Single-item Scale Research Articles

Concurrent validity and sensitivity to change of Direct Behavior Rating Single-Item Scales (DBR-SIS) within an elementary sample.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity, sensitivity to change, and teacher acceptability of Direct Behavior Rating single-item scales (DBR-SIS), a brief progress monitoring measure designed to assess student behavioral change in response to intervention. Twenty-four elementary teacher-student dyads implemented a daily report card intervention to promote positive student behavior during prespecified classroom activities. During both baseline and intervention, teachers completed DBR-SIS ratings of 2 target behaviors (i.e., Academic Engagement, Disruptive Behavior) whereas research assistants collected systematic direct observation (SDO) data in relation to the same behaviors. Five change metrics (i.e., absolute change, percent of change from baseline, improvement rate difference, Tau-U, and standardized mean difference; Gresham, 2005) were calculated for both DBR-SIS and SDO data, yielding estimates of the change in student behavior in response to intervention. Mean DBR-SIS scores were predominantly moderately to highly correlated with SDO data within both baseline and intervention, demonstrating evidence of the former's concurrent validity. DBR-SIS change metrics were also significantly correlated with SDO change metrics for both Disruptive Behavior and Academic Engagement, yielding evidence of the former's sensitivity to change. In addition, teacher Usage Rating Profile-Assessment (URP-A) ratings indicated they found DBR-SIS to be acceptable and usable. Implications for practice, study limitations, and areas of future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Methods matter: A multi-trait multi-method analysis of student behavior

Reliable and valid data form the foundation for evidence-based practices, yet surprisingly few studies on school-based behavioral assessments have been conducted which implemented one of the most fundamental approaches to construct validation, the multitrait-multimethod matrix (MTMM). To this end, the current study examined the reliability and validity of data derived from three commonly utilized school-based behavioral assessment methods: Direct Behavior Rating – Single Item Scales, systematic direct observations, and behavior rating scales on three common constructs of interest: academically engaged, disruptive, and respectful behavior. Further, this study included data from different sources including student self-report, teacher report, and external observers. A total of 831 students in grades 3–8 and 129 teachers served as participants. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations of the MTMM, as well as single and multi-level structural equation modeling. Results suggested the presence of strong methods effects for all the assessment methods utilized, as well as significant relations between constructs of interest. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Psychophysical well-being profiles in patients before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The literature offers very few in-depth reports on the time directly before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Also, researchers have focused on selected aspects of psychophysical well-being and treated the sample as homogeneous. Thus, we chose to investigate distinct multidimensional well-being profiles (including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life [HRQOL] domains) among patients just before HSCT, as well as profile predictors (generalized self-efficacy) and outcomes (transplant appraisal) on the basis of the transactional stress model. Depression (CES-D), anxiety (HADS-A), HRQOL (EORTC QOL-C30), generalized self-efficacy (GSES), and transplant appraisal (single-item scale referred to threat and challenge) were measured in 290 patients (56.9% male; mean age=47.28, SD=13.79) after admission for HSCT (67.2% autologous). Unconditional and conditional latent profile analyses were applied. Four latent well-being profiles were identified: well-functioning (51%, highest well-being in all aspects), dysfunctional (10%, weakest functioning in all aspects), and 2 profiles with moderate HRQOL and high (5.6%) or low (33.4%) anxiety and depressive symptoms. Generalized self-efficacy predicted profile membership, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. The highest levels were observed in the well-functioning group (P<.01). Appraisal was predicted by latent profile analyses classes: low threat in the well-functioning group (P<.001) and the highest threat and challenge in the dysfunctional group (P<.01). The findings highlight the diverse nature of well-being in pre-HSCT patients and the manner in which transplant appraisal and generalized self-efficacy are related to different profiles of pre-HSCT multidimensional well-being, thus indicating the practical implications of the study.

