US Normative Data Research Articles

Processing speed test: Results from a Japanese normative sample of healthy participants compared with a US normative sample

BackgroundThe Processing Speed Test (PST), a validated iPad®-based cognitive screening test for MS, has been applied to the cognitive assessment of Japanese MS patients using US normative data. MethodsTo develop PST normative data from Japanese healthy volunteers and compare the PST score distribution between Japanese and US healthy volunteers, 254 healthy Japanese-speaking volunteers were enrolled and stratified by age (20–65 years). Potential participants with a Mini-Mental State Examination score < 27 were excluded. PST raw scores (total correct) were from the Japan cohort and compared with age-restricted US normative data and propensity score-matched data created by matching sex, age, and educational level from a published study of 428 healthy participants. PST score distributions and standardized z-scores were compared using t-test and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test statistics. ResultsThe mean age of the Japan cohort was 44.1 years. The PST scores of Japanese volunteers were significantly different from those of the age-restricted (mean ± SD 61.8 ± 10.1 vs 53.7 ± 10.8; p < 0.001) and the propensity score-matched US cohort (62.1 ± 10.1 vs 53.3 ± 10.6; p < 0.001). ConclusionRegression analyses centered on US normative data could underestimate disease severity in Japanese MS patients, suggesting that separate normative data should be considered for each population sample.

Factor analysis and reliability of the Assessment of Spirituality and Religious Sentiments (ASPIRES) Scale in an Iranian sample

ABSTRACT This study investigated the factor structure and reliability of the Assessment of Spirituality and Religious Sentiments (ASPIRES) Scale in an Iranian sample. A total of 409 subjects (213 females and 196 males) between the ages of 14 and 88 years (Mean = 34.37) were selected. Scores were submitted to a principal components analysis using an oblimin rotation. The resulting pattern loadings were then subjected to an orthogonal procrustean rotation that used US normative data as the target matrix. The resulting factor loadings were then compared to the US normative loadings and significant convergence was obtained, suggesting that the Iranian sample understood the underlying spiritual dimension in a psychologically similar manner as the US samples. Alpha reliability values were consistent with those obtained from US norms. The results suggest that the ASPIRES Scale generalized well and is a potentially useful instrument for use in an Iranian context.

Health-Related Quality of Life in 91 Patients with X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia.

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency (PID) caused by a defect in the gene encoding for Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). In the absence of a functional BTK, patients have low or absent circulating B cells and low or absent serum immunoglobulin. Despite gammaglobulin replacement and prompt use of antimicrobial agents, patients with XLA continue to experience infectious and non-infectious complications throughout their lifetime. The purpose of this study was to understand self-perceived health status of US-based patients with XLA, and examine the associations amongst clinical characteristics, treatment experience, and quality of life (QoL). A 46 and 68 question survey, developed by the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) and a Short Form-12item v2® (SF-12v2®) for adults and SF-10™ for children to assess QoL, were mailed by IDF to patients in 2017 and 2018. Those that self-identified as having XLA or males with agammaglobulinemia were selected for analysis. Mean physical and mental composite scores (PCS and MCS) from SF-12v2® and mean physical health component (PHS) and psychological health summary (PSS) from SF-10™ scores were compared to the US normative data. Ninety-one patients completed the surveys: 58 (63.7%) adults and 33 (36.3%) children. For the combined surveys, the overall median age at time of the survey was 28.5years (yrs); Inter-Quartile-Range (IQR) 13-49.5 yrs; the median age at diagnosis was 2 yrs(IQR = 0-4yrs) and the median number of years with XLA diagnosis was 23 (IQR 10.75-40yrs). Amongst adult patients, physical scores were noted to be below the general adult population but did not reach statistical significance. In contrast, 2 or more chronic conditions impacted both physical and mental QoL (p < .001) and hospitalization was associated with significantly decreased physical health QoL (p < .001); three or more infections in the past 12months exhibited impact on physical health although was not found to be statistically significant. Adult patients with public insurance fared worse in mental health domains compared to those with combined public and private or those with private alone (p = 0.001). Employment status did not impact QoL. None of these variables met statistical significance nor demonstrated impact within the pediatric population in either physical or mental domains of health. Our study provides further insight into what factors impact both physical and mental domains of health amongst patients with XLA. Early detection to prevent the development of associated morbidity, as well as vigilant care to prevent hospitalizations and infections, can limit the impact this disease may have on the overall well-being of XLA patients.

