Sample Of Adult Users Research Articles

Accurate and inaccurate beliefs about cancer risk factors among Spanish-preferring adults in the United States

ObjectiveTo characterize inaccurate and accurate beliefs about cancer risk factors held among Spanish-preferring adults in the United States. MethodsFrom a national probability panel, we surveyed 196 Hispanic adults who prefer completing questionnaires in Spanish. We also used data from a representative sample of 1200 adults in the US to compare belief acceptance. ResultsMany less accepted accurate beliefs about cancer risk factors related to topics like fruit/vegetable consumption, weight loss, and alcohol use. Several inaccurate beliefs were widely held, with some being more accepted in the Spanish-preferring sample than the general US adult sample. Higher levels of self-reported media literacy and information scanning associated with more acceptance of both accurate and inaccurate beliefs. Access to the internet at home associated with discernment between accurate and inaccurate beliefs about cancer risk factors. ConclusionAcceptance of accurate beliefs and rejection of inaccurate beliefs varied across potential cancer risk factors. Future Spanish-language public health messaging should address these belief inconsistencies when providing up-to-date cancer-related recommendations or correcting inaccurate information in the public communication environment. InnovationOur study provides comprehensive information about cancer beliefs among Spanish-preferring adults in the United States, which was not previously available, and find that media literacy is a concept likely to be important to consider when putting together intervention tools to combat misinformation.

Association Between Kidney Stone History and Cardiovascular Event Risk in US Adults

ObjectivesTo determine the association between kidney stone history and predicted 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events in a nationally representative US adult sample without existing cardiovascular disease. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that included a nationally representative sample of 3,842 adults aged 40-79 free from cardiovascular disease. Kidney stone history was assessed through self-reporting. The 10-year risk of an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event was predicted using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Pooled Cohort Equations. ResultsThe weighted prevalence of kidney stones was 12.2% (95% CI: 10.5% to 14.1%). In unadjusted analysis, the odds of borderline or higher (≥5%) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk were higher in stone formers (odds ratio=1.56; 95% CI 1.01-2.40; P=0.046). This association persisted after adjustment for demographics and clinical covariates (adjusted odds ratio=1.57; 95% CI=1.02 to 2.43; P=0.04). A significant interaction by biological sex was identified (p=0.002), with excess risk conferred by kidney stones in men but not women. ConclusionsKidney stone history was independently associated with increased 10-year predicted atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event risk, with excess risk observed among men but not women. Intensified cardiovascular disease screening may be warranted among stone formers given their increased cardiovascular risk.

Age differences in patterns of cannabis use among an online US sample of adults who consume cannabis frequently

ABSTRACT Background: Cannabis use is increasing among middle-aged and older US adults, populations that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis. Risks for adverse effects differ by cannabis use patterns, which have become increasingly heterogeneous. Nevertheless, little is known about age differences in such patterns. Objective: To investigate age differences in cannabis use patterns, comparing younger (age 18–49), middle-aged (age 50–64), and older adults (age ≥65). Methods: A total of 4,151 US adults with past 7-day cannabis consumption completed an online survey (35.1% male; 60.1% female; 4.8% identified as “other”). Regression models examined age differences in cannabis use patterns. Results: Compared to younger adults, middle-aged and older adults were more likely to consume cannabis during evening hours (50–64: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.98, 95% CI 2.24–3.96; ≥65: aOR = 4.23, 95 CI 2.82–6.35); by only one method (50–64: aOR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.34–2.09; ≥65: aOR = 3.38, 95 CI 2.24–5.09); primarily by smoking as the only method (50–64: aOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.29–1.78; ≥65: aOR = 2.12, 95 CI 1.64–2.74); but less likely to consume concentrated cannabis products (concentrates) with extremely high %THC (50–64: aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.93; ≥65: aOR = 0.30, 95 CI 0.16–0.55). Age differences in cannabis use patterns were also observed between middle-aged and older adults. Conclusion: Findings suggest that middle-aged and older adults may engage in less risky cannabis use patterns compared to younger groups (e.g. lower likelihood of consuming highly potent concentrates). However, findings also underscore the importance of recognizing risks unique to these older demographics, such as smoking-related health events. Consequently, prevention strategies targeting such use patterns are needed.

