Sten Scores Research Articles

Assessment of anthropometric and physical profi le of selected school-age children in rural and urban setting in South-West Nigeria (NigeriaLINX pilot)

Objective: the objective of this study was to examine the anthropometric and physical profile of selected school-age children in rural and urban setting.Methods: the descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study while multistage sampling techniques, which included simple random and systematicsampling techniques, were used to draw samples from the target population. The sample constitute healthy children who voluntarily participated in the study after consent for participation was given by individual parent. Anthropometric measurements for the study included height, weight, sitting height and BMI while the physical fitness tests for the study included sit and reach, handgrip strength, speed bounce, standing broad jump, 10m x 5 shuttles run and multistage fitness test. Z score, STEN score and independent T-Test were used for data analysis.Results: a total of 222 healthy children with average age of 10 years (male=112, female=109) participated in the study. The results showed that the urban children were taller (Urban=141.3±9.2m; Rural=134±21.3m), heavier (Urban=37.6±10.4kg; Rural=28.2±6.2kg), had more leg power (Urban=105.7±25.5; Rural=49.4±41.0) and arm strength (Urban=15.7±4.1; Rural=13.4±5.2) than rural children. However, the rural children had higher sit and reach score (Rural=25.3±5.8; Urban=22.8±6.0) and completed more laps in multistage fi tness test (Rural=35.5±25.5; Urban=12±5.7). The statistical analysis showed that all the variables were signifi cantly differenturban and rural children (P<0.05).Conclusion: the current study shows that the children in the urban and rural settings diff ered in the selected anthropometric and physical variables. Therefore, the physical education program and infrastructural facilities for physical activity and sport participation for school age children should be designed based on the socioeconomic status, social amenities and level of development of thehost community.

Association of the rs3864283 Polymorphism Located in the HINT1 Gene with Cigarette Use and Personality Traits.

Nicotine is the major reinforcing component of tobacco and it is believed that the pharmacological effects of nicotine motivate the initiation and maintenance of a smoking habit. HINT1 appears to play a role in the modulation of the effects of drug abuse. Hence, the aim of this study was the analysis of the association between the rs3864283 polymorphism of the HINT1 gene and cigarette use; the analysis of personality traits assessed by the means of the NEO-FFI Inventory; the analysis of anxiety measured by the STAI questionnaire; and the analysis of the interactions between the rs3864283 and both personality traits and anxiety. The study group consisted of 522 volunteers. Of these, 371 were cigarette users and 151 were never-smokers. The genomic DNA was isolated from venous blood using standard procedures. The results of both inventories, i.e., NEO-FFI and STAI., were reported as the sten scores. Genotyping was conducted with the real-time PCR method. Statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of rs3864283 genotypes and alleles in the tested sample of Cigarette Users when compared to the control group. The Cigarette Users compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of NEO-FFI extraversion scale, and significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI openness scale, the agreeableness scale, and the conscientiousness scale. There was a statistically significant effect of rs3864283 genotype interaction and Cigarette Use or not using (control group) on the extraversion scale. There was also a statistically significant effect of Cigarette Users or the control group on the extraversion scale score. The results obtained in the presented study indicated a significant association between the HINT1 rs3864283 variant and smoking status. Moreover, this is the first study incorporating genetic association of above-mentioned polymorphic site with interaction analysis of personality traits and anxiety. Overall, the results of this study suggest that HINT1 is an important genetic component associated with nicotine usage mechanisms.