The normative data study of the Czech MATRICS consensus cognitive battery

Objective The MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) is a widely used neuropsychological battery for the assessment of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. However, the accuracy of measurement is dependent on suitable normative data which are in the Czech Republic lacking. Method The Czech academic research translation of the MCCB battery was administered to a sample of healthy volunteers aged 17 to 62 years (N = 573) and the effects of age, education and sex were examined. In addition, a comparison was made to examine the differences between the US and current normative data. Results Consistent with previous studies, significant effects of age, sex and education were found, however, in sex and education in distinct MCCB-domains. By comparing the original and current normative data, significant differences with small to large effect sizes were revealed in all domains except for Verbal Learning. Conclusions We present nationally specific MCCB regression-based and tabular normative data applicable in research and clinical settings.

Media Influence on Anxiety, Health Utility, and Health Beliefs Early in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic-a Survey Study.

BackgroundThe psychological effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and response are poorly understood.ObjectiveTo understand the effects of the pandemic and response on anxiety and health utility in a nationally representative sample of US adults.DesignA de-identified, cross-sectional survey was administered at the end of April 2020. Probability weights were assigned using estimates from the 2018 American Community Survey and Integrated Public Use Microdata Series Estimates.ParticipantsUS adults 18–85 years of age with landline, texting-enabled cellphone, or internet access.InterventionSeven split-half survey blocks of 30 questions, assessing demographics, COVID-19-related health attitudes, and standardized measures of generalized self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, personality, and generic health utility.Main MeasuresState/Trait anxiety scores, EQ-5D-3L Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and demographic predictors of these scores.Key ResultsAmong 4855 respondents, 56.7% checked COVID-19-related news several times daily, and 84.4% at least once daily. Only 65.7% desired SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for themselves, and 70.1% for their child. Mean state anxiety (S-anxiety) score was significantly higher than mean trait anxiety (T-anxiety) score (44.9, 95%CI 43.5–46.3 vs. 41.6, 95%CI 38.7–44.5; p = 0.03), with both scores significantly higher than previously published norms. In an adjusted regression model, less frequent news viewing was associated with significantly lower S-anxiety score. Mean EQ-5D-3L VAS score for the population was significantly lower vs. established US normative data (71.4 CI 67.4–75.5, std. error 2 vs. societal mean 80, std. error 0.1; p < 0.001). EQ-5D-3L VAS score was bimodal (highest with hourly and no viewing) and significantly reduced with less media viewership in an adjusted model.ConclusionsAmong a nationally representative sample, there were higher S-anxiety and lower EQ-5D-3L VAS scores compared to non-pandemic normative data, indicative of a potential detrimental acute effect of the pandemic. More frequent daily media viewership was significantly associated with higher S-anxiety but also predictive of higher health utility, as measured by EQ-5D-3L VAS scores.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11606-020-06554-y.

Validation of a Personality Assessment Tool (TCI-R) in a Cross-cultural Sample of Young Managers

We propose a positive psychology approach to the assessment of personality in young international managers using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R) that is based on Cloninger's biopsychosocial model. In the present study, we first aimed at examining whether there were systematic differences in personality traits as measured by the TCI-R, between international young managers and the population that has until now been used as normative US population. Secondly, we aimed at psychometrically validate the TCI-R in a cross-cultural population of young managers so to provide more appropriate normative data for personality assessment. Methods: 442 MBA students of an international business school in Spain completed the TCI-R. Data were collected between 2012 and 2017. Participants were from 58 nationalities, between the age of 25 and 38. For comparative analysis, we analyzed differences between our sample and US population on each TCI-R personality dimension and subscale. For validation, we analyzed gender, age, and cultural differences on TCI-R dimensions and facets, and we assessed factor structure. Results: We found significant differences between our international MBA sample and US normative data for almost all dimensions of personality. The TCI-R showed good psychometric properties in our international sample. The original TCI-R seven-factor structure was confirmed with good data-fitting. Overall, our findings show that the TCI-R is a valid and reliable tool for personality assessment amongst international young leaders. The results of our study offer relevant insights that might be useful for educational purposes, namely MBA programs. In particular, we believe that they could contribute to developing positive leadership competencies.