Pain is associated with exclusive use and co-use of tobacco and cannabis: Findings from Wave 5 (2018–2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study

IntroductionRates of tobacco and cannabis use are disproportionately high among individuals with pain, and evidence suggests that pain may engender greater likelihood of substance co-use, yielding additive risk. This study examined national associations of pain with past-month tobacco use, cannabis use, and co-use of tobacco and cannabis. MethodsData came from a nationally representative US sample of adults in Wave 5 (2018–2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study (N = 32,014). The sample included civilian, non-institutionalized people who use tobacco and people who do not use tobacco. Past-week pain intensity (0–10) was dichotomized (0–4 no/low pain; 5–10 moderate/severe pain). Multinomial models adjusted for demographics examined substance use category membership (no tobacco or cannabis use, exclusive cannabis use, exclusive tobacco use, co-use) as a function of pain status. ResultsModerate/severe pain was associated with increased relative risk of exclusive tobacco use (RRR [CI] 2.26 [2.05, 2.49], p <.001), exclusive cannabis use (1.49 [1.22, 1.82], p <.001), and co-use of tobacco and cannabis (2.79 [2.51, 3.10], p <.001), in comparison to no tobacco or cannabis use. Additionally, moderate/severe pain was associated with increased risk of co-use compared to exclusive tobacco use (1.23 [1.11, 1.37], p <.001) and exclusive cannabis use (1.88 [1.54, 2.29], p <.001). DiscussionFindings suggest that not only is pain independently associated with greater risk of exclusively using tobacco or cannabis, but pain is also associated with heightened risk of co-using both products. Future work should examine the dynamic and potentially bidirectional relationships between pain and use of cannabis and tobacco.

Comparative optimism and well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractPast research suggests that being comparatively optimistic about one's risk for disease is associated with benefits to mental health, such as lowered stress and anxiety. However, few studies have longitudinally examined whether comparative optimism has the same protective benefits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The current study examined levels of comparative optimism, changes in comparative optimism over time, and the association between comparative optimism and COVID‐related mental and physical health outcomes among a US adult sample during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants completed online surveys at four timepoints, over the course of four weeks in May and June of 2020. Results from paired‐samples t‐tests revealed that comparative optimism was present, such that participants estimated their risk for COVID‐19 as being significantly lower than that of others their age and sex. Results from linear mixed models suggested that people who were more comparatively optimistic reported lower anxiety, depression, and stress. However, at times when people were more comparatively optimistic, they also reported greater depression and poorer sleep quality. Together, the findings suggest that the relationship between comparative optimism and health may be more complex than previously anticipated and further research is needed to examine the potential pathways through which comparative optimism affects health.

Evaluation of the (hu)MANid program for sex and ancestry estimation in a diverse, contemporary CT scan-based sample.

Human remains from forensic and bioarcheological contexts are often fragmentary, requiring methods for estimating a forensic profile that are based upon limited skeletal features. In 2017, Berg and Keryhercz created an online application, (hu)MANid, that provides sex and ancestry estimation from mandibular morphoscopic traits and linear measurements. In this study, we examine the utility of the (hu)MANid application in a diverse, urban US adult sample (aged 20-45; n=143) derived from computed tomography (CT) scans. We secondarily conduct a preliminary analysis of the program's utility in a sample of adolescents (aged 15-17; n=40). Six morphoscopic, and eleven morphometric traits were recorded as directed by the literature associated with the (hu)MANid program. Percent correct classification and posterior predictive values were calculated for the sex and ancestry estimations output by the program; chi-squared tests were employed to compare self-reported and predicted ancestry. In the adult sample, sex was accurately predicted for 75.52% of the sample. Ancestry prediction, however, was less favorable ranging from 19.3% to 50% correct. For the adolescent sample, correct sex estimation (45%) did not surpass what could occur by chance alone, though ancestry prediction fared better than in the larger adult sample (percent correct prediction overall average: 47.5%, range 35.71%-71.43%). The (hu)MANid application shows utility for use with CT scan-derived adult samples for sex estimation, but caution is warranted for ancestry estimation and use with samples that may not have reached full adult maturity.