Examining the Concurrent Criterion-Related Validity of Direct Behavior Rating–Single Item Scales With Students With Social Competence Deficits

A line of research has supported the development and validation of Direct Behavior Rating–Single Item Scales (DBR-SIS) for use in progress monitoring. Yet, this research was largely conducted within the general education setting with typically developing children. It is unknown whether the tool may be defensibly used with students exhibiting more substantial concerns, including students with social competence difficulties. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the concurrent validity of DBR-SIS in a middle school sample of students exhibiting substantial social competence concerns ( n = 58). Students were assessed using both DBR-SIS and systematic direct observation (SDO) across three target behaviors. Each student was enrolled in one of two interventions: the Social Competence Intervention or a business-as-usual control condition. Students were assessed across three time points, including baseline, mid-intervention, and postintervention. A review of across-time correlations indicated small to moderate correlations between DBR-SIS and SDO data ( r = .25–.45). Results further suggested that the relationships between DBR-SIS and SDO targets were small to large at baseline. Correlations attenuated over time, though differences across time points were not statistically significant. This was with the exception of academic engagement correlations, which remained moderate–high across all time points.

The Relationship between Happiness, Income, and Unemployment Rate in Arab and Western Countries

Happiness surveys have been conducted extensively by psychologists. More recently, economists have used happiness to assess welfare by combining the techniques typically used by economists with those more commonly used by psychologists. The aim of this study was to explore the happiness associations with per capita income and unemployment rate, using the single-item Self-Rating Scale of Happiness with samples of college students from six Arab countries, the UK, and USA (N = 3,023 total). The high-income countries (Qatar, Kuwait, UK, USA) obtained higher self-ratings of happiness than did the low-income countries (Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria). The correlations with per capita income (positive) and unemployment rate (negative) ranged from .48 to .67, but they were not statistically significant as a result of the small sample size. However, using descriptive statistics and t-tests, it was found that the high-income countries had significantly higher mean scores on happiness than the low-income countries. The correlations were significant with both Gallup World Poll (males and females) and the World Values Survey (males only), supporting the validity of the Self-Rating Scale of Happiness. It is recommended to replicate this study using a larger number of countries.

Selecting Appropriate Happiness Measures and Malleability: A Review

Happiness is everyone’s ultimate goal for having a meaningful and better life. To some, it means not something that easy to achieve but need a persistence effort to improve one’s life. However, very little empirical paper can be claim to be the most appropriate happiness measures. This study specifically attempts to 1) perform systematic review of identifying the concept of happiness in broader perspectives, 2) investigating the adequate information regarding the most frequently used happiness measures based on past studies and 3) make some conclusion based on findings. Computer search using systematic review procedures was grounded based on literature search namely a few search engines: Google Scholar, EBSCOHOST, open access academic journals by using predefined keywords in databases. The findings revealed a total of 15 potential instruments are used for measuring happiness and subjective wellbeing. These instruments consist of two perspectives which comprised of multi item and single item scale. This review found that lack of evidence should not be interpreted as implying lack of practice used. In conclusion, this study is also adequately as powered studies targeted as to proof the appropriate happiness measures using composite or single item scale for measuring happiness.

Predicting Connectedness with Nature among Survivors of the Joplin Tornado

Abstract The goal of this study was to examine the relationships among connectedness with nature, demographic factors, religious/spiritual beliefs, and psychological resilience in a postdisaster community. This study also investigated differences between those who were personally present versus those not present during the 2011 Joplin tornado. A total of 56 participants were solicited in Joplin while visiting the Cunningham Park Butterfly Garden and Overlook, a nature-based, greening intervention for postdisaster communities. Participants completed the Connectedness with Nature–Single Item (CWN-SI) scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, and a scale assessing spirituality/religiosity (SRB). A linear regression analysis with simultaneous entry revealed that both education and SRB, but not psychological resilience, were significantly predictive of CWN-SI scores. Deeper analysis found that a significant positive correlation between CWN-SI and SRB existed only among participants who did not personally experience t...