Waterproofing Performance Grade Proposal through Standard Test Result Comparison of Self Adhesive Rubberized Asphalt Sheet

This study reviewed new concept waterproofing performance gradation to respond to the limit of unified single standard performance standard used in each country from the past until now. This study was carried out using the standard test data from 34 products tested and evaluated by Korea’s national quality test institution for 2 years (2018~2019) based on national standard specification (KS F 4934, Self-Adhesive Rubberized Asphalt Sheet). Major proposal contents utilized the result values of 9 waterproofing performance evaluation criteria included in the national standard specification. Major study contents and results are as follows. Existing widely used domestic and overseas standard grading (Stanine, Sten Scores, Grade 5 Scale, energy consumption efficiency, and other grading) theories were investigated and analyzed. Based on the analysis contents, standard Grade 5 Scale system suitable for waterproofing material performance grading was selected and applied. Grade sections were set according to the application ratio for each grade section of Grade 5 Scale (grade 1 with 10%, grade 2 with 20%, grade 3 with 40%, grade 4 with 20% and grade 5 with 10%). According to the set sections, performance grades were derived for 9 test criteria of 34 products. Section setting standard for grade section was derived centered on the performance result values of 9 criteria. As a result, average value of waterproofing performance of each of 9 test criteria for 34 products was verified to have 1.2 times to 7.52 times higher performance value than the minimum quality standard (based on grade 5). Such results sufficiently showed the limit of the current unified single standard performance application. Also, as a solution for waterproofing quality degradation problem, possibility to apply the waterproofing performance grading of this study was verified. Therefore, through this study, it is decided that new concept quality standard to pursue future waterproofing industry development can be set, quality reinforcement is possible by performance grading for each product and sustainable waterproofing performance maintaining effect at the waterproofing construction site can be expected with the use of such gradation.

Mental Health and the SARS-COV-2 Epidemic-Polish Research Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the mental state of Poles in the first weeks of the SARS-COV-2 epidemic. Methods: In the study, the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-18), The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Mini-Cope were used. Results: The study was conducted on a group of 443 individuals, including 348 women (78.6%) and 95 men (21.4%). There were more women (χ2 = 6.42, p = 0.02) in the group of people with high results in the GHQ-28 questionnaire and the differentiating factors between those with sten scores above 7 (significantly deteriorated mental health) and those with average or low results (sten score below 7) turned out to be: treatment for mental disorders before the pandemic (χ2 = 19.57, p < 0.001) and the use of psychotherapy during the pandemic (χ2 = 4.21, p = 0.04) and psychiatric pharmacotherapy (χ2 = 8.31, p = 0.01). The presence of suicidal thoughts since the appearance of the pandemic-related restraints and limitations significantly differentiates the compared groups (χ2 = 38.48, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Every fourth person in the examined group (over 26% of the respondents) recorded results that indicate a high probability of mental functioning disorders. Approximately 10% of the respondents signalled the occurrence of suicidal thoughts since the beginning of the pandemic. The respondents complain mainly about problems in everyday life, lack of satisfaction from one’s own activities, tension, trouble sleeping, and feelings of exhaustion. Individuals with significantly reduced mental well-being use non-adaptive coping strategies, such as denying problems, emotional discharge, taking substances, discontinuation of action, and blaming themselves for the situation. The risk factors for the deterioration of the mental state of the respondents during the pandemic include psychiatric treatment before the beginning of the pandemic, the presence of suicidal thoughts during forced isolation, and the use of non-adaptive coping strategies (denial of the existence of problems, emotional discharge, use of psychoactive substances, discontinuation of action, and blaming oneself for the situation).

The risk of mental disorders in patients with disorders/differences of sex differentiation/development (DSD) and Y chromosome.

