Structural Validity Research Articles

Psychometric validation of the Italian Self-Report Symptoms inventory (SRSI): Factor structure, construct validity, and diagnostic accuracy

The Self-Report Symptom Inventory (SRSI) is a novel tool designed to detect symptom overreporting and other forms of noncredible responding. Unlike existing scales, the SRSI includes genuine and pseudosymptoms scales covering cognitive, affective, motor, pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder domains. The present study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian Version of the SRSI (SRSI-It), in particular, its factor structure, reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and diagnostic accuracy. Data from 1180 healthy participants showed a hierarchical structure with higher-order constructs for genuine symptoms and pseudosymptoms, each comprising five subscales. The SRSI-It showed a strong convergent validity with the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology and discriminant validity through low correlations with the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined cut scores of 6 (95% specificity) and 9 (98% specificity) for pseudosymptoms, with a Ratio Index score of 0.289 (82% specificity). In summary, the SRSI-It appears to be a promising tool for identifying symptom exaggeration in clinical and forensic contexts, ultimately enhancing the quality and reliability of evaluations in these contexts.

Measurement Invariance of the Four-Item Entrapment Scale Short-Form (E-SF): A Transnational Examination Across Race/Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, and Suicide Attempt History Among Minoritized Adults.

Feelings of entrapment-posited to arise when attempts to escape from defeating or humiliating circumstances are blocked-may confer increased risk for psychopathology and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB), particularly among minoritized individuals who often have more frequent exposure to such experiences. Including entrapment in empirical models may aid research efforts in further exploring its role in minority mental health. The Entrapment Scale Short-Form (E-SF), a brief version of the 16-item Entrapment Scale, is one tool that may be utilized toward this end; however, to do so meaningfully, its psychometric properties and measurement invariance must be evaluated in diverse samples. This study aimed to examine the factor structure, measurement invariance, and convergent validity of the E-SF across race/ethnicity and sexual orientation in a combined transnational sample of minoritized adults (total N = 1,194). Results supported a one-factor model of the E-SF that was invariant across samples, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and history of suicide attempt. Furthermore, significant positive correlations observed between theoretically relevant constructs of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms supported its convergent validity. Implications include disproportionate levels of entrapment experienced by minoritized individuals-particularly by sexual minorities-which likely reflect the discrimination frequently endured by these individuals.

Rapid Identification of Phytotoxins Produced by Glomerella cingulata Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry-Based Qualification, Targeted Structural Confirmation and Their Characteristics Investigation.

Glomerella cingulata is a pathogenic fungus that can cause apple Glomerella leaf spot (GLS), a new and destructive apple disease in China. Phytotoxins are important factors closely related to the disease process, but there is still no report on the phytotoxins of G. cingulata. The aim of this study was to rapidly identify the phytotoxins of this pathogen using a strategy of HRMS-based preliminary qualification, followed by targeted structure confirmation and also investigation of phytotoxicity characteristics. First, the crude toxin sample was directly analyzed by the UPLC-HRMS and GC-MS, and the data were processed to screen for possible phytotoxic compounds using MS library and the phytotoxicity-related literature. The reference standards of credible phytotoxic compounds were then subjected to targeted structure validation (signal comparison between standards and compounds in crude toxin via HPLC-DAD, UPLC-MS/MS, and GC-MS), and also the phytotoxicity assay. The results confirmed six phytotoxins produced by G. cingulata, namely 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA), 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), 2-furoic acid (FA), 2,3-butanediol, trans-aconitic acid (TAA), and cis-aconitic acid (CAA). Of these, HMFCA and TAA exhibited greater phytotoxicity. Main characteristics: All of them were non-host-selective toxins, and toxins were synergistically phytotoxic to the host when mixed. BHMF, HMFCA, FA, TAA, and CAA could be commonly produced by all tested strains, and their phytotoxicity can be significantly inhibited or even eliminated at high temperatures or high pH. The elucidation of the phytotoxins of G. cingulata in this work could provide information on the pathogenesis and control of apple GLS.

Development and initial validation of the Career Wisdom Scale: A resource in handling uncertainty in contemporary career development.