Bridging the Gap: Direct Behavior Rating–Single Item Scales

Direct Behavior Ratings (DBRs) are behavioral assessment methods that combine the benefits of systematic direct observation and behavior rating scales. That is, DBRs involve the observation of operationally defined target behaviors during a prespecified observation period and the evaluation of those behaviors via brief ratings. In this way, DBR is considered a hybrid assessment method. This article describes the landscape of DBR tools and provides an overview of the procedures and research currently available to support the use of one specific version, DBR–Single Item Scales (DBR-SIS), for progress monitoring within multi-tiered systems of support.

Risk Perception and Anxiety Regarding Radiation after the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident: A Systematic Qualitative Review.

The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the publications of the risk perceptions or anxiety regarding radiation among people living in Japan after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. Two database (MEDLINE and PsycINFO) and hand-searched the references in identified publications were searched. For each identified publication, the measurements and time related-change of risk perception and anxiety regarding radiation were summarized. Twenty-four publications were identified. Quantitative measures of risk perception or anxiety were roughly divided into two types: single-item Likert scales that measure anxiety about radiation; and theoretical, or model-based measures. Rates of Fukushima residents with radiation-related anxiety decreased from 2012 to 2015. Factors governing risk perception or radiation-related anxiety were summarized by demographics, disaster-related stressors, trusted information, and radiation-related variables. The effects of risk perception or anxiety regarding radiation were summarized as severe distress, intention to leave employment or not to return home, or other dimensions. This review provides summary of current findings on risk perception or anxiety regarding radiation in Japan after the accident. Further researches are needed about detailed statistical analysis for time-related change and causality among variables.

Direct Behavior Ratings: A Feasible and Effective Progress Monitoring Approach for Social and Behavioral Interventions

Despite significant advancements in supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral health in recent years, progress remains hindered by limited formative assessment options. The focus of this special issue is on applications for Direct Behavior Rating (DBR), which is a hybrid assessment method incorporating procedures utilized in direct observations and teacher ratings. Three articles in the special issue utilize multiple baseline designs to demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of DBR single-item scales, and a fourth article describes a multiple-item DBR applied to social behaviors. Expert commentaries provide perspectives on the current literature related to the assessment of social, emotional, and behavioral constructs in school settings and also chart a future course for continued study.

What’s up doc? A national cross-sectional study of psychological wellbeing of hospital doctors in Ireland

ObjectivesTo measure levels of psychological distress, psychological wellbeing and self-stigma in hospital doctors in Ireland.DesignNational cross-sectional study of randomised sample of hospital doctors. Participants provided sociodemographic data (age, sex, marital...

Insomnia and Autonomic Function Predict Well-Being in Patients Receiving Palliative Care.

The improvement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is one of the main treatment goals in end-of-life care. Although definitions and conceptualizations remain heterogeneous, many researchers proposed HRQOL to be considered as subjective patient well-being. However, research on its determinants in palliative care is rare, and little is known about the interplay between psychological and biological variables. The aim of this study was to explain differences in terminally ill patients' acute well-being (AWB) by use of a multimethod approach, examining both self-ratings and physiological predictors. The study was conducted on a palliative care unit in Heidelberg, Germany. A total of 69 adult patients receiving palliative care were included in the analysis. Patients filled out the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire and an additional single-item visual analogue scale on AWB. In addition, we recorded a five-minute segment of beat-to-beat fluctuations of heart rate (i.e., heart rate variability, HRV) and calculated three indices of cardiac autonomic function: mean heart rate, the root mean square of successive differences, and the standard deviation of normal-to-normal (SDNN) intervals. Exploratory, multiple regression analyses were used to identify significant predictors among the QLQ subscales and HRV parameters. Insomnia (p < 0.001) and SDNN (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with AWB and together explained 26.3% of the variance. All other predictors including pain, fatigue, and physical functioning failed to reach significance (all p > 0.05). Both autonomic dysfunction and sleep disturbances independently explained differences in patient's AWB among terminally ill patients. Their role within the concept of quality of life needs to be further addressed in future studies.