Quality of life in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A compared with normative and disease populations

BackgroundPatient-reported outcomes are measured in chronic disease states to inform intervention and management decisions while minimizing negative outcomes. We hypothesized that health-related quality of life in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A would be worse than the general US population but similar to other chronic diseases. MethodsAdults ≥18 years with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A were recruited to complete the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-item questionnaire (n = 45). Scores based on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System T-score metric were compared with the general US population and with cohorts with low back pain, cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, major depressive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, neuroendocrine tumors, primary hyperparathyroidism, and MEN1. ResultsCompared with US normative data, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A patients reported worse anxiety (58.2 ± 12.0, P < .0001), depression (55.4 ± 12.0, P < .01), fatigue (61.4 ± 10.8, P < .0001), pain interference (54.0 ± 11.5, P < .05), and sleep disturbance (56.9 ± 2.7, P < .001), as well as significantly lower physical functioning (45.7 ± 9.3, P < .01) and ability to participate in social roles (46.4 ± 9.7, P < .05). Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A patients reported greater fatigue than patients with cancer (P < .0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = .01), rheumatoid arthritis (P = .0002), neuroendocrine tumors (P = .0007), and primary hyperparathyroidism (P < .0001) but higher physical functioning compared with patients with rheumatoid arthritis (P = .02), low back pain, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < .0001). ConclusionsThis study is the first to use the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System to compare patient-reported outcomes between multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and other chronic conditions. Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A reported worse health-related quality of life in all 7 domains compared with US normative data. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A patients reported greater fatigue but greater physical function compared with several other conditions. Prospective longitudinal evaluation of patient-reported outcomes in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A should be conducted to identify treatments associated with the highest health-related quality of life.

Psychosexual development and satisfaction with timing of developmental milestones among adult survivors of childhood cancer.

To extend the limited research on psychosexual development among childhood cancer survivors, by not only focusing on the prevalence and age of milestone attainment, but also survivors' attitudes toward the timing of reaching such milestones. Adult survivors of childhood cancer (N=90; Mage =29.8, SD=5.2), recruited from a US pediatric institution, completed online surveys indicating whether they had reached 5 milestones of psychosexual development (ie, first kiss, first boy-/girlfriend, first physical intimacy, sexual debut, first time in love), age at attainment, and perceptions about the timing (ie, right time, wished it had happened earlier, wished they had waited). Almost all survivors had reached each milestone (≥90%), except for sexual debut (83.3%). Survivors reported their first kiss as the earliest milestone at age 14.6 (N=82, 92%) and falling in love as the latest milestone at age 18.8 (N=80; 90%). This timing did not differ by sex/cancer-specific factors. Most survivors (~60%) felt they reached each milestone at the right time. Compared with US normative data, both male and female survivors were less likely to have experienced their sexual debut and were approximately 1.5years older at sexual debut. Nevertheless, 59% of survivors felt that this timing was right and 31% wished they had waited longer. This is the first study to demonstrate that although childhood cancer survivors may delay some aspects of psychosexual development, most are satisfied with this timing. Research and clinical practice should emphasize survivors' perceptions/satisfaction toward psychosexual development rather than focusing only on normative milestone attainment.

Disease and treatment factors associated with lower quality of life scores in adults with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I

Physical and psychosocial morbidity of multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 is ill-defined. How disease and treatment-related factors relate to patient-reported outcomes including health-related quality of life is unknown. We hypothesized that disease and treatment burden negatively impacts health-related quality of life in adults with multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1. Adults (≥18years) with multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 completed an online survey of demographics, disease features, treatments, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-item profile measure, and scores were compared with normative US data. Multivariable modeling was performed to evaluate factors associated with decreased health-related quality of life. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 patients (n=207) reported worse health-related quality of life compared with US normative data in all health-related quality of life domains (P<.001). Persistent hypercalcemia after parathyroid surgery was associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and decreased social functioning (P<.05). Patients <45years of age at diagnosis reported worse physical and social functioning (P<.01). Traveling >50 miles for doctor appointments and ≥20 doctor appointments/year (P<.05) were associated with worse health-related quality of life. History of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors was not associated with worse health-related quality of life. This is the largest study to assess clinical and treatment factors associated with health-related quality of life in multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1. Persistent hyperparathyroidism, increased travel distance and frequency of doctor appointments were all associated with worse health-related quality of life.