Wisdom is often recognized as a great resource in resolving complex problems, including challenges in one's career. However, current conversations on handling ambiguity in career development are disconnected from the wisdom literature, and a psychometrically sound measure of career wisdom is lacking. This article presents two studies that aimed to develop such a tool and evaluate its psychometric performance. Study 1 utilized a sample of workers (n = 349) from the United States to create and explore the factor structure of a measure called the Career Wisdom Scale. In Study 2, a sample of U.S. workers (n = 387) was tracked over 8 months to validate the Career Wisdom Scale by assessing its structural, convergent, predictive, and incremental validities. The results supported the psychometric soundness of the newly developed Career Wisdom Scale. Structurally, the results revealed a three-factor structure of career wisdom, which encompasses embracing ignorance, embracing intuition, and embracing vulnerability. Furthermore, the results indicated that career wisdom predicted various outcomes, including career satisfaction, life satisfaction, organizational career growth, psychological well-being, career adaptability, and work-life balance over and beyond personality traits and career decision anxiety. In conclusion, the present studies offer a valuable measure of career wisdom for both future research and practical application. Additionally, it underscores the importance of career wisdom in effectively managing career challenges that may lack clear solutions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Evidence of Internal Structure Validity, Measurement Invariance, Convergent Validity, Clinical Validity, and Reliability of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool in Peruvian Women.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common type of violence committed against women and results in serious personal, familial, social, and economic consequences; thus, there is a need to detect IPV early. One test for detecting IPV is the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). The objective of the study was to obtain evidence of the validity of the WAST in terms of its internal structure, measurement invariance, convergent validity, clinical validity, and reliability. A total of 670 women who have or have had a heterosexual relationship participated in the study. The first stage included 513 adult women who partook of health services (M age = 35.5 years, SD age = 10 years). The second stage included 160 women, 80 diagnosed with IPV (M age = 34.2 years, SD age = 11.8 years) and 80 who were not (M age = 31.8 years, SD age = 11.5 years). We used multivariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. We found evidence that the WAST demonstrates a one-dimensional structure; evidence of measurement invariance regarding cohabitation with the partner, length of the relationship, and age; evidence of convergent validity in terms of correlations with emotional dependence, self-compassion, expressive suppression, anxiety, and depression; and evidence of clinical validity in terms of the high probability of detecting positive cases of IPV. These properties support the use of the WAST for detecting possible cases of IPV, which will allow timely intervention. This instrument can also be used in larger studies on IPV in the Spanish-speaking population.

Psychometric Analysis of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS).

Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Survey (HOOS) was developed as a region- and disease-specific outcome to assess hip disability. Despite the use of the HOOS in clinical practice and research, psychometric analyses of the scale in a large dataset of patients have not been performed. As such, the purposes of this study were to assess the structural validity of the HOOS in patients who underwent a total hip arthroplasty. Data were obtained from the Surgical Outcome System (SOS) global registry. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the scale structure of the 40-item HOOS and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify a parsimonious scale structure. The parsimonious model identified was subjected to multi-group and longitudinal invariance testing and LGC modeling. The original five-factor, 40-item HOOS did not meet recommended model fit indices values (CFI = 0.822, TLI = 0.809, IFI = 0.822, RMSEA = 0.085). Alternate model generation identified an alternative model (i.e., HOOS-9). Sound model fit was identified for the HOOS-9 (CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.046). Invariance testing criteria were also met between groups (i.e., age and sex) and across time. Lastly, a nonlinear growth trajectory was identified in responses pertaining to hip disability. The original scale structure of the 40-item HOOS was not supported. The HOOS-9 met contemporary model fit recommendations, along with multi-group and longitudinal invariance testing. Our findings support the preliminary use of the HOOS-9 to assess hip function and disability in research and clinical practice.

The Chinese version of the tendency to stigmatize epidemic diseases scale: a translation and validation study.

To translate the Tendency to Stigmatize Epidemics Diseases Scale (TSEDS) into Chinese and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation using the Brislin translation model, and pre-testing to form a Chinese version of TSEDS. A total of 434 adults participated in the study and the TSEDS were measured using the critical ratio method, Pearson correlation analysis, retest reliability, content validity, structural validity, and concurrent validity. The Chinese version of the TSEDS scale contains 27 items in 5 dimensions, including structural stigma, perceived stigma, organizational stigma, internalized stigma, and social stigma. The average content validity index of the scale was 0.975. The goodness of fit index (χ2/df= 1.981, RMSEA = 0.067, CFI= 0.930, IFI = 0.931, TLI = 0.922) indicated a good model fit. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.962 and the dimensionality ranged from 0.882 to 0.928. The retest reliability was 0.912. The Chinese version of TSEDS has good reliability and validity, which can be used to assess the epidemiological stigma tendency of Chinese adults.

