Unidimensional Factor Structure Research Articles

Validation of the Malay Version of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale in Malaysia

Background: Malaysians are disillusioned with the increased number of COVID-19 infection cases and the prolonged lockdown period. As a result of COVID-19 mitigation measurements, Malaysians are experiencing emotional and psychological consequences such as anxiety. Thus, there is an urgent need to have an instrument that could serve as a tool to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 among Malaysians rapidly. Methods: This study aimed to adapt and validate the Malay version of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (M-CAS) among Malaysian adults. The back-to-back translation was done to produce a M-CAS. Following face validation, M-CAS was self-administered to 225 participants from Malaysia via an online survey. The participants also completed the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Analysis of a Moment Structures. The psychometric properties of the M-CAS were examined via Cronbach alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. M-CAS scores were compared with the other tools to provide external validity. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that the M-CAS demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.890) and presented with a unidimensional factor structure. M-CAS scores were strongly correlated with GAD-7 (r = 0.511, P < 0.001) and FCV-19S (r = 0.652, P < 0.001). Lack of correlation between M-CAS and WHOQOL-BREF showed that M-CAS scores did not reflect perceived quality of life. Conclusion: The M-CAS is a valid and reliable tool in the Malay language that can be self- administered among Malaysians to assess anxiety levels induced by COVID-19. The M-CAS has only 7 items and utilised little time in real-life clinical practice.

Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System adult profile-57 (PROMIS-57)

BackgroundThe PROMIS-57 is a commonly used self-reported instrument to solve the lack of generalizable and universal measures required to evaluate common symptoms and functions from patients’ perspectives. This study aimed to translate the PROMIS-57 into Chinese and psychometrically test the translated instrument on patients with breast cancer.MethodsTranslation, cross‑cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the instrument were performed from June 2020 to June 2021. Eligible patients were recruited and completed the PROMIS-57, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), and a sociodemographic questionnaire.ResultsData from 602 patients with a mean age of 48.83 years were analyzed. Most domains in the PROMIS-57 showed an absence of floor and ceiling effects. Multi-trait scaling analysis demonstrated acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. The correlations between the PROMIS-57 scores and the selected FACT-B scores supported the criterion validity via the Pearson correlation test. Measurement invariance was supported by the absence of differential item functioning for most items. Cronbach’s α of the domains ranged from 0.85–0.95. The unidimensional factor structure of all domains was supported using confirmatory factor analyses. Additionally, most items showed acceptable item information curves and item characteristics curve matrices.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the PROMIS-57 was found to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing common symptoms and functions among patients with breast cancer.

Psychometric properties of a Mandarin Chinese version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 with residents from Chinese mainland

The current study aimed to translate the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) into Mandarin Chinese and explore its psychometric properties with college students from the Chinese mainland. In Study 1 (N = 840, 415 women, 425 men), an exploratory factor analysis upheld the unidimensional factor structure of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2, and McDonald’s omega supported the internal consistency reliability of its scores. Evidence of construct validity of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 was also accrued via its positive correlations with self-esteem, self-compassion, and body satisfaction as well as negative correlations with BMI, weight discrepancy, negative affect, and body surveillance. Its negative correlation with eating disorder symptomatology and negligible correlation with impression management supported its criterion-related validity and discriminant validity, respectively. Additionally, the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 contributed unique variance in eating disorder symptomatology and self-esteem beyond the variance explained by BMI and other body satisfaction measures, providing evidence of incremental validity. Study 2 (N = 522, 322 women, 230 men) confirmed its unidimensional factor structure, upheld the internal consistency and stability of its scores over a 3-month period, and supported its measurement invariance between women and men. Taken together, these findings support the cross-cultural validity of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 on the Chinse mainland.

Validation of the Malay Version of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale in Malaysia.