The Burden of Psychosocial Stressors and Urgent Mental Health Problems in a Pediatric Weight Management Program

To systematically screen for behavioral and mental health problems and psychosocial stressors (PS) in newly referred patients and adult caregivers (PACs) in a pediatric weight management program. We used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for caregivers and patients ≥18 years, and assessed urgent mental health concerns and psychosocial stressors. A total of 243 PACs were screened; data were unavailable for 6. Compared with US normative data for the SDQ-Parent Proxy Version, the proportion of patients in our sample with borderline/abnormal total difficulties and conduct problems scores was greater for all age groups. Among adult caregivers with complete CES-D, 18.4% were at risk for depression. Eleven percent of patients screened positive for urgent mental health problems. Overall, 43% of patients and 57.4% of caregivers had PS. Systematic screening identified untreated symptoms and significant PS. Addressing these complex problems likely requires collaborative approaches with community providers.

Normative indications for Xhosa speaking unskilled workers on the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test

The aim of this study was to establish normative indications for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (RCF) copy, incidental recall and delayed recall tasks, administered in English on a non-clinical population of Xhosa, unskilled workers (N = 33) (females n = 21; males n = 12), with a background of relatively disadvantaged quality of education up to Grades 11 and 12. The sample was stratified into two age groupings (18 – 29 years, n = 17; 30 – 40 years, n = 16), equally distributed for sex and level of education. Within group statistical analyses compared subgroup test performances for sex and age within the total sample. Between group analyses were used to compare the performance of the present sample with age equivalent data derived from a meta-analysis of US normative data on the RCF task. There was an age effect in favour of the younger group for both the immediate and delayed recall tasks. The local data for all RCF tasks were significantly lower than the US normative data, with the indication that higher levels and/or quality of formal school education might advantage performance on this complex visuoperceptual copy and recall task.

Emotional Well-Being of Living Kidney Donors: Findings From the RELIVE Study

Following kidney donation, short-term quality of life outcomes compare favorably to US normative data but long-term effects on mood are not known. In the Renal and Lung Living Donors Evaluation Study (RELIVE), records from donations performed 1963-2005 were reviewed for depression and antidepressant use predonation. Postdonation, in a cross-sectional cohort design 2010-2012, donors completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression screening instrument, the Life Orientation Test-Revised, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and donation experience questions. Of 6909 eligible donors, 3470 were contacted and 2455 participated (71%). The percent with depressive symptoms (8%; PHQ-9>10) was similar to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants (7%, p=0.30). Predonation psychiatric disorders were more common in unrelated than related donors (p=0.05). Postdonation predictors of depressive symptoms included nonwhite race OR=2.00, p=0.020), younger age at donation (OR=1.33 per 10 years, p=0.002), longer recovery time from donation (OR=1.74, p=0.0009), greater financial burden (OR=1.32, p=0.013) and feeling morally obligated to donate (OR=1.23, p=0.003). While cross-sectional prevalence of depression is comparable to population normative data, some factors identifiable around time of donation, including longer recovery, financial stressors, younger age and moral obligation to donate may identify donors more likely to develop future depression, providing an opportunity for intervention.

Current Physical and Mental Health of Former Collegiate Athletes.

Background:There is a dearth of research on the current health of former collegiate athletes.Purpose:To examine the current health and related correlates in a cohort of former collegiate athletes who played in a diverse range of men’s and women’s sports with various levels of contact.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Former collegiate athletes (N = 3657) were asked to complete an online questionnaire addressing sports history, medical history, and demographics. The questionnaire also included the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), which yielded 2 composite scores for physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health. The VR-12 PCS and MCS scores were compared with published US normative data using t tests and analyses of variance.Results:Mean PCS and MCS scores of the 797 respondents with complete data (21.9% of target sample; average, 14.5 years since last played collegiate sport) were 53.0 ± 6.1 and 51.7 ± 9.4, respectively. When stratified by age and sex, PCS and MCS scores were similar to normative scores in the United States. Lower PCS scores were associated with sustaining ≥3 concussions, playing in collision sports during college, and sustaining a career-ending injury (all, P < .001). No association was found between concussion and MCS scores (P = .06). Among former collegiate athletes, prevalent medical conditions included anxiety (16.2%), hypercholesterolemia/high cholesterol (10.6%), and depression (10.4%). Additionally, 5.8% screened positive for alcohol dependence, and 5.8% screened positive for disordered eating (eg, binge eating, purging). These findings were more prevalent than those reported by the World Health Organization as representative of the US population. Conversely, there was a lower prevalence of depression, bipolar disorders, and attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD), than in the World Health Organization US population data sample.Conclusion:Former collegiate athletes appear similar to the general US population on many aspects of mental and physical health. However, observed health deficits associated with previous sports injuries warrant ongoing monitoring of the health and well-being of former collegiate athletes.

