Unidimensional Continuum Research Articles

Race, belief system complexity, and partisan-ideological sorting

ABSTRACT Despite a great deal of scholarly attention to the concept of partisan-ideological sorting, few analyses have investigated differences in sorting patterns among subgroups of Americans, with most opting to examine broader trends among the entirety of the mass public instead. However, recent work shows that Black Americans have not sorted to the same degree as Whites. We (1) extend previous studies to include an examination of Latinos and (2) offer an explanation for lower levels of sorting among non-Whites: belief system complexity. We argue that as one's belief system – operationalized by issue attitudes or core values, for example – becomes more multidimensional, the probability of neatly sorting along a unidimensional continuum decreases. Using data from the 1986–2016 ANES American National Election Studies, we first show that Black and Latino Americans have more complex political belief systems, operationalized in several different ways, compared to Whites. Then, we examine the relationship between various measures of belief system complexity and sorting, observing strong relationships that help account for the discrepancy in sorting between White and non-White Americans.

Value-based decision-making network functional connectivity correlates with substance use and delay discounting behaviour among young adults

Substance use disorders are characterized by reduced control over the quantity and frequency of psychoactive substance use and impairments in social and occupational functioning. They are associated with poor treatment compliance and high rates of relapse. Identification of neural susceptibility biomarkers that index risk for developing a substance use disorder can facilitate earlier identification and treatment. Here, we aimed to identify the neurobiological correlates of substance use frequency and severity amongst a sample of 1,200 (652 females) participants aged 22–37 years from the Human Connectome Project. Substance use behaviour across eight classes (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, sedatives, hallucinogens, cocaine, stimulants, opiates) was measured using the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. We explored the latent organization of substance use behaviour using a combination of exploratory structural equation modelling, latent class analysis, and factor mixture modelling to reveal a unidimensional continuum of substance use behaviour. Participants could be rank ordered along a unitary severity spectrum encompassing frequency of use of all eight substance classes, with factor score estimates generated to represent each participant’s substance use severity. Factor score estimates and delay discounting scores were compared with functional connectivity in 650 participants with imaging data using the Network-based Statistic. This neuroimaging cohort excludes participants aged 31 and over. We identified brain regions and connections correlated with impulsive decision-making and poly-substance use, with the medial orbitofrontal, lateral prefrontal and posterior parietal cortices emerging as key hubs. Functional connectivity of these networks could serve as susceptibility biomarkers for substance use disorders, informing earlier identification and treatment.

The Co-existence of Inclusion and Exclusion Experiences among Foreign Employees

Inclusion in the workplace, which aims to leverage value from diversity and improve the wellbeing of each member of the organization, is increasingly attracting significant interest among scholars and practitioners alike. Extant studies have limited the scientific inquiry to conceptualizing and measuring inclusion and exclusion using constructs, often assumed to perform along a unidimensional continuum or outcome variable. However, our study discovers that inclusion and exclusion are experienced as co-existing and the conditions to be non-binary. We identify four types of inclusion/exclusion that are determined by five dimensions. Furthermore, we uncover the multifaceted nature of the inclusion and exclusion phenomena due to performing differently traversing various spheres at work. Additionally, we advance theory by identifying five strategic responses to the experiences of inclusion and exclusion by employees. As part of a qualitative design, we conducted 52 in-depth interviews of foreign employees who narrated about own lived experiences of being included and excluded–and how they dealt with such challenges at work. We propose a new process model to depict these relationships and promulgate propositions for future research.

Assisting hand use and self-care bimanual performance of children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

To examine the relationship between assisting hand use in bimanual activities and children's self-care activities and task performance. We retrospectively analysed daily functioning (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory [PEDI]) and bimanual performance (Assisting Hand Assessment [AHA]) data from the assessment of 112 children (mean age: 8 years 10 months [SD 2 years 1 month], range 3 years 7 months-17 years 4 months; 66 males, 46 females) with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). We used Rasch analysis to examine the relationship between individual item scores from the AHA and the self-care items (functional skills, caregiver assistance) from the PEDI. Most self-care functional skills and caregiver-assisted tasks were located on the middle of the unidimensional continuum. These items showed similar levels of difficulty as the items from the AHA related to the effective coordination of two hands, appropriate pace, and use of the assisting hand to stabilize and release objects, as well as variations in arm movements. The distribution of the PEDI self-care and AHA items along the unidimensional continuum illustrates the relationship between assisting hand use and self-care bimanual performance. Interpretation of the items' locations on the hierarchical unidimensional continuum may be helpful to therapists' clinical reasoning and suggest intervention goals to improve the hand function and daily functioning of children with unilateral spastic CP. Such an application needs further investigation.