BackgroundMalaysians are disillusioned with the increased number of COVID-19 infection cases and the prolonged lockdown period. As a result of COVID-19 mitigation measurements, Malaysians are experiencing emotional and psychological consequences such as anxiety. Thus, there is an urgent need to have an instrument that could serve as a tool to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 among Malaysians rapidly.MethodsThis study aimed to adapt and validate the Malay version of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (M-CAS) among Malaysian adults. The back-to-back translation was done to produce a M-CAS. Following face validation, M-CAS was self-administered to 225 participants from Malaysia via an online survey. The participants also completed the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Analysis of a Moment Structures. The psychometric properties of the M-CAS were examined via Cronbach alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. M-CAS scores were compared with the other tools to provide external validity.ResultsThe statistical analysis revealed that the M-CAS demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.890) and presented with a unidimensional factor structure. M-CAS scores were strongly correlated with GAD-7 (r = 0.511, P < 0.001) and FCV-19S (r = 0.652, P < 0.001). Lack of correlation between M-CAS and WHOQOL-BREF showed that M-CAS scores did not reflect perceived quality of life.ConclusionThe M-CAS is a valid and reliable tool in the Malay language that can be self-administered among Malaysians to assess anxiety levels induced by COVID-19. The M-CAS has only 7 items and utilised little time in real-life clinical practice.

Development of the Questionnaire on Non-Driving Related Tasks (QNDRT) in automated driving: revealing age and gender differences

ABSTRACT Automated vehicles (AVs) enable driver-passengers to perform non-driving related tasks (NDRTs). However, it remains unclear if and how they would engage with NDRTs. Therefore, we developed a questionnaire on NDRTs, the QNDRT, for SAE Level 3 (L3) and 5 (L5) driving automation. It comprises 24 items with a general NDRT Work subscale querying general aspects of working while driving in an AV (8 items; L3: 4 items, L5: 4) and a specific NDRT Communication subscale assessing different communication modalities (16 items; L3: 8, L5: 8). Hence, we carried out a cross-sectional questionnaire study and queried 725 participants (351 female, 374 male) from 18 to 96 years. We applied factor analyses and extracted a stable unidimensional factor structure for both NDRT subscales with good psychometric properties (e.g. high and clear factor loadings; satisfactory communalities, item discrimination, and internal consistency). The initial findings revealed that significantly smaller values were assigned to both subscale factors by participants older than 55 years in contrast to younger ones and by women when compared to men. The QNDRT can be used in future (quasi-)experimental L3 and L5 studies and in population surveys to obtain more insight into working and communicating while driving in an AV.

Validation of the factor structure and psychometric characteristics of the Arabic adaptation of the sense of coherence SOC-13 scale: a confirmatory factor analysis

BackgroundThe sense of coherence is as focused on one’s awareness of the level of pervasive, enduring, and dynamic feelings. Stronger sense of coherence leads to better physical and mental health and promotes recovery from life stressors. Sense of coherence-13 (SOC-13) is a 13-item valid and reliable measure for individual’s healthy living. However, the factor structure of SOC-13 was criticized in several cultures and languages. The current study was set to explore the factor structure of an Arabic adaptation for SOC-13.MethodsThis cross-sectional study of the SOC-13 included (n = 1235) Arabic speaking individuals. We used confirmatory factor analysis to contrast unidimensional, bidimensional, three-dimensional, and four-dimensional factor structure for the SOC-13. We carried out measurement invariance analysis across age and gender groups to examine the stability of fit indices among participants’ subgroups.ResultsWe found the reliability coefficient to be 0.82, indicative of good internal consistency. The three-factor structure, after modification of items 1, 2, and 3 was the best-fitting factor model. However, measurement invariance was indicative of discrepancy for the three-factor model between genders and age classes. The mean overall SOC-13 total score in our sample was 52.1 (SD = 16.1).ConclusionsThe SOC-13 showed acceptable psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency and a modified three-factor structure in its Arabic version. However, the reliability of the three underlying dimensions was sub-optimum. Moreover, the three-factor structure requires modification by either removing the first three problematic items or allowing the residuals to correlate.