Patients with disorders/differences of sex differentiation/development (DSD) are exposed to physical and mental suffering. The aim of the study was to assess the following: the mental health status and the risk of mental problems in adult DSD patients, their dependence on therapeutic procedures, and to identify groups of disorders that require particular psychological support. The study involved 59 patients with DSD (gonadal dysgenesis - GD, androgen insensitivity syndrome - AIS, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, ovotestis), and with the Y chromosome in the karyotype, aged 16-65 years. All completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) for the assessment of their mental health status. Raw results were converted into sten scores using norms for the Polish adult population to assess the risk of mental problems. A high risk of mental problems was identified in 24% of individuals (26% men, 21% women). Women, when compared with men, displayed a significantly higher mean level of anxiety and insomnia (7.3 vs. 4.6 scores) and somatic symptoms (7.4 vs. 5.5), and worse general mental health status (25.6 vs. 18.8). The most disturbing symptoms were observed among patients with complete and partial AIS, and complete GD (general mental health status: 39.5, 24.3, and 24.2, respectively), women lacking a vagina (27.2), and without an enlarged clitoris (27.5). Patients after genital surgery had significantly fewer somatic symptoms (5.4 vs. 7.8; p < 0.05) and better general mental health status in comparison to those without surgery (20.1 vs. 24.9; p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between patients using hormone replacement therapy and those who were not. The individuals with DSD and Y chromosome in the karyotype have increased risk of developing mental problems in comparison to the general Polish population. The risk factors seem to be as follows: female gender, the lack of a vagina, the lack of virilisation (no enlarged clitoris), and no genital operations performed. In some cases, sex hormone replacement therapy may be also the risk of mental problems. Particularly vulnerable groups are CAIS, PAIS, and CGD. The psychological support and an individual approach to particular needs of these patients is necessary.

Level of health behaviours of HCV infected patients treated with dialysotherapy

Introduction. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the greatest epidemiological risks worldwide (3% infected globally). Dialysis patients are the group at high risk of infections transmitted via blood, are often infected with HCV virus, and suffer from acute or chronic hepatitis. Anti-health behaviours enhance the process of liver fibrosis. The objective of the study was recognition of the level of health behaviours in HCV-infected haemodialysis patients. Materials and Method. The study included 149 adult patients on dialysis infected with HCV, hospitalized in two dialysotherapy centres: the Military Medical Institute and Clinical Hospital in Warsaw. In the study there also participated family members and acquaintances of students of the Higher School in Radom. The study was conducted during the first half of 2017 by a diagnostic survey, using research instrument Health Behaviours Inventory (HBI) according to Z. Juczyński. The questionnaire concerned: eating habits, prophylactic behaviours, everyday health practice, and positive psychological attitude.Results. 73.8% of respondents presented a high level of health behaviours (7–10 sten scores), mediocre - 19.5% (5–6 sten scores), and low – 6.7% (1–4 sten scores). The highest mean value evidencing health promoting life style of the patients was observed with respect to prophylactic behaviours (4.0±0.4), while eating habits and health practices were on the level 3.9±0.4-0.5. The lowest value indicating the least pro-health behaviours concerned positive psychological attitude (3.7±0.4). Conclusions. The overall rate of health behaviours of dialysed HCV patients was high. The dominant category was prophylactic behaviours, whereas the lowest results were obtained with respect to positive psychological attitude. The respondents infected with HCV for longer than 10 years, mainly males, those aged 60-84, with primary vocational education, living in rural areas, and non-active occupationally, had the greatest needs for psychotherapy. It is necessary to provide psychological support for dialysis patients infected with HCV.

Aggression among nurses

Abstract Introduction: Aggression among nurses is a topic that is lively and often touched. However, the level of nurses’ aggression needs to be analyzed with regard to stress, personality traits, and sociodemographic variables. The aim of this study was to assess the level of aggression among nurses with regard to stress, personality, sociodemographic data, and work-related factors. Materials and methods: The study involved 189 nurses employed in West Pomeranian hospitals. The research instruments were: the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Neuroticism-Extroversion-Openness-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and a self-developed questionnaire concerning sociodemographic data. Results: Chronic stress, longer work experience, neurotic personality, place of residence, and the form of employment, translate into aggression experienced by nurses. The general aggression rate according to the BPAQ was 69.9 ±18. According to the PSS-10, the largest group of respondents (38.62%) were nurses with the highest stress levels (7–10 sten scores). The nurses with higher perceived stress levels were more prone to anger, verbal aggression and hostility (p &lt; 0.00). Conclusions: Aggression in the nursing environment is common and is determined by the severe stress faced by nurses. Unquestionably, the levels of stress and aggression are directly proportional. The most common personality traits among nurses are conscientiousness and agreeableness. A higher level of neuroticism is associated with proneness to aggression. The level of aggression is determined by sociodemographic data, stress, and personality traits. Variables that characterize nurses showing aggressive behaviors are: having children, advanced age, and living in a city with a population of up to 100,000, as well as having several jobs and a contract for a specific task as a form of employment.