Prenatal and Perinatal Complications: Is It the Link Between Race and SES and Childhood Sleep Disordered Breathing?

Recent evidence has suggested that low socioeconomic status (SES), race, prematurity, and maternal smoking during pregnancy are associated with childhood sleep disordered breathing (SDB). We investigated (1) the association of SDB with a wide range of risk factors, including prenatal and perinatal complications; (2) the association of these complications with SES and race; and (3) the association of SDB with developmental milestones. Six hundred thirteen school-aged children (105 clinically referred and 508 community control subjects) underwent overnight polysomnography and had a complete history and physical examination. A comprehensive child development questionnaire was completed by a parent. We compared clinically referred children with SDB to population-based control children without SDB from The Penn State Children's Cohort. Maternal smoking during pregnancy; maternal age and weight gain during pregnancy; prenatal complications, such as maternal high blood pressure and gestational diabetes; perinatal complications related to prematurity; delayed motor milestones; race and SES were significantly associated with the presence of childhood SDB. Most of the risk factors became nonsignificant when analyses controlled for race and SES. Delayed motor milestones remained significantly associated with SDB after controlling for race and SES. These data suggest that there is a significant association between children who experience prenatal or perinatal distress and the development of moderate to severe childhood SDB. SES and race may be mediating the impact on SDB through increased prenatal and perinatal risks. The significant delay in motor milestones suggests that prenatal and perinatal distress may result in neurologic insult, which could influence the development of SDB in later childhood.

Harris Infant Neuromotor Test: Comparison of US and Canadian Normative Data and Examination of Concurrent Validity With the Ages and Stages Questionnaire

The Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) was developed as a screening tool for potential motor and cognitive developmental disorders in infants. Scoring on the HINT has been shown to be reliable, and several studies have supported the validity of the HINT. Normative values for the tool have been developed using Canadian infants. The aims of this study were (1) to further evaluate the validity of the HINT by comparing data obtained on US infants who were developing typically with data previously acquired on Canadian infants and (2) to determine the concurrent validity of the HINT with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Secondary analyses of HINT scores for US white and nonwhite infants and for US infants who had parents with lower levels of education and US infants who had parents with higher levels of education (as a proxy for socioeconomic status [SES]) were conducted. Cross-sectional exploratory and quasi-experimental comparative research designs were used to evaluate the validity of the HINT. Sixty-seven infants from the United States who were developing typically and who were aged 2.5 to 12.5 months were recruited via convenience sampling. Sixty-four of these infants were compared with Canadian infants matched for age, sex, ethnicity or race, and parental education. The HINT was administered by raters who had been trained to attain acceptable levels of interrater reliability, and parents completed the ASQ. The HINT scores for US white versus nonwhite infants (n=46) and infants who had parents with lower SES versus a higher SES (n=52) were compared. There were no significant differences between HINT total scores for US and Canadian infants or for US racial or ethnic groups and SES groups. There were high correlations (r=-.82 to -.84) between HINT and ASQ scores. The study used a small US sample with limited geographical diversity. Small sample numbers also did not allow for comparisons of specific racial or ethnic groups. The SES groups were created primarily using parental education as a proxy for SES. The results suggest that HINT screening in the United States is supported on the basis of Canadian norms and the validity of the HINT in screening for motor and cognitive delays. Although there is preliminary support for the HINT as an appropriate screening tool for US infants who are nonwhite or who have parents with a lower SES, more research is warranted.