The psychometric properties of the Swahili version of the Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder screen for DSM-5 among adults in Kenya.

The psychometric properties of the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) are undocumented in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at large. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swahili version of the tool, S-PC-PTSD-5, in a community sample of adults 18 years and older drawn from Nairobi, Mombasa and Kwale counties in Kenya. Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1431 adults from the community was conducted, examining the reliability, factorial structure, measurement invariance, and convergent and divergent validity of the interviewer-administered S-PC-PTSD-5. Out of 1431 adults who completed the S-PC-PTSD-5, 666 (46.5%) reported experiencing at least one traumatic event. Internal consistency of the S-PC-PTSD-5 was good overall, with alpha and omega values above 0.7. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated a one-factor structure of the S-PC-PTSD-5 for the overall sample. Multigroup CFA also demonstrated factorial invariance for sex for the one-factor structure of S-PC-PTSD-5. Scores for S-PC-PTSD-5 significantly correlated (positively) with those of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD7) and depressive symptoms (PHQ9), indicating convergent validity. S-PC-PTSD-5 scores also significantly correlated (negatively) with the WHO-5 wellbeing index, supporting divergent validity. The S-PC-PTSD-5 is a reliable and valid unidimensional measure. It appears to be a valuable screening measure for probable PTSD in both urban and rural community settings in Kenya. Nonetheless, to confidently identify those who may need treatment/additional support, further research on the reliability and validity of S-PC-PTSD-5 is required, especially its diagnostic accuracy at different cutoff scores.

Psychometric Testing of an Instrument Assessing Family Knowledge, Contemplation, Confidence and Readiness for Engaging in Early Mobilisation of Critically Ill Patients: A Multi-Site Cross-Sectional Design.

Early mobilisation is beneficial to support recovery among critically ill patients. The literature highlights the benefits of family engagement in early mobilisation, yet this practice remains underutilised. Effective implementation depends on understanding the key antecedents that influence family engagement in early mobilisation, specifically families' knowledge, contemplation, confidence and readiness. However, no measurement tools currently exist to assess these. Therefore, developing a psychometrically supported instrument is essential to understanding and enhancing families' factors influencing their engagement in early mobilisation. To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument to assess families' knowledge, contemplation, confidence and readiness to engage in early mobilisation. A multi-site cross-sectional survey design. Based on established psychological theory (Social Cognitive Theories and Behaviour Change Theories), an item pool was developed to assess families' knowledge, contemplation, confidence and readiness to participate in early mobilisation. To psychometrically evaluate the new tool, a multi-site cross-sectional survey was undertaken from May 2020 to June 2022 across five intensive care units in Australia. Data from 370 families of critically ill patients were used to evaluate the structural, convergent and discriminant validity as well as the reliability of the new instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit, supporting the proposed structure. All items displayed high standardised factor loadings except one, which improved upon freeing an error covariance. Positive inter-factor correlations were moderate to strong and were substantially lower than the square root of the average variance extracted, supporting both convergent and discriminant validity, respectively. Additionally, all subscales demonstrated well to excellent reliability. The findings provide preliminary support for the multiple types of validity evidence and the reliability of the instrument. This new instrument is suitable for use in clinical and research applications to assess families' knowledge, contemplation, confidence and readiness for their engagement in early mobilisation. Family engagement in early mobilisation activities may have multiple benefits but it is not commonly implemented in the ICU. Factors influencing family engagement in early mobilisation are poorly understood. Influential psychological theories highlight the likely importance of knowledge, contemplation, confidence and readiness. A readily available instrument designed to assess these constructs among family members is needed to deepen research understanding and guide clinical practice. The proposed instrument is designed to measure factors influencing family engagement in early mobilisation, which may support healthcare professionals and health services to identify and tailor strategies to support family engagement in early mobilisation. Recommendations for reporting the results of studies of instrument and scale development and testing was followed to report this study. Family members of adult critically ill patients participated in this study, and they provided the data through the survey.