Assessment of health behaviors, nutritional behaviors, and self-efficacy in patients with morbid obesity.

The objective of the study was to assess the frequency of health and nutritional behaviors concerning emotional, habitual, and restrictive eating as well as to evaluate self efficacy in patientswith morbid obesity and determine the correlation between patients'BMI index and their health behaviors as well as self-efficacy. The study included 37 patients diagnosed with class two and three obesity, aged 18-62 (M = 39.94; SD = 12.20). Patients' BMI ranged from 36 to 60 kg/m2 (M = 43.50; SD = 5.36). Research tools used in the study: the Inventory of Lifestyle Behaviors (ILB), the Dietary Behaviors Questionnaire (DBQ), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Patients with morbid obesity were characterized by medium (men; a sten score of 5) and low (women; a sten score of 4) intensity of health behaviors. Subjects showed a tendency for negative nutritional behaviors, emotional and habitual eating as well as dietary restrictions. General self-efficacy ranged between sten scores of 4 to 10, with mean at a high level (a sten score of 7). Patients with morbid obesity need health, nutritional, and psychological education.

Evaluation of the health behaviors of women in multiple pregnancies - a preliminary study.

The aim of the paper was to assess which health behavior indicators were characteristic for women with a multiple pregnancy. The study involved 35 women in multiple pregnancies. The inclusion criteria were: the completion of the 22nd week of pregnancy (22 Hbd, i.e., 22 weeks and 1/7) and the consent of the women to participate in the study. We used an original questionnaire devised by us specifically for our study, as well as a standardized research tool, Juczyński's Health Behavior Inventory questionnaire, for the assessment of the pregnant women's health behaviors. The overall rate of health behaviors was high and was on average 93.9 ± 10.8 points (7 sten scores). Indicators of the health behaviors of women in multiple pregnancies were high across all categories. However, the highest rate was observed in preventive behaviors. The overall rate of health behaviors of women with a multiple pregnancy and all the individual behavior category indicators were high. However, the highest rate was for preventive behaviors. The indicator values of the health behaviors of the pregnant women in the study were not dependent on the variables adopted in this paper.

Surgical method of treatment and level of satisfaction with life among women diagnosed with breast cancer, according to time elapsed since performance of surgery.

In women diagnosed with breast cancer one of the methods most commonly applied in therapy is surgical treatment, which consists in a breast conserving surgery or total removal of the breast. The applied type of surgical treatment may exert an effect on the satisfaction with life of the women. The aim of the study was evaluation of the satisfaction with life among women surgically treated for breast cancer, according to the type of surgery on the breast, and the time elapsed since its performance. The study included 121 patients of the Sub-Carpathian Oncology Centre in Brzozów, south-east Poland, who had undergone surgical treatment due to breast cancer. The women expressed their informed consent to participate in the study. The method of a diagnostic survey was applied. The women obtained a mediocre result in satisfaction with life - 5.64 sten scores. Patients who had undergone mastectomy had a considerably lower level of satisfaction with life, compared to those after breast-conserving surgery (4.73 sten scores vs. 6.30 sten scores). Evaluations of the satisfaction with life in the examined group significantly differed according to the time elapsed since performance of surgery. There is a need for undertaking actions directed to women who have undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer within the period from 2-5 years, aimed at improving the satisfaction with life in this group of patients. In addition, special support should be provided for women who have undergone mastectomy, especially during the period of more than 1 and up to 2 years.

