASRS-v1.1 Screener (inattention and hyperactivity factors). However, there was a large profile similarity between factors, which calls into question their discriminant validity. All scales correlated significantly with dysfunctional impulsivity and aspects of psychological distress, with ASRS-5 having the largest number of correlations with risky behaviours. There were no sex differences, and correlations with age were negative. It can be concluded that, although all scales show satisfactory psychometric characteristics, ASRS-5 is the preferred one, given its clear one-dimensional structure and somewhat better validity.

Cross-cultural validation of the Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (RetTSQs) in Serbian community: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveCross-cultural translation and validation of the Serbian version of the Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (RetTSQs).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsThe study was conducted between June 2017 and June 2018 at tertiary care...

Testing the model of psychological flexibility in the Serbian cultural context: The psychometric properties of the acceptance and action questionnaire

The aim of this study was to examine the theoretical model of psychological flexibility proposed by creators of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. To do this, we investigated the structural and convergent validity of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire ? II, translated into the Serbian language. The study was performed on 1781 Serbian speaking adults. By methods of robust confirmatory factor analysis, two models have been tested. The best fit was achieved with the data-driven model constructed by adding three pairs of correlated residuals to the original hypothesized model of latent structure. This model demonstrated it`s structural invariance across samples divided by gender and by previous experience with services provided by mental health professionals. Excellent convergent validity of the scale was demonstrated through adequate correlations with indicators of subjective well-being, styles of emotional regulation, and coping strategies. Our findings suggest that the Serbian adaptation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire ? II is a valid and reliable measure of behavioral avoidance, implicating that the construct of psychological flexibility has been demonstrated as conceptually similar to those previously found across various languages and cultural contexts.

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory: Measurement Invariance Across Serbian and USA Samples and Further Validation

Abstract. The aim of this research was to explore measurement invariance across samples from Serbia and the USA (Study 1) and to further validate the Serbian adaptation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory – PNI (Study 2). The results supported the original seven-factor first-order structure as well as the hierarchical structure of the PNI with Narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability as the second-order factors. Further, scalar invariance between the two versions of the PNI was achieved. Relations between Narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability and other measures of grandiose and hypersensitive narcissism supported the validity of their scores. Among HEXACO traits, both Narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability showed substantial negative correlations with Honesty-Humility. The main distinctions between the two aspects of narcissism lie in the positive relations with Neuroticism and negative relations with self-esteem, both of which are higher for Narcissistic vulnerability. The results support good psychometric properties of the PNI scores and add to the PNI’s cross-cultural validity.