Examining pathways between family or peer factors and smoking cessation in a nationally representative US sample of adults with mental health conditions who smoke: a structural equation analysis

BackgroundSupportive family or peer behaviors positively impact smoking cessation in people with mental health problems who smoke. However, the limited understanding of the pathways through which family or peer factors impact quitting limits the development of effective support interventions. This study examined pathways through which family or peer views on tobacco use, family or peer smoking status, and rules against smoking in the home influenced quitting in adults with mental health problems who smoke.MethodsWe used data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, a national longitudinal survey. Baseline data were collected in 2015, and follow-up data in 2016. We included adults’ current smokers who had experienced two or more mental health symptoms in the past year (unweighted n = 4201). Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between family and peer factors, mediating factors, and smoking cessation.ResultsWe found that having family or peers with negative views on tobacco use had a positive indirect effect on smoking cessation, mediated through the individual’s intention to quit (regression coefficient: 0.19) and the use of evidence-based approaches during their past year quit attempt (regression coefficient: 0.32). Having rules against smoking in the home (regression coefficient: 0.33) and having non-smoking family members or peers (regression coefficient: 0.11) had a positive indirect effect on smoking cessation, mediated through smoking behaviors (regression coefficient: 0.36). All paths were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The model explained 20% of the variability in smoking outcomes.ConclusionFamily or peer-based cessation interventions that systematically increase intentions to quit and monitor smoking behavior may be able to assess the efficacy of family and peer support on quitting in people with mental health problems who smoke.

Contributing factors to heterogeneity in the timing of the onset of major depressive episode: Results from a national study

IntroductionIt remains unclear whether specific clinical factors contribute to heterogeneity in the timing of the onset of major depression. MethodsUsing a nationally representative US adult sample, the second wave of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, we compared the characteristics of 5 different groups of patients defined by their age at onset: (i) before 18 years, (ii) between 18 and 34 years, (iii) between 35 and 44 years, (iv) between 45 and 59 years, and (v) 60 years or older. Specifically, we examined parental history of psychiatric disorders, history of childhood maltreatment experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime psychiatric disorders, and psychiatric disorders that occurred before the first major depressive episode (MDE). ResultsCompared with first MDE occurring between 18 and 34 years, first MDE before 18 years was more strongly associated with childhood maltreatment and family history of psychiatric disorders, and less strongly linked to prior lifetime psychiatric disorders, whereas first MDE occurring at 60 years and older was more strongly associated with widowhood and a prior lifetime history of generalized anxiety disorder. LimitationsAssociations found cannot be interpzreted as causal relationships due to study design and the risk of recall bias. ConclusionOur results suggest substantial age differences in risk factors for first MDE. Improving early detection and treatment of major depression and other psychiatric disorders, and preventing childhood maltreatment may have broad benefits to reduce the burden of MDE at all ages.

Subjective Age Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aging is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. In this study, we tested whether the pandemic influenced how old individuals felt by examining longitudinal within-person changes in subjective age. We tested two alternative hypotheses: (a) people felt increasingly older in response to the stress generated by COVID-19; (b) people felt increasingly younger due to psychological distancing from older age. We tested these hypotheses in a large US sample of adults assessed once before and twice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multilevel analyses indicated that people reported feeling younger with the emergence of COVID-19. We further tested demographic, health, and psychosocial predictors of changes in subjective age. Overall, the findings supported the hypothesis that subjective age partly reflects a coping process of psychological distancing from older age, a process that parallels physical and social distancing.