Satisfaction with life among women with breast cancer – selected demographic and social factors

The aim of the study was evaluation of satisfaction with life among women ill with breast cancer, with consideration of selected demographic and social factors. In the study participated 121 patients from the Sub-Carpathian Oncology Centre in Brzozów, Poland, who had undergone surgical treatment due to breast cancer. The method of a diagnostic survey was used. The research instruments were an author-constructed questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Women who received surgical treatment due to breast cancer evaluated their satisfaction with life on a mediocre level. Younger patients had a lower satisfaction with life than those who were older. Women living in urban areas evaluated their satisfaction with life in more positive terms than rural women. In turn, education level, marital status and material standard had no effect on the level of satisfaction with life among the women in the study. According to the SWLS, women with the diagnosis of breast cancer obtained a mean result of 5.64 sten scores Younger women evaluated their satisfaction with life in more positive terms than those who were older. Women who lived in urban areas obtained a considerably higher result according to the SWLS, compared to rural inhabitants. Marital status, education level, material standard and occupational activity of the women were insignificant in the respondents' evaluation of satisfaction with life.

Stress prevalence and stressors among anaesthesiology and intensive care unit workers: A multicentre survey study

BackgroundHigh stress levels have been commonly reported among ICU workers. Currently, anaesthesiology is safer for the patient but more stressful for the staff working in this branch of medicine. ICU and anaesthesiology personnel are prone to stress because of the specific character of their work. ObjectivesOur objectives were to assess stress prevalence among anaesthesiology and ICU workers to compare this stress prevalence in relation to professional groups, sex, job seniority, and type of hospital and describe the importance of major stressors at work. MethodsThe ICU and anaesthesiology workers of 15 randomly selected Polish hospitals were surveyed. To assess stress prevalence, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used. The analysis included 544 surveys. ResultsThe examined population was divided into two groups. Group N consisted of 406 nurses (74.60%) and group P of 138 physicians (25.40%). The mean result in the PSS-10 scale for the N group was 19.00 and for the P group 17.00. Both group results were related to a 6 sten score, which implied a medium level of stress. In the N group, the PSS-10 results were significantly higher than in the P group. Women showed higher levels of stress than men. ConclusionsStress levels among ICU and anaesthesiology personnel were of a medium range. Nurses showed significantly higher levels of stress than physicians. Female personnel showed higher levels of stress than male personnel. Age, job seniority and type of hospital did not have an influence on stress levels. The most stressful circumstances for anaesthesiology and ICU personnel included night shifts and duty overload.

Health-Related Behaviours, Physical Activity and Perceived Life Satisfaction in the Academic Youth of Pedagogical Subjects in Cracow

The aim of the study was to analyse the correlation between the level of satisfaction with life, health-related behaviours and physical activity in the group of academic youth studying pedagogical subjects at chosen universities in Cracow. The following variables were used and characterized: levels of satisfaction with life, health-related behaviours and physical activity. The study verifi es the hypothesis that the academic youth characterized by higher levels of satisfaction with life will be show a wider scale of pro-health behaviours and higher levels of physical activity. The study was conducted in a random group of 486 participants – 416 women (85.60%) and 70 men (14.40%) in the age 22–28 years (average: 23 years). The group consisted of undergraduates (3rd year of bachelor studies) at pedagogical studies from three universities in Cracow: Pedagogical University of Cracow (66.26%), the Jagiellonian University (25.31%) and Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University (8.43% ). The standardised Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) by Diener et al. in the Polish adaptation by Z. Juczyński (2009) was used for the purpose of measuring the satisfaction with life. The Inventory of Health-Related Behaviours (IHRB) by Juczyński (2009) was used for the assessment of 4 categories of health-related behaviours: proper nutrition habits (PNH), prophylaxis (P), pro-health practices (PHP) and positive attitude (PA). The intensity of pro-health behaviours was assessed with the use of the proper sten scores (Juczyński 2009). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – Short Form was used to assess the levels of physical activity. The above presented authors’ own research show that the majority of Cracow students of pedagogical subjects was characterized by an average satisfaction with life, and low levels of pro-health behaviours, as well as an adequate level of physical activity. Statistically signifi cant diversity in some pro-health behaviours and physical activities were discovered. They were found to be related to such factors as sex, intensity of certain pro-health behaviours, and satisfaction with life among academic youth.