Validating nature relatedness scale in the Philippines: Social responsibility as a cultural driver on why nature relatedness promotes green purchase intention

AbstractDespite the global nature of environmental problems, research on environmental psychology has been mainly based on Western countries, and very limited studies looked into environmental psychological constructs and processes through a non‐Western cultural lens. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the short‐form Nature Relatedness Scale (NR‐6) and investigated culturally relevant mechanisms that facilitate the positive influence of nature relatedness on green purchase intentions among Filipinos. Two studies were conducted to attain these objectives. Study 1 (N = 504) validated the NR‐6. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a stable unidimensional factor structure of NR‐6 with good data‐model fit and strong factor loadings. Study 2 (N = 366) tested a moderated mediation model indicating the mediating role of social responsibility on nature relatedness and green purchase intention relationship across the different levels of interdependent self‐construal. Results indicated that social responsibility mediated the positive impact of nature relatedness on the intention to buy green products among Filipinos. More importantly, results showed a significant moderating role of interdependent self‐construal such that the indirect effect of social responsibility was stronger among Filipinos with higher levels of self‐construal than those with lower levels. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Measuring PROMIS® Well-Being in Early Childhood.

Expand the current Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) well-being measures to early childhood (1-5 years) using best practices from PROMIS and developmental science. Qualitative methods included expert input, literature and measure review, and parent interviews to confirm measure frameworks, item understandability, and developmental appropriateness. Quantitative methods included two waves of field testing and item response theory (IRT)-based psychometric evaluation of reliability and validity, as well as IRT centering and item calibration. Correlational analyses with other PROMIS Early Childhood (EC) Parent Report measures and known-group differences analyses by health status were conducted to evaluate construct validity. All measures were normed to the general U.S. population. Qualitative results suggested three primary early childhood well-being domains: Positive Affect, Engagement, and Self-Regulation. Quantitative results revealed a unidimensional factor structure for Positive Affect and multidimensional factor structures for Engagement and Self-Regulation, both of which had two factors accounting for >10% of modeled variance reflecting unique unidimensional domains. This resulted in five final PROMIS EC well-being measures: Positive Affect, Engagement-Curiosity, Engagement-Persistence, Self-Regulation-Flexibility, and Self-Regulation-Frustration Tolerance. Correlations and known-groups differences analyses showed robust construct validity across a range of chronic health conditions. The new PROMIS EC Parent Report well-being measures offer clinicians and researchers a brief, efficient, and precise way to evaluate young children's well-being. All five measures include only positively valanced item content, which pushes the field to evaluate the presence of children's positive assets rather than the absence of problems.

The Teacher Experiences of Racialized Microaggression (TERM) Scale: Construction and Initial Validation

Black teachers experience racialized microaggressions at varying levels in their professional settings. Existing measures of these microaggressions are not context specific. We developed items following a critical quantitative research inquiry approach. Item response theory (IRT) provided validation evidence for the Teacher Experiences of Racialized Microaggressions (TERM) scale. Black U.S. teachers ( n = 526) participated. Results revealed a 15-item unidimensional factor structure. IRT analyses revealed the TERM scale measured racialized microaggression levels ranging across the continuum. Use of the TERM scale has implications for understanding the racialized experiences of Black and other underrepresented teachers across other subject areas.