Psychometric evaluation of a Spanish translation of the moral injury symptom scale for healthcare professionals

BackgroundMoral injury is prevalent among health care professionals, especially nurses. It can have negative personal consequences for clinicians, and indirectly impact the quality of patient care. Although nurses around the world experienced moral injury during the pandemic, it will continue to be a professional challenge. Thus, this study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of a scale measuring moral injury translated into Spanish.MethodsA methodological study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted. After translating the Moral Injury Symptom Scale for Healthcare Professionals (MISS-HP) into Peruvian Spanish (MISS-HP-S) using International Test Commission methods, data were collected using online survey methods from a sample of 720 Peruvian nurses. Analytical methods included exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and invariance by age were examined. The corrected homogeneity index, ordinal alpha, and McDonald’s omega allowed the evaluation of internal reliability.ResultsFindings from this sample of nurses who were mostly female (92%), from coastal Peru (57%), and averaged 39 (± 11) years of age, provided support for the validity and reliability of the MISS-HP-S. Structural validity was endorsed by findings indicating consistent factorial structure and adequate invariance among different age groups. In this study, three factors were observed: guilt/shame, condemnation, and spiritual strength. Internal consistency values included an ordinal alpha of 0.795 and McDonald’s omega of 0.835.ConclusionThese findings differ from those reported from previous studies in other cultural contexts, suggesting the influence of cultural and sample-specific factors in the perception of moral injury among Peruvian nurses. Because this evidence supports the validity of the MISS-HP-S, it can be used in professional practice and in future research to identify and address situations that contribute to nurse moral injury.

Developing an instrument to measure Korean pre‐service teachers' understanding of language as an epistemic tool in mathematics education

AbstractThis study adapted and validated an instrument to measure pre‐service teachers' understanding of language as an epistemic tool in mathematics education in South Korea. Initially validated for science education, the instrument was tailored for mathematics education and translated into Korean. The validation process included tests for content validity, substance validity through translation, and structural validity, affirming the instrument's efficacy in this new context. The rating scale model was employed to analyze raw response data and confirm a unidimensional model fit. To ensure the functional equivalence of translated items, rigorous domain reanalysis, translation, and back‐translation processes were implemented. A pilot study involving 215 Korean pre‐service teachers was conducted, yielding results that support the instrument's reliability and validity in measuring their understanding of language as an epistemic tool in mathematics. This adaptation provides a quantitative measure for this understanding and an example to revise the instrument for new contexts.

Patient-reported outcome measures for medication treatment satisfaction: a systematic review of measure development and measurement properties

BackgroundMedication Treatment Satisfaction (M-TS) from the patients’ perspective is important for comprehensively evaluating the effect of medicines. The extent to which current patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for M-TS are valid, reliable, responsive, and interpretable remains unclear. To assess the measurement properties of existing PROMs for M-TS and to highlight research gaps.MethodsUsing PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane library (Ovid), IPA (Ovid), PsycINFO, Patient-Reported Outcome and Quality of Life Questionnaires biomedical databases, and four Chinese databases, we performed a systematic search for studies addressing the development and validation of PROMs for M-TS. Based on the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guideline, pairs of reviewers independently assessed the measurement properties of the PROMs and rated the quality of evidence on the measurement properties of each PROM. (The Open Science Framework registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8S5ZM).ResultsThis review identified 69 PROMs for M-TS in 114 studies (four generic, 32 disease-specific, and 33 drug-specific) of which 60 were intended for adults. All provided limited or no information regarding interpretability. Most demonstrated appropriate construct validity including convergent validity (39/69) and discriminative or known-groups validity (40/69) (high to moderate quality of evidence). Only a few provided evidence of sufficient content validity (8/69), structural validity (13/69), and internal consistency (11/69). Of 38 PROMs reporting test–retest reliability, results in 24 provided evidence of satisfactory test–retest reliability (18 with high to moderate, 6 with low to very low quality of evidence). Few PROMs reported responsiveness (16/69). Two generic PROMs (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication initial Version 1.4, TSQM-1.4; Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire, SATMED-Q) and one drug-specific PROM (Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, ITSQ) demonstrated both satisfactory validity and reliability.ConclusionsMost existing PROMs for M-TS require further exploration of measurement properties. Reporting guidelines are needed to enhance the reporting quality of the development and validation of PROMs for M-TS.