Relationship Between Spirituality, Meaning in Life, Psychological Distress, Wish for Hastened Death, and Their Influence on Quality of Life in Palliative Care Patients

ContextSpiritual, existential, and psychological issues represent central components of quality of life (QOL) in palliative care. A better understanding of the dynamic nature underlying these components is essential for the development of interventions tailored to the palliative context. ObjectivesThe aims were to explore 1) the relationship between spirituality, meaning in life, wishes for hastened death and psychological distress in palliative patients and 2) the extent to which these nonphysical determinants influence QOL. MethodsA cross-sectional study involving face-to-face interviews with Swiss palliative patients was performed, including the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMILE), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp), the Idler Index of Religiosity (IIR), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Schedule of Attitudes toward Hastened Death (SAHD). QOL was measured with a single-item visual analogue scale (0–10). ResultsTwo hundred and six patients completed the protocol (51.5% female; mean age = 67.5 years). The results indicated a significant negative relationship between FACIT-Sp/SMILE and HADS total scores (P = 0.000). The best model for QOL explained 32.8% of the variance (P = 0.000) and included the FACIT-Sp, SMILE, and SAHD total scores, the IIR “private religiosity” score, as well as the HADS “depression” score. ConclusionBoth spiritual well-being and meaning in life appear to be potential protective factors against psychological distress at the end of life. Since nonphysical determinants play a major role in shaping QOL at the end of life, there is a need for the development of meaning-oriented and spiritual care interventions tailored to the fragility of palliative patients.

Comparing the Single-item Visual Analog Scale with Multi-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to Diagnose Depression in Patients with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

Background: Depression is one of the common non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), which can have a negative effect on the quality of life of the patients. Therefore, it is necessary to have suitable, accurate, cheap, and simple diagnostic tools to identify depression in patients with PD and apply a proper treatment. The current study aimed at comparing the single-item visual analog scale (VAS) with the multi-item hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in respect to their sensitivity and specificity to diagnose depression in patients with idiopathic PD. Methods: The current cross sectional, comparative study employed the simple non-probability method and selected 79 patients with idiopathic PD, with the mean (SD) age of 59.10 (10.84) years and the average (SD) of disease progression level of 3.24 (1.13), based on Hoehn and Yahr scale. The single-item scale VAS and multi-item tests HADS and PHQ-9 were used as an index tests, and Beck depression inventory (BDI) was employed as the reference test to evaluate depression in 3 levels of lack of (or mild) depression, moderate depression, and severe depression using 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity. To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and the ability of each index test in order to diagnose depression, agreement percent of index tests with reference test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used. Results: The results of ROC analysis showed that VAS (AUC = 0.84) and HADS (AUC = 0.87) and PHQ-9 (AUC = 0.85) possessed similar abilities to discriminate depression in patients with PD. The sensitivity of VAS, HADS, and PHQ-9 tests in moderate or greater threshold were 92%, 96%, and 89%, respectively, and in severe threshold were 64%, 79%, and 49%, respectively. Specificity of these tests in moderate or greater threshold were 42%, 50%, and 62%, respectively, and in severe threshold were 88%, 77%, and 88%, respectively. The highest agreement level with BDI in mild/moderate and severe levels of depression were found in VAS and PHQ-9, respectively. Conclusions: The single-item scale VAS, similar to multi-item tests HADS and PHQ-9, had a low to high sensitivity and specificity to diagnose depression in moderate or greater and severe thresholds in patients with PD.

School: One world or two worlds? Children's perspectives

The interlinguistic and intercultural comparability of school satisfaction as a component of subjective well-being (SWB) is analysed using a sample of 11 to 14-year-olds extracted from the Children's Worlds international database, which includes 15 countries (N=17,246). To this end, two multi-item scales and one single-item scale on overall life satisfaction were adopted as indicators of SWB. Six items on satisfaction with different facets of school life were included as subjective indicators of school satisfaction.Previous analyses conducted by different authors in several countries were replicated by means of multiple regression analysis in order to explore which items could be better used to test models which alternatively use one or two latent variables. Different options were considered and analysed using Structural Equations Modelling (SEM) to estimate the most appropriate model for a cross-country comparison of school satisfaction as a component of SWB. Multi-group SEM was used on six items regarding school-related satisfaction, related alternatively to one and two latent variables. We propose a multi-group model with two latent variables for school-related satisfaction related to the SLSS and OLS for the purposes of cross-cultural comparison; the model displays excellent fit indexes.