Psychosocial functioning in the balance between autism and psychosis: evidence from three populations

Functional impairment is a core feature of both autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. While diagnostically independent, they can co-occur in the same individual at both the trait and diagnostic levels. The effect of such co-occurrence is hypothesized to worsen functional impairment. The diametric model, however, suggests that the disorders are etiologically and phenotypically diametrical, representing the extreme of a unidimensional continuum of cognition and behavior. A central prediction of this model is that functional impairment would be attenuated in individuals with mixed symptom expressions or genetic liability to both disorders. We tested this hypothesis in two clinical populations and one healthy population. In individuals with chronic schizophrenia and in individuals with first episode psychosis we evaluated the combined effect of autistic traits and positive psychotic symptoms on psychosocial functioning. In healthy carriers of alleles of copy number variants (CNVs) that confer risk for both autism and schizophrenia, we also evaluated whether variation in psychosocial functioning depended on the combined risk conferred by each CNV. Relative to individuals with biased symptom/CNV risk profiles, results show that functional impairments are attenuated in individuals with relatively equal levels of positive symptoms and autistic traits—and specifically stereotypic behaviors—, and in carriers of CNVs with relatively equal risks for either disorder. However, the pattern of effects along the “balance axis” varied across the groups, with this attenuation being generally less pronounced in individuals with high-high symptom/risk profile in the schizophrenia and CNV groups, and relatively similar for low-low and high-high individuals in the first episode psychosis group. Lower levels of functional impairments in individuals with “balanced” symptom profile or genetic risks would suggest compensation across mechanisms associated with autism and schizophrenia. CNVs that confer equal risks for both disorders may provide an entry point for investigations into such compensatory mechanisms. The co-assessment of autism and schizophrenia may contribute to personalized prognosis and stratification strategies.

Practical Assessment of Alcohol Use Disorder in Routine Primary Care: Performance of an Alcohol Symptom Checklist.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent but underrecognized and undertreated in primary care settings. Alcohol Symptom Checklists can engage patients and providers in discussions of AUD-related care. However, the performance of Alcohol Symptom Checklists when they are used in routine care and documented in electronic health records (EHRs) remains unevaluated. To evaluate the psychometric performance of an Alcohol Symptom Checklist in routine primary care. Cross-sectional study using item response theory (IRT) and differential item functioning analyses of measurement consistency across age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Patients seen in primary care in the Kaiser Permanente Washington Healthcare System who reported high-risk drinking on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test Consumption screening measure (AUDIT-C ≥ 7) and subsequently completed an Alcohol Symptom Checklist between October 2015 and February 2020. Alcohol Symptom Checklists with 11 items assessing AUD criteria defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), completed by patients during routine medical care and documented in EHRs. Among 11,464 patients who screened positive for high-risk drinking and completed an Alcohol Symptom Checklist (mean age 43.6 years, 30.5% female), 54.1% reported ≥ 2 DSM-5 AUD criteria (threshold for AUD diagnosis). IRT analyses demonstrated that checklist items measured a unidimensional continuum of AUD severity. Differential item functioning was observed for some demographic subgroups but had minimal impact on accurate measurement of AUD severity, with differences between demographic subgroups attributable to differential item functioning never exceeding 0.42 points of the total symptom count (of a possible range of 0-11). Alcohol Symptom Checklists used in routine care discriminated AUD severity consistently with current definitions of AUD and performed equitably across age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Integrating symptom checklists into routine care may help inform clinical decision-making around diagnosing and managing AUD.