Validity of the Addiction-like Eating Behavior Scale among Patients with Compulsive Eating.

Food addiction (FA) and binge eating disorder (BED) co-occur and share compulsive eating symptoms. When using an FA measure, it is important to evaluate its performance in a population presenting compulsive eating. The study aims to validate the Addiction-like Eating Behavior Scale (AEBS) among a clinical sample characterized by compulsive eating and overweight/obesity and to evaluate its incremental validity over the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS). Patients seeking help for compulsive eating (n = 220), between January 2020 and July 2023, completed online questionnaires, including FA, compulsive eating, and BMI evaluations. The factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent, divergent, and incremental validity were tested. The sample had a mean age of 44.4 years old (SD = 12.7) and a mean BMI of 38.2 (SD = 8.0). The two-factor structure provided a good fit for the data, with factor loadings from 0.55 to 0.82 (except for item 15) and the internal consistency was high (ω = 0.84-0.89). The AEBS was positively correlated with the YFAS (r = 0.66), binge eating (r = 0.67), grazing (r = 0.47), craving (r = 0.74), and BMI (r = 0.26), and negatively correlated with dietary restraint (r = -0.37), supporting good convergent and divergent validity. For each measure of compulsive eating, linear regression showed that the AEBS "appetite drive" subscale had a unique contribution over the YFAS. This study provided evidence that the AEBS is a valid measure among a clinical sample of patients with compulsive eating and overweight/obesity. However, questions remain as to whether the AEBS is a measure of FA or compulsive eating.

Factor Structure and Criterion Validity of the 15-item Network Relationship Inventory-Social Provisions Version (NRI-SPV-15) in Chinese Children and Adolescents

Factor Structure and Criterion Validity of the 15-item Network Relationship Inventory-Social Provisions Version (NRI-SPV-15) in Chinese Children and Adolescents

A novel rigidizable inflatable lunar habitation system: design concept and material characterization

Constructing lunar bases is crucial as lunar missions progress towards utilization and exploitation. The challenging lunar environment, with its unique characteristics and limited resources, requires special materials, structures, and construction methods. Inflatable structures offer great potential for lunar construction due to their advantages in transportation, stowage, construction, and reliability. This paper proposes a rigidizable inflatable lunar habitat that maintains its shape even after air leakage, enhancing safety, durability, and fixability. The membrane material adapts to different requirements during transportation, construction, and service, achieved through solid-state actuation of shape memory polymer (SMP) for stiffness variation, allowing multiple moves and ground tests. This work comprises three parts: 1) system: design concept and construction processes, 2) material: design and characterization of restraint and rigidization materials, and 3) structure: numerical validation of structure properties. Finite element analysis, based on material models obtained through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests, demonstrates the effectiveness of including an SMP rigidization layer in preventing collapse and enhancing dynamic properties. This paper not only proposes a new system, but also provides material design methods and requirements, along with structural validation techniques. Findings validate the feasibility of rigidizable inflatable lunar habitats, applicable in extreme environments, also in temporary buildings, space structures, and soft robotics.

Development of the Brazilian version of the Performance of Upper Limb scale for children and adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

BackgroundDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common and disabling childhood genetic diseases. The course of DMD involves progressive muscular degeneration and weakness, leading to functional decline. The Performance of the Upper Limb scale (PUL) is a specific instrument designed to assess the upper limb function of patients with DMD. ObjectiveTo adapt the PUL cross-culturally to Brazilian Portuguese (PUL-Br) and assess the convergent validity, structural validity, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency for Brazilian patients with DMD MethodsThe cross-cultural adaptation involved six steps: translation to Brazilian Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese translation synthesis, back-translation to English, back-translation synthesis, an expert committee review, and a pre-final version test (n = 12). The convergent validity of the PUL-Br was evaluated by examining its correlation to the Motor Function Measure scale (MFM) using 30 patients with DMD. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess structural validity. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) verified the PUL-Br interrater reliability. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to verify internal consistency. ResultsThe PUL was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. A strong and positive correlation was found between the PUL-Br total score and the total score on the MFM (r = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.91). The PUL-Br showed a satisfactory fit of the data to the three-factor model, excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC: 0.94), and good internal consistency (Cronbach's: 0.91). ConclusionThe PUL-Br is valid and reliable for assessing the upper limb function of Brazilian patients with DMD.