Cross-country variations in the reporting of psychotic symptoms among sub-Saharan African adults: A psychometric evaluation of the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire

BackgroundSelf-reporting of psychotic symptoms varies significantly between cultures and ethnic groups. Yet, limited validated screening instruments are available to capture such differences in the African continent. MethodologyAmong 9,059 individuals participating as controls in a multi-country case–control study of the genetic causes of psychosis, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ). We applied multi-group confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory to assess item parameters. ResultsThe overall positive endorsement of at least one item assessing psychotic symptoms on the PSQ was 9.7%, with variability among countries (Uganda 13.7%, South Africa 11%, Kenya 10.2%, and Ethiopia 2.8%). A unidimensional model demonstrated good fit for the PSQ (root mean square error of approximation = 0.009; comparative fit index = 0.997; and Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.995). Hypomania had the weakest association with single latent factor (standardized factor loading 0.62). Sequential multi-group confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that PSQ items were measured in equivalent ways across the four countries. PSQ items gave more information at higher levels of psychosis, with hypomania giving the least discriminating information. LimitationsParticipants were recruited from general medical facilities, so findings may not be generalizable to the general population. ConclusionThe PSQ demonstrated a unidimensional factor structure in these samples. Items were measured equivalently across all study settings, suggesting that differences in prevalence of psychotic symptoms between countries were less likely to represent measurement artifact. The PSQ is more reliable in screening for psychosis in individuals with higher degrees of psychotic experiences—hypomania excluded—and might decrease the false-positive rate from mild nonspecific psychotic experiences.

Validation of the family health scale among heterosexual couples: a dyadic analysis

BackgroundThe Family Health Scale (FHS) is a recently validated comprehensive measure of family health for use in survey research with the potential to also be used as a clinical measure. However, previous research has only validated the FHS among one member of the family rather than multiple family members. The objective of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the FHS long- and short-form among married and cohabitating partners (dyads).MethodThe sample for this study was comprised of 482 married or cohabitating heterosexual couples (dyads) who were parents of a child between the ages of 3–13, heterosexual, and living in the United States. Each member of the dyad completed a survey about his or her perception of family health, personal health, childhood experiences, and demographic characteristics. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to examine the factor structure. Unidimensional, correlational, and second-order factor structures were examined using responses from both partners. The relationships between family health with individual health and demographic covariates were also examined.ResultsWomen and men reported their family health similarly. The unidimensional factor structure had the best fit for the FHS short-form while either the unidimensional model or the second-order model would be appropriate for the FHS long-form. Household income, individual member mental health, and childhood experiences were associated with family health in the expected direction.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that the FHS is a valid and reliable family measure when examining family health among dyads including married and cohabitating heterosexual couples who have children.

Advancing methodologies to improve RRB outcome measures in autism research: Evaluation of the RBS-R.

This study evaluates the psychometric properties (dimensionality, item bias, reliability) of the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), provides scoring guidelines for the dimensional measure, and makes recommendations for future RRB measure development. Participants included individuals from three large autism data repositories; Simon Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK), Simons Simplex Collection (SSC), and National Database for Autism Research (NDAR). The total sample included N = 15,318 autistic individuals ages 3-18. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate competing theoretical factor structures. Item response theory (IRT) was used to evaluate differential item functioning, estimate the reliability of each RBS-R subdomain, and score the subdomains. A unidimensional factor structure demonstrated clearly inadequate model fit, calling into question the practice of reporting a total score on the RBS-R. A five-dimensional factor structure was supported by the theoretical and empirical evidence, though the fifth factor (restricted interests) was not sufficiently reliable for use. IRT-based scoring tools were generated for use in research. The present study illustrates the promise in the future development of measures for RRBs, particularly in the development of measures to separately and specifically assess RRB constructs using rigorous methodological guidelines. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale: Links with vaccine hesitancy, treatment adherence, and patient-physician relationships.