Epistemic vice predicts acceptance of Covid-19 misinformation

AbstractWhy are mistaken beliefs about COVID-19 so prevalent? Political identity, education and other demographic variables explain only part of the differences between people in their susceptibility to COVID-19 misinformation. This paper focuses on another explanation: epistemic vice. Epistemic vices are character traits that interfere with acquiring, maintaining, and transmitting knowledge. If the basic assumption of vice epistemology is right, then people with epistemic vices such as indifference to the truth or rigidity in their belief structures will tend to be more susceptible to believing COVID-19 misinformation. We carried out an observational study (US adult sample, n = 998) in which we measured the level of epistemic vice of participants using a novel Epistemic Vice Scale that captures features of the current competing analyses of epistemic vice in the literature. We also asked participants questions eliciting the extent to which they subscribe to myths and misinformation about COVID-19. We find overwhelming evidence to the effect that epistemic vice is associated with susceptibility to COVID-19 misinformation. In fact, the association turns out to be stronger than with political identity, educational attainment, scores on the Cognitive Reflection Test, personality, dogmatism, and need for closure. We conclude that this offers evidence in favor of the empirical presuppositions of vice epistemology.

Factors Associated With Sleep Disturbances Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to sleep problems among older adults with chronic conditions. We examined factors linked to pandemic-related sleep disturbances in a US sample of adults aged 50 and older with chronic conditions. DesignCross-sectional anonymous online survey between May 14 and July 9, 2020. SettingMichigan (82.3% of participants) and 33 other US states. ParticipantsTotal of 705 adults (M = 64.57 years, SD = 8.82, range = 50–94) who reported at least one chronic condition. MeasurementsSociodemographic and health characteristics, physical activity, media use, pandemic-related stress, social resources, and pandemic-related sleep disturbances. ResultsIn the fully adjusted regression models, people who reported more worry about COVID-19 infection, more financial strain, and greater loneliness reported significantly greater pandemic-related sleep disturbances. ConclusionsThese findings identify factors that may heighten risk of sleep problems since the COVID-19 pandemic in an especially vulnerable subgroup of older adults.

Do People Actually “Listen to the Experts”? A Cautionary Note on Assuming Expert Credibility and Persuasiveness on Public Health Policy Advocacy

ABSTRACT The present work empirically explores whether experts are trusted more or more persuasive than an “average Joe” when engaging in policy advocacy on public health topics. I conducted a 2 (topic: climate change vs. COVID-19) X 2 (source: expert vs. nonexpert) experimental study with an US adult sample (N = 486). Using Bayes factors to quantify evidence for null and alternative hypothesis, I find substantial evidence that at least under the conditions present in the study, experts are perceived to be higher in expertise, but equal in trustworthiness to the “average Joe”. In turn, experts are equally persuasive to nonexperts on both topics. My work suggests that when engaging in policy advocacy on public health matters, the fact that an advocate is an expert on a topic can be acknowledged by audiences, but this may not necessarily help (nor necessarily harm) one’s perceived trustworthiness or ability to persuade an audience. More research is needed to understand how experts can bolster their trustworthiness and persuasiveness when advocating for public health policies.

Contributing Factors to Heterogeneity in the Timing of the Onset of Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior: Results From a Nationally Representative Study.