Assimilating Unidimensional and Multidimensional Models of Political Values

Michael Babula is an Assistant Professor in Psychology in the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences at Khalifa University. He holds a Ph.D. in Politics and Psychology (dual degree) from Goldsmiths, University of London. Glenn Muschert is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Colorado. In his influential book The Silent Revolution, Inglehart (1977) used Maslow’s (1987) hierarchy of needs to classify associated political values according to a two tiered, unidimensional model. Since then, the debate has continued as social scientists studied the presence of materialist, survival-oriented values and postmaterialist values more concerned with freedom of expression and individuality. Among the dominant materialist values are protecting the economy, promoting a strong police force, and fighting crime, which Inglehart described as concerns with lower-order needs such as physical safety and the need for security. Among postmaterialist values are freedom of say at work, beautification of cities, and having a say in government, which Inglehart associated with intermediate- and higher-order needs on Maslow’s hierarchy, such as self-esteem, social recognition, and self-actualization. Eventually, Inglehart (1977) conceptualized the existence of materialist and postmaterialist values along a unidimensional continuum and departed from Maslow (1987) who did not view the needs hierarchy as unidimensional, but rather additive in that people satisfy lower-level needs prior to moving toward the satisfaction of intermediate- and higher-order needs. Since the first iteration of the World Values Survey (WVS) in 1981, political values measuring materialist versus postmaterialist concerns have been measured in a rankings-type variable in which the prioritization of one value necessitates the sublimation of another variable, and therefore measures values in a unidimensional scheme [see e.g., the latest iteration in Inglehart et al. (2014)].

Examining Distributed Leadership and School Outcomes in Finnish Compulsory School

This paper discusses distributed leadership (DL) as educational leadership structure and its relation to school outcomes in compulsory schools. School outcomes are defined as students’ learning to learn abilities. This study tests two hypotheses. H1: DL is perceived as a continuum consisting of two ends (as delegation and as situation-based interaction between leaders and subordinates). H2: conceptualization of DL as situation-based interaction positively affects the outcomes of the school. The data are leadership inquiry and students’ longitudinal learning to learn follow-up data from grades 3 to 6 or grades 6 to 9. The results indicate that DL does not appear as a unidimensional continuum. Educational leadership is formed from multiple dimensions, and DL is one part of the whole; thus, H1 was incorrect. The conceptualization of DL as situation-based interaction is not statistically satisfactorily related to outcomes of the school; therefore, H2 was also incorrect. The paper concludes that results of this study point to the meaning of local education policy as a means of steering the distribution of students between schools in order to maintain the small between-school differences in student outcomes.

The performance of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder and quantity-frequency of alcohol consumption criteria: An item response theory analysis

BackgroundMaladaptive patterns of drinking are central to the development of AUD. However, no DSM-5 criteria ask about patterns of alcohol use, such as 5+/4+ binge drinking. It is important to examine whether such an item would improve the diagnostic utility of the DSM-5 instrument. MethodUsing a large representative sample of the US population, we used item response theory (IRT) methodology to examine the threshold, discrimination, and information value and differential criterion functioning of DSM-5 AUD criteria, along with a 5+/4+ drinking pattern criterion assessed at various levels of frequency. ResultsThe best fit drinking pattern criterion (defined at 5+/4+ drinking at least once a week in the past year) tapped the milder end of that continuum, which was similar to the criterion of drinking in larger amounts or for longer than intended. The new DSM-5 craving criterion was associated with mid-level values of threshold and discrimination. The AUD criteria with the addition of the 5+/4+ drinking pattern criterion demonstrated invariance across important subgroups of the population. ConclusionsAmong the criteria with the lowest level of threshold, the drinking pattern criterion has demonstrated its utility of the DSM-5 classification by identifying clinically significant but milder AUD cases. Along with its relationship to AUD relapse, the new craving criterion tapped the moderate levels of threshold and discrimination and thus, argues for its continued inclusion in the DSM-5 AUD formulation. Study results showed that DSM-5 AUD criteria and the 5+/4+ drinking pattern criterion formed a unidimensional continuum of AUD severity.