EPA-1036 – A five-factor analysis of personality traits in alcohol-dependent people entering treatment

Personality assessment of individuals entering treatment for alcohol dependence appears to play a key role in planning the therapy as well as in establishing viable therapeutic treatment goals and their implementation. High Neuroticism and low Conscientiousness (NEO-PI-R) are associated with problematic drinking and alcohol dependence and promote relapse. Investigation of the personality in alcohol-dependent people entering treatment. The aim of the current study is to analyze the personality traits of alcohol-dependent people in relation to Polish population norms. Results for 977 alcohol-dependent patients at the beginning of the treatment programme were subjected to analysis. The focus group comprised 743 men (76%) and 234 women (24%); the average age was 42 years. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO PI-R Personality Inventory adapted into Polish, taking into account age and gender. The method of agglomeration and k -means clustering for k = 2 were used. A comparison of the sten scores of the entire group with population standards did not reveal any deviations in the core factors; however, three components of Neuroticism displayed higher values. Two clusters emerged: the first group consisted of 556 patients (59%), and the second of 421 patients (41%). The first profile, characterised by high Neuroticism and low Conscientiousness, is compatible with the majority of results in various populations and predisposes to alcohol abuse, addiction and post-treatment recurrence. The second profile corresponded to the population standard and the presence of traits which are desirable resources in treatment.

Personality profiles of recreational scuba divers

Although classified as an extreme sport, recreational scuba diving differs substantially from other forms of extreme sport. As a result, several researchers have theorized that scuba divers would display unique personality traits but little research has thus far been conducted regarding the issue. Previous investigations tended to group participants of different types of extreme sports together before conducting personality studies. The aim of the present study was to explore which personality traits are prevalent amongst recreational scuba divers. In order to control for extraneous variables such as the level of proficiency in scuba diving and the interrelation between individuals and their natural environment, it was decided to include entry-level divers from the same geographical area in the sample. Sixty divers participated in the study. A personality questionnaire, the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire Part I, was administered. Sten scores were used as units of analysis. Frequency tables revealed high scores on self-sufficiency, boldness and impulsivity and low scores on conformity, warmth and sensitivity. The findings indicated that divers’ personality traits differ from what the literature indicated to be typical of the extreme athlete’s personality profile. An exploratory factor analysis was performed and four personality types, namely the adventurer, the rationalist, the dreamer and the passive-aggressive macho diver were identified. The results suggested that the amount of high-risk behaviour displayed by the diver would be dependent upon his/her personality type.Key words: Extreme sport, recreational scuba diving, entry-level recreational scuba divers, personality traits, personality profiles.

Prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms and correlates of depressive symptoms among college students on Jeju Island in Korea

Objectives： The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms, and the correlates of depressive symptoms, and to propose countermeasures for individual depression risk factors among college students.Methods： One university and three colleges in Jeju-do were selected as the study population and a total of 1000 students were selected by multiphasic cluster sampling to represent each department and year within each college. Of the 945 total respondents, 421 were men and 524 were women. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to evaluate depression and the BDI STEN score was used to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed for comparisons.Results： The prevalence of depression among male and female students was comparable, at 9.3% and 9.8%, respectively. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among men was 14.4%, while among women the level rose to 26.8%. Tliose with poor life satisfaction scores were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms than those with good life satisfaction (odds ratio (OR) = 2.62; (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.483-4.629). Students over 23 years old were significantly less likely to have low depressive symptoms than those under 18 (OR = 0.439; 95% Cl, 0.247-0.779). Groups with poor body image satisfaction were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms when compared to respondents who had good body image (OR = 2.847; 95% CI, 1.341-6.045). Students with poor perceived health status were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms than those with good perceived health status (OR = 2.029; 95%CI, 1.157-3.557).Conclusion： In conclusion, universities and colleges should provide education programs, such as health education that facilitates the development of a healthy body image. In addition, they should focus on various scholarships that could improve satisfaction with student life, especially for alienated students. Furthermore, colleges should help direct students towards engagement in more productive work, and lead social policies away from the dominance of appearance.