It remains unclear whether specific clinical factors contribute to heterogeneity in the timing of the onset of nonfatal suicidal behavior. This knowledge could have important implications for suicide prevention. Using a nationally representative US adult sample, the second wave of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2004-2005; n = 34,629), we compared the characteristics of 4 different suicide attempter groups: those who first attempted (1) before 18 years, (2) from 18 to 34 years, (3) from 35 to 49 years, and (4) at 50 years or older. Specifically, DSM-IV psychiatric disorders that occurred before the first suicide attempt, childhood maltreatment experiences, parental history of psychiatric disorders, and sociodemographic characteristics were examined. Most first nonfatal suicide attempts (85.3%) occurred before age 35 years. Compared with suicide attempts occurring from 18 to 34 years, suicide attempts occurring before 18 years were more strongly associated with childhood maltreatment and less strongly linked to lifetime prior psychiatric disorders, whereas first suicide attempts occurring at 35 years and older were more strongly associated with a prior lifetime history of substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence, and mood disorders, including mania/hypomania and dysthymic disorder between 35 and 49 years and major depressive episode at 50 years and older (all P < .05). These results suggest age differences in risk factors for first nonfatal suicide attempt. Improving early detection and treatment of psychiatric disorders and preventing childhood maltreatment may have broad benefits to reduce the burden of suicidal behavior at all ages.

Impulsivity and Sensation Seeking: Differing Associations with Psychological Well-Being

Sensation seeking and lack of inhibition are often discussed as risk factors for hazardous and maladaptive behavior, particularly during the transition into adulthood. However, some degree and types of novelty-seeking and exploration may also be adaptive and conducive to psychological well-being. The current study examines associations between sensation seeking, impulsivity, and well-being in a large US adult sample (n = 1399, mean age = 36.2 years, range: 18–78). As conceptualized by the UPPS-P model (Whiteside and Lynam, Personality and Individual Differences, 30(4), 669-689, 2001), sensation seeking (pursuit of stimulation) was distinguished from other forms of impulsivity (lack of inhibition) by having a positive association with psychological well-being, eudaimonic well-being, and mental health status. Those positive relations were stronger for younger adults compared to older adults. Negative urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, and positive urgency all held either negative or null associations with well-being. Findings indicate that sensation seeking has positive associations with psychological and eudaimonic well-being, in contrast to other elements of impulsivity, and particularly among younger adults.

Factors Associated With Becoming Edentulous in the US Health and Retirement Study.

To determine factors associated with older adults becoming edentulous (complete tooth loss). Longitudinal study over a 6-year period. United States, 2006, 2012. Nationally representative US sample of adults, aged 50 years and older (n = 9982), participating in the Health and Retirement Study in 2006 and 2012. At the outset, they were dentate and not institutionalized. None. Self-report of being dentate or edentulous, demographic variables, dental utilization and other health behaviors, self-rated general health, and incidence between 2006 and 2012 of comorbid medical conditions, functional limitations, and disabilities. From 2006 to 2012, 563 individuals (5%) became edentulous and 9419 (95%) remained dentate. Adults who became edentulous by 2012 were more likely than those who remained dentate to be black/African American compared to white, to be less educated, were current smokers, had diabetes, and reported poorer self-rated general health, more functional limitations and disabilities, and fewer dental visits (all P < .0001), among other factors. Of those with regular dental visits (at least once every 2 years during the 6-year period), 2.3% became edentulous compared to 9.9% among those without regular dental visits. After adjusting for age and other potential confounders, there was a strong association with poor dental attendance and smoking. Nonregular dental attenders were more likely than regular attenders to become edentulous (odds ratio [OR] = 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.12-3.53), and current smokers were more likely than never smokers to become edentulous (OR = 2.46; 95% CI = 1.74-3.46). Although more contemporaneous data are needed to determine causality, regular dental utilization and smoking are modifiable factors that could prevent edentulism, even when many other comorbid conditions are present. J Am Geriatr Soc, 1-7, 2019. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2318-2324, 2019.