The assessment of medical mistrust is essential to progress in understanding behavioral health outcomes such as vaccine hesitancy, treatment adherence, and patient-practitioner relationships. To address limitations of existing medical mistrust scales and to address a need for clear psychometric information, a new Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale (MMMS) was developed and tested. Study 1 included 741 Black and White participants with hypertension, with one subsample used for item selection and a second for cross-validation. Study 2 included 234 lower-income participants with diabetes or hypertension representing diverse racial/ethnic identities. All participants were recruited via marketing panels to complete online questionnaires. In both studies, the MMMS fit a unidimensional factor structure; items demonstrated high discrimination; and the scale was correlated with vaccine compliance. In Study 1, measurement invariance was demonstrated across Black and White groups. In Study 2, the MMMS correlated with additional tested outcomes regarding treatment adherence and patient-practitioner relationships, all effects remained significant after controlling for other related variables (conspiracy beliefs, race/ethnicity, political affiliation, stress), and the MMMS produced significantly larger convergent validity effects than a widely used existing mistrust scale. Results highlight the importance of medical mistrust and support use of the MMMS to assess mistrust in populations that include people with diverse racial/ethnic identities, people with chronic medical conditions, and people with lower incomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Measurement invariance and psychometric properties of three positive body image measures among cisgender sexual minority and heterosexual women

Positive body image is a multidimensional construct consisting of various facets including body appreciation, body image flexibility, and functionality appreciation measured via the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-5 (BI-AAQ-5), and Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS), respectively. Research has supported the unidimensional factor structure of these measures; however, invariance testing based on sexual identity has yet to be conducted. The study’s primary aim was to assess the measurement invariance of the BAS-2, BI-AAQ-5, and FAS between sexual minority and heterosexual women. The secondary aim was to assess the psychometric properties of each positive body image measure among each sample. Participants were predominantly White, cisgender women who identified as a sexual minority (n = 310) or heterosexual (n = 360) and completed online questionnaires of positive body image, eating behaviors, and mental and physical health. Results supported invariance with no differences in BAS-2 or BI-AAQ-5 scores. A significant difference with a small effect size was found in FAS scores, with sexual minority women reporting lower FAS scores. Findings supported the BI-AAQ-5 and FAS’s incremental validity on perceived mental health. Overall, results suggest that the BAS-2, BI-AAQ-5, and FAS scores can be compared among women of varying sexual identities.

Psychometric Assessment of the Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Malawian Fathers.

Only 61% of Malawian women exclusively breastfeed to the recommended 6 months. Paternal support is predictive of exclusive breastfeeding, and significantly related to paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, defined as fathers' confidence in their ability to assist mothers with breastfeeding. To (1) examine the psychometric properties of the Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) in Malawian fathers, including internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, construct validity using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and convergent validity; and (2) assess the relationship between the BSES-SF and paternal demographic and health factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a maternity hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, and 180 fathers whose partners had delivered a singleton infant were included. Participants completed the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and Quality of Life with confirmatory factor analysis performed to assess the construct validity. The internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intra-class correlations. Convergent validity was also assessed. A unidimensional factorial structure of the Malawian Paternal BSES-SF was identified using confirmatory factor analysis. The scale had an excellent Cronbach's alpha of .90 and a test-retest reliability of .93. Participants' breastfeeding self-efficacy was significantly correlated with the Quality of Life domains of psychological health (r = .23; p < .01), social relationships (r = .28; p < .001), and environmental health (r = .30; p < .001). Participants who were older, married, and with ≥ two children had significantly higher breastfeeding self-efficacy and were more confident in their ability to support their partner's breastfeeding. The Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form was a valid and reliable measure to assess fathers' confidence in their ability to assist mothers with breastfeeding in Malawi.

Psychometric validation of the Japanese version of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS)

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) is a widely adopted measure to assess appreciation for one’s body and its capacity. In this study, we performed a psychometric validation of the Japanese translation of the FAS. Participants included an online sample of 750 Japanese individuals (20–70 years old), who completed the FAS and other previously validated measures of body appreciation, intuitive eating, gratitude, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Moreover, the survey was conducted twice, 3 weeks apart, to determine test–retest reliability. Exploratory factor analyses replicated the unidimensional factor structure of the FAS, which was also verified by the confirmatory factor analysis. FAS scores had gender invariance, and demonstrated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability over the 3-week period. In addition, further analyzes indicated adequate construct, and incremental validity. These findings indicate that the Japanese version of FAS demonstrates good psychometric properties, and can be used to examine the importance of functionality appreciation for enhancing positive body image and healthy eating.