Factor structure of the Preschool Personality Questionnaire in Iran.

This study is of Triandis's pseudoetic variety, not a cross-cultural study per se. The Preschool Personality Questionnaire which was standardized in the SA and partially standardized in Colombia was administered to 600 preschool children in Iran. Data from the entire sample were analyzed by both principal components, maximum likelihood, and alpha factor analyses. 14 factors were derived. Odd and even records were likewise factored. Six of the first seven factors were found and matched from odd to even cases. At least five of the total sample factors were judged by inspection to match similar dimensions in the USA. Factor scores for children in the standardizing sample were created by postmultiplying the raw score matrix by the 14-factor "reduced" factor structure matrix. These raw factor scores were then converted to STEN scores. Utilizing the entire sample factor structure matrix, factor scores and sten scores were derived for each of the 4-, 5-, and 6-yr.-old groups. By use of the norms based on this sample of Iranian children, further experiments can be carried out to investigate development of preschool children and other variables in Iran similar to those studied in the West.

Utility of the School Motivation Analysis Test in predicting second language acquisition

The School Motivation Analysis Test (SMAT) is a 190‐item, objective (T‐data), multidimensional instrument for measuring factor analytically derived adolescent motivation dimensions. The SMAT was administered to 109 high school students (63 females, 46 males) enrolled in a Melbourne metropolitan foreign language school. Sten scores on the SMAT dynamic source traits (Assertiveness, Mating/Sex, Fear/Escape, Narcism, Pugnacity, Protectiveness, Self‐sentiment, Superego, School Orientation, and Home Orientation) were used to predict achievement (combined across Comprehension, Grammar, Written Expression, and Oral Expression) via separate stepwise forward multiple regression analyses for each of five subgroups of SMAT variables (Integrated, Unintegrated, Total, Conflict, and Derivative components, respectively). SMAT dynamics accounted for up to 34 per cent of the achievement variance (males) and 26 per cent (females). Integrated Superego and Assertiveness sentiments were significant predictors of learning. However, only for the Total (U + I) stens, was Self‐sentiment a significant predictor. The derivative stens accounted for 15 per cent of the achievement variance (males), and 12 per cent (females). Results also showed that gender was a major determinant of achievement outcomes, with males and females exhibiting different patterns of motivational investment in second‐language acquisition.

The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire—Form E: Experimental Norms for Mentally Retarded Adults

Form E of the Sixteen Personality Factors Questionnaire (16 PF-E) was administered to 286 adults (168 men, 118 women) who resided in public facilities for the mentally retarded. Based on each subject's 16 primary-trait raw scores, standard sten scores were established for the subject population. Experimental norms for the 16 PF-E responses of mentally retarded adults are presented.

Predicting Accuracy and Liking Ratings for Bogus and Real Personality Feedback

ABSTRACT After taking the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF), 119 students subsequently received computer-generated traditional bogus (Barnum) and real (16 PF) interpretations. Each subject rated both interpretations for accuracy and likability on a 13-point scale and then chose (forced choice) which interpretation was the more accurate and which one they liked better. Barnum feedback was judged significantly more accurate than real feedback, but not better liked. Stepwise multiple-regression analyses of all dependent measures indicated that 16 PF sten scores accounted for significant amounts of variance in 16 PF Accuracy and Liking scores and in the various preference measures.