Dysmenorrhea-Related Impact on Functioning Scale: Development and Measurement Properties for Cisgender Women and Transgender Men

ObjectivesTo develop the Dysmenorrhea-related Impact on Functioning Scale (DIFS) to assess the impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning in cisgender women and transgender men and to evaluate its measurement properties. MethodsMixed and online design study conducted with adolescents and adult cisgender women and transgender men with dysmenorrhea. We developed the DIFS based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Content validity was assessed with experts and people with dysmenorrhea. Item Response Theory developed the DIFS total score. Structural validity was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency by Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Ω. Construct validity and test-retest reliability were assessed by correlation between DIFS and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Measurement error was also assessed. ResultsA total of 3335 people participated in the study. The DIFS is a 15-item instrument divided into “Bodily Functions” and “Daily Activities and Social Participation” sections and “Functioning” as a general factor. Internal consistency (α and Ω > 0.7) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9) were adequate. No systematic error was found. Correlation was positive and strong between World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule and “Functioning” (r = 0.62, P ≤ .05). For the DIFS total score, higher scores indicate a greater impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning, and 44 points is the cutoff point for classifying the person with a significant impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning. ConclusionsDIFS showed excellent measurement properties for assessing the impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning for cisgender women and transgender men.

The Family Climate Questionnaire: A general measure of autonomy support from family members.

The current study examines the psychometric characteristics of the Family Climate Questionnaire (FCQ), which was intended to measure the degree of autonomy-support among family members for a respondent with health concerns. The sample included military veterans (N = 350), a portion of whom had congestive heart failure (N = 86) or diabetes (N = 77), and a portion who were referred from primary care for behavioral health concerns (N = 187). Overall, 92.6% of the participants were male, and 56.7% were Black or African American and 40.6% were Caucasian. The findings highly supported the factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Autonomy Support subscale. In addition, there was high support for factorial invariance across subsamples of veterans with chronic medical problems compared to those referred from primary care. The findings for an additional subscale developed for this study, Coercion, were less supportive, with insufficient convergence in factor structure and relatively poorer internal consistency. The FCQ Autonomy Support measure appears to have potential as a useful measure of a family environment that supports autonomy for health among individuals with both medical and mental health conditions, and it is a flexible measure that can be used with a range of family member types. The FCQ Coercion measure received less consistent empirical support and will require additional development and testing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM)

The Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM) is used to assess interpersonal sensitivity. This study explored the factor structure, internal consistency, and criterion validity of the Italian version of the IPSM (IPSM-It) in non-clinical emerging adults. 374 participants aged between 18 and 31 years (64.4% female; M = 21.96, SD = 2.91) were included in the study. They completed the IPSM, the Beck Depression Inventory-I, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-II, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original structure of the measure did not fit the data well. An exploratory factor analysis was also conducted and the results supported a 27-item version of the IPSM and a three-factor structure (Interpersonal Worry and Dependency, Low Self- Esteem, and Unassertive Interpersonal Behavior). The IPSM-It showed good internal consistency and criterion validity. The IPSM-It appeared to be a reliable and valid measure for assessing IPS in Italian culture.

Measurement invariance of the higher-order model of Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) across child age, gender, parental anxiety, and pandemic period in England.

The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a parent-report scale measuring young children's anxiety symptoms involving five specific anxiety symptoms (separation anxiety, physical injury fears, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety) that load on a higher-order factor representing general anxiety shared by all specific anxiety symptom subtypes. Although the PAS has been widely used to assess anxiety symptoms in young children, few studies have tested its measurement invariance for group comparisons. Using data from a sample of 2,221 children and their parents/carers in the United Kingdom, this study investigated the measurement invariance of the higher-order model of the PAS across child age (4-6 years vs. 6-7 years), gender (girls vs. boys), parental anxiety (low vs. high level), and children's living circumstances (before vs. after the removal of COVID-19 restrictions). Our findings demonstrated the good factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the higher-order model of the PAS in all subgroups and supported its configural, metric, and scalar invariance across these subgroups. Therefore, the findings suggest that the PAS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing specific anxiety symptoms and general anxiety among young children in the United Kingdom and that comparisons can be made between the subgroups under examination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).