Formative Assessment Using Direct Behavior Ratings: Evaluating Intervention Effects of Daily Behavior Report Cards

This study examined the treatment sensitivity of Direct Behavior Rating–Single Item Scales (DBR-SIS) in response to an evidence-based intervention delivered in a single-case, multiple-baseline design. DBR-SIS was used as a formative assessment in conjunction with a frequently used intervention in schools, a Daily Behavior Report Card (DRC). The intervention and concurrent assessment were conducted by five teachers in a rural Midwestern elementary school with five male students displaying mild to moderate behavioral challenges in the classroom. Study findings indicated DBR-SIS displays appropriate treatment sensitivity following intervention implementation. Agreement in the documentation of response and nonresponse to intervention implementation between DBR-SIS and systematic direct observation (SDO) data was evident across visual and empirical analyses. In addition, through a multiple-baseline design, this study documented negligible to no change in student behavior following implementation of a DRC in an applied classroom setting. These findings support previous calls for continued examination of the forms and components of DRC employed in schools. Finally, the study found educators rated the use of a combined DRC intervention and progress monitoring with DBR-SIS as favorable.

Use of direct behavior ratings to collect functional assessment data.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the utility of Direct Behavior Rating Single Item Scale (DBR-SIS) methodology in collecting functional behavior assessment data. Specific questions of interest pertained to the evaluation of the accuracy of brief DBR-SIS ratings of behavioral consequences and determination of the type of training necessary to support such accuracy. Undergraduate student participants (N = 213; 62.0% male; 62.4% White) viewed video clips of students in a classroom setting, and then rated both disruptive behavior and 4 consequences of that behavior (i.e., adult attention, peer attention, escape/avoidance, and access to tangibles/activities). Results indicated training with performance feedback was necessary to support the generation of accurate disruptive behavior and consequence ratings. Participants receiving such support outperformed students in training-only, pretest-posttest, and posttest-only groups for disruptive behavior and all 4 DBR-SIS consequence targets. Future directions for research and implications for practice are discussed, including how teacher ratings may be collected along with other forms of assessment (e.g., progress monitoring) within an efficient Tier 2 assessment model. (PsycINFO Database Record

The utility of single-item readiness screeners in middle school

This study examined the benefit of utilizing one-item academic and one-item behavior readiness teacher-rated screeners at the beginning of the school year to predict end-of-school year outcomes for middle school students. The Middle School Academic and Behavior Readiness (M-ABR) screeners were developed to provide an efficient and effective way to assess readiness in students. Participants included 889 students in 62 middle school classrooms in an urban Missouri school district. Concurrent validity with the M-ABR items and other indicators of readiness in the fall were evaluated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, with the academic readiness item having medium to strong correlations with other baseline academic indicators (r=±0.56 to 0.91) and the behavior readiness item having low to strong correlations with baseline behavior items (r=±0.20 to 0.79). Next, the predictive validity of the M-ABR items was analyzed with hierarchical linear regressions using end-of-year outcomes as the dependent variable. The academic and behavior readiness items demonstrated adequate validity for all outcomes with moderate effects (β=±0.31 to 0.73 for academic outcomes and β=±0.24 to 0.59 for behavioral outcomes) after controlling for baseline demographics. Even after controlling for baseline scores, the M-ABR items predicted unique variance in almost all outcome variables. Four conditional probability indices were calculated to obtain an optimal cut score, to determine ready vs. not ready, for both single-item M-ABR scales. The cut point of “fair” yielded the most acceptable values for the indices. The odd ratios (OR) of experiencing negative outcomes given a “fair” or lower readiness rating (2 or below on the M-ABR screeners) at the beginning of the year were significant and strong for all outcomes (OR=2.29 to OR=14.46), except for internalizing problems. These findings suggest promise for using single readiness items to screen for varying negative end-of-year student outcomes.