Impaired control in heavy drinking and its association with alcohol craving and alcohol use disorder severity

Introduction. Impaired control over drinking has been frequently cited in diverse theoretical descriptions regarding harmful alcohol use and is considered a DSM criterion for alcohol use disorder. Differences in the frequency of endorsement of impaired control have been viewed as a reflection of the severity of the problem. Moreover, it has been posited that the ability to place a limit on alcohol consumption may be mediated through enhanced craving. Objective. In this study, we addressed the relationship between impaired control, self-reported craving, and alcohol dependence severity among heavy drinkers. Method. We conducted a latent class analysis of impaired control dimensions (perceived control, failed control, and attempted control) of 208 heavy drinkers. To determine whether the identified classes could represent different forms of severity of the disorder, the best-fit model was contrasted with scores on the Alcohol Dependence Scale. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between impaired control criteria (using the Impaired Control Scale [ICS]) with alcohol craving. Results. We identified a three-class solution based on impaired control severity. A graded increase of the craving scores and alcohol severity among the three classes was also identified. Only the ICS items comprising perceived control and partially those related to failed control, but not those evaluating attempted control, distinguished the gradient among the latent classes. Discussion and conclusion. This study provides further support of the proposal of a unidimensional continuum of severity among heavy drinkers and strengthens the theoretical relationship between impaired control and alcohol craving.

Modeling regional changes in dynamic stability during sleep and wakefulness

Global brain states are frequently placed within a unidimensional continuum by correlational studies, ranging from states of deep unconsciousness to ordinary wakefulness. An alternative is their multidimensional and mechanistic characterization in terms of different cognitive capacities, using computational models to reproduce the underlying neural dynamics. We explore this alternative by introducing a semi-empirical model linking regional activation and long-range functional connectivity in the different brain states visited during the natural wake-sleep cycle. Our model combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, in vivo estimates of structural connectivity, and anatomically-informed priors to constrain the independent variation of regional activation. The best fit to empirical data was achieved using priors based on functionally coherent networks, with the resulting model parameters dividing the cortex into regions presenting opposite dynamical behavior. Frontoparietal regions approached a bifurcation from dynamics at a fixed point governed by noise, while sensorimotor regions approached a bifurcation from oscillatory dynamics. In agreement with human electrophysiological experiments, sleep onset induced subcortical deactivation with low correlation, which was subsequently reversed for deeper stages. Finally, we introduced periodic forcing of variable intensity to simulate external perturbations, and identified the key regions relevant for the recovery of wakefulness from deep sleep. Our model represents sleep as a state with diminished perceptual gating and the latent capacity for global accessibility that is required for rapid arousals. To the extent that the qualitative characterization of local dynamics is exhausted by the dichotomy between unstable and stable behavior, our work highlights how expanding the model parameter space can describe states of consciousness in terms of multiple dimensions with interpretations given by the choice of anatomically-informed priors.

Development of a Dualistic Model of Sexual Passion: Investigating Determinants and Consequences.

In empirical research, sexual passion has frequently been conceptualized as the interdependent dynamics experienced with a partner and as following a unidimensional continuum of intensity. A recent theoretical model conceptualized sexual passion as an intrapersonal motivation, which can energize both partnered and non-partnered sexual behaviors (Philippe, Vallerand, Bernard-Desrosiers, Guilbault, & Rajotte, 2017). This model also departs from the typical unidimensional continuum by positing the existence of two types of sexual passion: harmonious sexual passion (HSP) and obsessive sexual passion (OSP). The purpose of the present research was to extend the development of such a dualistic model by examining key theoretical determinants and consequences of each type of sexual passion. Study 1 provided empirical evidence of discriminant validity for such a model with respect to key-related constructs in the sex literature (e.g., sexual desire, hypersexuality, self-determined motives). The results of Study 2 showed that both types of sexual passion were associated with a high engagement in various sexual activities, but that only HSP combined it with couple adjustment. Finally, Study 3 indicated that both HSP and OSP were associated with common as well as distinct determinants, while being conducive to different personal and interpersonal consequences. Overall, there were very few moderations by biological sex. The results of these three studies provide empirical support for the sexual passion model and pave the way for new research directions.