Applying Dutch and US versions of the BSID‐II in Dutch children born preterm leads to different outcomes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the application of Dutch versus US test procedures and norms of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - 2nd edition (BSID-II) leads to different developmental outcomes. The BSID-II was administered to 376 preterm infants (191 males, 185 females; mean gestational age 30wks [SD 2.7], mean birth-weight 1242g [SD 385]) at corrected ages of 6, 12, 24, and/or 36 months. Raw scores were calculated twice with US and Dutch test procedures. Raw scores as well as Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) scores, calculated on the basis of Dutch versus US normative data, were compared. Small but statistically significant Dutch-US differences were found between raw scores. Large, clinically relevant Dutch-US differences were found for MDI and PDI scores, especially at 6 and 12 months. These differences were likely to have been caused by a bias in the Dutch normative data, although a slower developmental pace of Dutch children in general could also have a role. This study highlights the problems that can occur when using a test that was developed in another country, even when local standardization is available.

Parental ratings of behavioral adjustment in two samples of adopted Chinese girls: Age-related versus socio-emotional correlates and predictors

Parental ratings of 695 adopted Chinese girls' internalizing, externalizing, and total problem behaviors were analyzed in 4 stages to: (1) Compare adjustment profiles of Chinese adoptee samples with relevant US normative data; (2) analyze age differences in behavioral adjustment differences of Chinese adoptees; (3) examine interrelationships among the 3 behavior problem scores and child's age at adoption, current age, pre-adoption neglect, and post-adoption initial rejection behaviors; and (4) explore the degree to which the 4 child-level independent variables worked individually or collectively to predict behavioral adjustment outcomes. Chinese adoptees had better adjustment scores than normative samples from the U.S. Preschool-age adoptees had better adjustment scores than school-age adoptees. No relationships were observed between the age-related variables and behavioral adjustment measures. However, pre-adoption neglect and post-adoption initial rejection behaviors were predictors of behavioral adjustment scores. The implications of these findings for future research, clinical practice and parenting education were discussed.

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: US Normative Data and Psychometric Properties

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: US Normative Data and Psychometric Properties

Psychobiological model of temperament and character: Validation and cross-cultural comparations

The paper presents research results regarding Psychobiological model of personality by Robert Cloninger. The primary research goal was to test the new TCI-5 inventory and compare our results with US normative data. We also analyzed the factor structure of the model and the reliability of basic TCI-5 scales and sub-scales. The sample consisted of 473 subjects from the normal population, age range between 18-50 years. Results showed significant differences between Serbian and American samples. Compared to the American sample, Novelty seeking was higher in the Serbian sample, while Persistence Self-directedness and Cooperativeness were lower. For the most part results of the present study confirmed a seven factor structure model although some sub-scales did not coincide with basic dimensions as predicted by the theoretical model. Therefore certain theoretical revisions of the model are required in order to fit in the empirical findings. Similarly, the discrepancy between the theoretical and empirical was also noticed regarding the reliability of TCI-5 scales. They also need to be re-examined. Thus the results of the study showed satisfactory reliability of Persistence (.90), Self-directedness (.89) and Harm avoidance (.87), but low reliability of the Novelty seeking (.78), Reward dependence (.79) and Self-transcendence (.78).

Parent‐completed developmental screening in a Norwegian population sample: a comparison with US normative data

Aim: To compare normative data of a Norwegian translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires with original US normative data. Methods: Norwegian‐born mothers randomly selected from the population register completed Norwegian translations of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, a series of 19 age‐specific child development screening questionnaires each made up of 30 items in five domains: Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal‐Social. Domain score group differences with original US normative data on 10 age‐specific questionnaires (for ages 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 mo) were investigated. The Norwegian data consisted of 1341 children, varying between 82 and 176 per age interval. Results: On the whole, parents' reports of their children's development were very similar in the two data sets. Only five out of 50 mean comparisons revealed a mean difference either greater than a Cohen's d of 0.5 or greater than the smallest increment on a domain score. The variation in scores tended to be somewhat smaller in the Norwegian sample. Conclusion: It seems reasonable to expect that domain scores on the Ages and Stages Questionnaires may be interpreted in the same way in Norway and the United States, and these results may also generalize to other Western settings. These findings from a true random sample also increase the confidence in the original normative data.