主观幸福感度量研究进展及其对智慧城市建设的启示 = Measures of subjective well-being: A review

In recent years, subjective well-being has attracted increasing attention in psychology, economics, and sociology. Geographical studies on the topic in English language is also growing rapidly. Since measurement is the foundation of empirical studies, this article reviews the major approaches to measuring subjective well-being.We first provide a theoretical framework of subjective well-being, in which two major components are identified: the cognitive component which is mainly known as life satisfaction; and the affective well-being which is usually termed as positive affect and negative affect. Each component can be further divided according to its temporal span. Previous studies mainly adopt self-reported scales to measure different components of subjective well-being, while some facial or ecological indicators are also developed to measure short-term emotions. The self-reported scales are quite flexible and probably provide the most proper insights into individuals' subjectively experienced well-being. These scales can be classified into two types: while the reflective scales select items based on a latent model, the formative scales consider the items as different facets which can be aggregated within an aggregate model or profile model. In general, more reflective scales of subjective well-being have been developed as compared to formative scales. The most widely used scales to measure life satisfaction include the single-item self-anchoring scale and the 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale.Some formative scales such as the 8-item Personal Well-Being Index(PWI) were also developed to assess one's global life satisfaction. The most often applied measures of affective well-being include the single-item Gurin scale, the multi-item core affect model, and PANAS. Special methods such as the Experience Sampling Method and Day Reconstruction Method and artificial indicators such as U-index were also developed to measure emotional experiences in activity episodes. The current article also reviews the strengths and weakness of those measures. In order to reduce the biases and errors of measurement caused by respondents' cognitive process and the artificially assigned weights for various sub-domains, the multi-item reflective scales are recommended.However, future studies should develop better understanding of the convergence among various measures of subjective well-being. It is also necessary to pay more attention to the cognitive mechanism of evaluating global well-being and select proper models in empirical analysis. Based on the review of measures of subjective wellbeing and empirical studies in English literature, this article proposes some important topics and issues for future studies in Chinese human geography. This review article mainly contributes to existing literature by providing a framework to understand and design measures of subjective well-being and introducing some widely adopted scales which are readily available for the Chinese geographers to collect data in future studies. This article also points out that existing studies about smart cities mainly focus on the application of information technologies in the analysis of urban built environment and human activities. However, not many studies have investigated the question to what extent smart cities may promote people's subjective well-being. Therefore, the measures of subjective well-being summarized in this article may provide a pool of indicators to monitor national well-being and facilitate the development of smarter cities.

Predicting sugar-sweetened behaviours with theory of planned behaviour constructs: Outcome and process results from the SIPsmartER behavioural intervention

Objective: Guided by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and health literacy concepts, SIPsmartER is a six-month multicomponent intervention effective at improving SSB behaviours. Using SIPsmartER data, this study explores prediction of SSB behavioural intention (BI) and behaviour from TPB constructs using: (1) cross-sectional and prospective models and (2) 11 single-item assessments from interactive voice response (IVR) technology.Design: Quasi-experimental design, including pre- and post-outcome data and repeated-measures process data of 155 intervention participants.Main Outcome Measures: Validated multi-item TPB measures, single-item TPB measures, and self-reported SSB behaviours. Hypothesised relationships were investigated using correlation and multiple regression models.Results: TPB constructs explained 32% of the variance cross sectionally and 20% prospectively in BI; and explained 13–20% of variance cross sectionally and 6% prospectively. Single-item scale models were significant, yet explained less variance. All IVR models predicting BI (average 21%, range 6–38%) and behaviour (average 30%, range 6–55%) were significant.Conclusion: Findings are interpreted in the context of other cross-sectional, prospective and experimental TPB health and dietary studies. Findings advance experimental application of the TPB, including understanding constructs at outcome and process time points and applying theory in all intervention development, implementation and evaluation phases.