Exploring the latent trait of opioid use disorder criteria among frequent nonmedical prescription opioid users

BackgroundThere is a need to explore the dimensional and categorical phenotypes of criteria of opioid use disorder among frequent nonmedical users of prescription opioids (NMUPO) users. MethodsWe used pooled data of 2011–2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to examine reliability and phenotypic variability in the diagnosis of OUD secondary to NMUPO in a nationally-representative sample of 18+ years-old frequent past-year NMUPO users (120+ days, n = 806). Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and latent class analysis (LCA), we examined 10 past-year OUD criteria. We examined associations between the latent classes and sociodemographic/psychiatric/NMUPO correlates. ResultsOUD criteria were unidimensional, and a three-class model was the overall best fitting solution for characterizing individuals into phenotypes along this unidimensional continuum: a “non-symptomatic class” (40.7%), “Tolerance-Time spent class” (29.0%) with high probability of endorsing Tolerance/Time Spent criteria, and a “High-moderate symptomatic class” (30.1%). The last class was significantly associated with being male, having insurance and obtaining prescription opioids (PO) nonmedically via “doctor shopping” as compared to the non-symptomatic class. “Tolerance-Time spent class” was significantly associated with being younger (18–25 years) and obtaining PO nonmedically from family/friends as compared to the non-symptomatic class. ConclusionThis study revealed the different characteristics and routes of access to PO of different classes of frequent NMUPO users. It is possible that these groups may respond to different interventions, however such conclusions would require a clinical study.

The Treatment Outcome Package (TOP): A multi-dimensional level of care matrix for child welfare

Child welfare level of care (LOC) tools have generally either failed to assess the multiple needs of children or failed to use this information to determine the most appropriate and least restrictive placement. LOC recommendations are usually presented on a uni-dimensional continuum, often masking divergent, multi-dimensional issues. We recommend a multi-dimensional LOC approach. Existing LOC measures are reviewed, a conceptual framework of four important dimensions of need (consisting of supervisory, psychological, medical and academic needs) is described, and the use of the Treatment Outcome Package (TOP; Kraus, Boswell, Wright, Castonguay, & Pincus, 2010) as a multi-dimensional LOC tool is illustrated. Other advantages of the TOP include its sensitivity to change, its use with multiple informants (including self-report) and its potential for identifying providers who are most appropriate for addressing a child's particular needs.

Measuring Sexual Aggression Perpetration in College Men: A Comparison of Two Measures.

The present study was designed to provide a comparison of rates of self-reported sexual aggression perpetration obtained using two different measures - a version of the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES; Abbey et al, 2007; Koss, Gidycz, & Wisniewski, 1987) and the Sexual Strategies Scale (SSS, Strang, et al, 2013; Struckman-Johnson, Struckman-Johnson, & Anderson, 2003). We also examined the psychometric structure of each measure using Rasch model item analysis (Rasch, 1966). Two equivalent cohorts of entering freshman males (N = 994 and N = 1043) from a large northeastern university completed online measures at the end of their first semester. Identical proportions of men reported using intoxication strategies (3%) and physical force (1%) during the past semester on both measures. However, more men reported verbal strategies on the SSS (7.8%) compared with the SES (3.7%), even when restricting to equivalent items. Rasch analysis suggested that the SSS conformed better to a unidimensional continuum of perpetration severity than the SES; however, Rasch analysis did not provide definitive support for either a tactic - based (SSS) nor a tactic plus outcome- based (SES) hierarchy. Both measures functioned adequately. However, the SSS may be preferred for its better Rasch properties, better assessment of the less severe tactics, and simpler wording.

New Dimensions of Tolerance: A Case for a Broader, Categorical Approach

Most social scientific research on tolerance rests upon two assumptions: 1) that tolerance is mainly concerned with the extension of political rights, and 2) that the concept is best understood as a unidimensional continuum of attitudes that are more or less tolerant. We argue that to have a fuller understanding of tolerance, we must transcend these two assumptions to develop a concept that is multidimensional. We use latent class analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to uncover new patterns of tolerant responses to least liked groups. Our results reveal four different profiles, which describe four different approaches to objectionable groups. These are generally intolerant, politically tolerant, generally tolerant and privately tolerant. Our profiles provide a fuller, more nuanced description of tolerant and intolerant attitudes than traditional approaches. These profiles can be used to help social scientists refine existing theories on the mechanisms of tolerance.