Psychometric Properties of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF): Systematic Review.

BackgroundThe Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) is among the best with regard to its psychometric properties. Therefore, clinical psychologists are likely guided to use the IGDS9-SF if they want to assess or screen the disordered gaming in their practice. However, the information, especially psychometric evidence, concerning the IGDS9-SF has not been fully examined and summarized.ObjectiveThis systematic review evaluated the psychometric properties of different language versions of the IGDS9-SF and assessed its methodological quality in order to improve the clinicians’ understanding of the IGDS9-SF and facilitate its use.MethodsSystematic literature searches were carried out using Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review included English-language studies of any research design that have reported at least one psychometric property of the IGDS9-SF, as defined by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstrument (COSMIN), and have aimed at testing the psychometric properties of the IGDS9-SF.ResultsIn total, 21 studies comprising 15 language versions of the IGDS9-SF were included. Overall, the IGDS9-SF showed adequate internal consistency (although some items did not have satisfactory item-total correlation [IT]), excellent criterion validity, and the ability to distinguish different subgroups with measurement invariance being supported across gender and age. In terms of factor structure, the IGDS9-SF was shown to have a unidimensional factor structure across all 21 studies.ConclusionsAlthough there is insufficient evidence regarding the responsiveness and properties of the IGDS9-SF using item response theory, the existing evidence supports its use in assessing disordered gaming among individuals.

The Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale: Development and Clinical Application.

The study explored the development of the Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale (B-SCS), a simple and brief measure of suicide risk. The B-SCS provides a brief measure that captures critical aspects of suicide risk embedded in core beliefs about the self as unlovable, one's emotional experience as unbearable, and life problems as unsolvable (i.e., the suicidal belief system), resulting in chronic or enduring suicide risk and heightened vulnerability for acute episodes secondary to internal and external triggers. Data were analyzed from three diverse samples, including a student sample (N = 349), an inpatient psychiatric sample (N = 160), and a sample of emergency department (ED) patients presenting secondary to a suicidal crisis (N = 94). Those in the student and inpatient samples completed additional symptom measures (hopelessness, anxiety, depression) and the ED sample provided 6-month follow-up data for suicide attempts. Reliability (internal consistency, test-retest), concurrent validity, construct (divergent, convergent) validity, factorial, incremental, and predictive validity were evaluated, along with calculation of predictive value of negative and positive tests, sensitivity, and specificity estimates. The B-SCS demonstrated good reliability and validity, a unidimensional factor structure across samples, along with good predictive validity and value in real-world clinical settings. The B-SCS is a brief, reliable and valid measure of suicide risk, with good ability to identify those with enduring risk for subsequent suicide attempts. The B-SCS offers a unique contribution to understanding and assessing the nature of suicide risk over time targeting the suicidal belief system, with easy application across inpatient and outpatient clinical settings, and good predictive value.

Development of measures for assessing mistreatment of women during facility-based childbirth based on labour observations

IntroductionMistreatment of women during childbirth is increasingly recognised as a significant issue globally. Research and programmatic efforts targeting this phenomenon have been limited by a lack of validated measurement tools....

Psychometric properties of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale amongst black South African university students

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread widely leading to a global public health crisis of a pandemic proportion. Whilst infection rates tend to fluctuate in South Africa, COVID-19 remains a life-threatening disease with the capacity to wreak fear and concern. The present study evaluated the psychometric qualities of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) amongst black South African university students (N = 433; Female: 58%; Mage = 23.51 [SD = 4.18]). The FCV-19S demonstrated a unidimensional factor structure and acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.87), Omega (ω = 0.88) and the greatest lower bound (GLB = 0.90) reliabilities. In addition, discriminant validity was demonstrated when FCV-19S items loaded separately from ordinary fear. The FCV-19S can be used as a measure of COVID-19-related fear amongst black South African university students.