Reliability and validity of the Paediatric Volitional Questionnaire – Chinese version

The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Paediatric Volitional Questionnaire (PVQ-C) for use amongst preschoolers in Taiwan. Forty preschoolers with developmental delays were randomly selected from northern Taiwan, along with another 40 typically developing preschoolers. The data was analysed using Rasch measurement model for construct validity and classical test theory for item reliability, intra- and inter-rater reliability, and convergent validity. The results indicated the PVQ items of PVQ-C fit into a unidimensional continuum of volition (logit -6.63~3.05) with 2 items representing differential item functioning for diagnostic group. The person-fit statistics showed that 83% participants' response could be appropriately estimated and stratified (separation index = 1.86). Using a modified 3-point rating scale resulted in acceptable item reliability (0.97), intra-rater reliability (0.412-1.0), 86% PVQ items in test-retest reliability > 0.4, and convergent validity (r = 0.562-0.656). The PVQ-C is regarded as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the volitional status of children, as a reference for subsequent clinical judgement, and for client-centred intervention programmes and treatment effects.

Consideration of immediate and future consequences, smoking status, and body mass index.

Health-related behaviors often involve immediate costs to achieve long-term benefits. How one considers the future outcomes of present day behaviors (e.g., temporal orientation) may play a role in engagement in healthy behaviors. The Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFCS) measures temporal orientation on a unidimensional continuum. Recently, 2 subscales of the CFCS have been reported: immediate (CFC-I) and future (CFC-F) consequences. These support a multidimensional conceptualization of temporal orientation. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on CFCS data. The associations between 2 health-related variables [smoking and body mass index (BMI)] and each subscale were then explored, controlling for sociodemographic variables. A random sample of 2,000 individuals aged 18 years or over was selected from the edited electoral role for one English city and sent a postal questionnaire, including the CFCS and questions on age, gender, socioeconomic position, and self-reported current smoking status and BMI. Complete data was provided by 800 participants (response rate = 40.0%). The 2-factor model fitted CFCS data better than the 1-factor model. In multiple linear regression, CFC-I was positively associated with BMI, B (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.47 (0.06 to 0.88), p = .025; and odds of being a current smoker, odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.28 (1.02 to 1.60), p = .035; CFC-F was not associated with health-related variables. These data support the multidimensional conceptualization of temporal orientation. Consideration of immediate consequences may be a more important determinant of health-related behaviors than consideration of future consequences.

The dimensionality of alcohol use disorders and alcohol consumption in a cross‐national perspective

To replicate the finding that there is a single dimension trait in alcohol use disorders and to test whether the usual 5+ drinks for men and 4+ drinks for women and other measures of alcohol consumption help to improve alcohol use disorder criteria in a series of diverse patients from emergency departments (EDs) in four countries. Cross-sectional surveys of patients aged 18 years and older that reflected consecutive arrival at the ED. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview Core was used to obtain a diagnosis of DSM-IV alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse; quantity and frequency of drinking and drunkenness as well as usual number of drinks consumed during the last year. Participants were 5195 injured and non-injured patients attending seven EDs in four countries: Argentina, Mexico, Poland and the United States (between 1995-2001). Using exploratory factor analyses alcohol use disorders can be described as a single, unidimensional continuum without any clear-cut distinction between the criteria for dependence and abuse in all sites. from item response theory analyses showed that the current DSM-IV criteria tap people in the middle-upper end of the alcohol use disorder continuum. Alcohol consumption (amount and frequency of use) can be used in all EDs with the current DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to help tap the middle-lower part of this continuum. Even though some specific diagnostic criteria and some alcohol consumption variables showed differential item function across sites, test response curves were invariant for ED sites and their inclusion would not impact the final (total) performance of the diagnostic system. DSM-IV abuse and dependence form a unidimensional continuum in ED patients regardless of country of survey. Alcohol consumption variables, if added, would help to tap patients with more moderate severity. The DSM diagnostic system for alcohol use disorders showed invariance and performed extremely well in these samples.

The Dimensions of Politics and Voter Behaviour in Preferential Systems: The Case of Australia

This project examines the dimensions of politics and voter preferences in Australia. Evidence from an empirical spatial analysis provides that Australian parties and voters are organised along a unidimensional socioeconomic continuum. Numerous individual-level factors, including party identification, ideology and a host of demographic and opinion variables, predict voters' positions along the continuum. Moreover, voter locations are shown to relate strongly to vote choice, demonstrating the importance of socioeconomic positions to voter behaviour in Australia. Finally, because this approach allows for a full examination of voter preference orderings, it is important to the study of voting behaviour and representation under preferential electoral institutions in Australia and elsewhere.