Associations between childhood maltreatment and risk of myocardial infarction in adulthood: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on alcohol and Related Conditions

ObjectiveAlthough childhood maltreatment has been reported to be associated with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, its association with specific major cardiovascular events remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between different types of childhood maltreatment (CM) and myocardial infarction (MI) occurrence in a nationally representative sample. MethodsWe used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative US sample of adults aged 20 years and older (N = 34, 653). Logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the associations between five types of CMs including physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse and the risk of MI adjusting for sociodemographic variables. ResultsAfter adjusting for sociodemographic variables, childhood sexual abuse was significantly associated with increased odds of MI occurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.24–2.76, p = 0.003). Additionally, childhood physical abuse was significantly associated with increased odds of MI occurrence in men (aOR = 2.45, 95%CI = 1.35–4.44, p = 0.004) but this association was not observed in women (aOR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.32–1.66, p = 0.440). Compared to those who did not experience CM, those who experienced more than three types of CMs showed increased odds of MI occurrence (adjusted OR = 2.08–3.05, all p < 0.05). ConclusionsUsing data from a nationally representative US sample of adults, we found significant positive associations between CM and odds of MI occurrence in adulthood. Future longitudinal prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Feeling good about oneself heightens, not hinders, the goodness in narcissism

A growing body of research has sought to better understand narcissistic individuals’ prosocial behavior and moral identity claims. Here, we argue that a precise understanding of these phenomena also requires understanding the role of self-esteem in narcissistic individuals. Specifically, we hypothesized that narcissism and self-esteem synergize to promote altruism tendencies and an internalized moral identity. A large, US-adult sample (N = 405) completed indices of narcissism, self-esteem, altruism-driven behavior, internalized and symbolic moral identities, dispositional prosocial emotions, and the Big Five personality dimensions. Consistent with predictions, narcissism positively interacted with self-esteem on altruism-behavior tendency and internalized moral identity. In essence, enhancements in self-esteem increases narcissistic individuals’ tendency to act altruistically and to feel intrinsically motivated to be moral. Auxiliary analyses revealed that as self-esteem increased, narcissism related to higher openness to experience. The present findings highlight the importance of studying the synergy between narcissism and self-esteem to better understand social behavior.

An Animated Visual Representation of Real‐Time Resource Flows Through a Community Enhances Systems Thinking

We report on two studies designed to test the effect of visual feedback technology on several dimensions of systems thinking. Participants were exposed to ‘Citywide Dashboard’ (CWD), a visual depiction of a city designed for display on digital signage. CWD is dynamically animated based on real‐time water and electricity flow data and environmental conditions. In study 1, college students were exposed to CWD (or a control) for 6 days. Exposure enhanced perceptions of ecological embeddedness, connectedness to nature, and perceptions of responsibility and impact (causal extent) among those who were initially low in connectedness to nature. Study 2, conducted on a US adult sample, revealed that even brief exposure to the CWD expands perceptions of causal extent. Findings indicate that certain core aspects of systems thinking are malleable and can be enhanced through brief exposure to visual manipulations with technology designed to prime cognitive orientation. © 2018 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Is Young Adulthood a Critical Period for Suicidal Behavior among Sexual Minorities? Results from a US National Sample.

The developmental timing of suicide-related disparities between heterosexuals and sexual minorities (i.e., lesbian/gay and bisexual (LGB) people) is an understudied area that has critical prevention implications. In addition to developmentally situated experiences that shape risk for suicidality in the general population, sexual minorities also experience unique social stressors (e.g., anti-LGB stigma) that may alter their risk for suicidal behavior at different ages. Using a nationally representative US sample of adults, we assessed age-varying rates of suicidal behavior among heterosexuals and sexual minorities ages 18 to 60 and the age-varying association between anti-LGB discrimination and suicidal behavior. We also tested whether these age-varying prevalences and associations differed for men and women and for sexual minorities who did and did not endorse a sexual minority identity. Results indicate a critical period for suicide behavior risk for sexual minorities during young adulthood, with the highest rates of risk at age 18 followed by a steady decline until the early 40s. Disparities were particularly robust for sexual minorities who identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This pattern was present for both men and women, though sexual minority women in their 30s were more likely to report suicidal behavior than heterosexuals and sexual minority men. Sexual minorities who experienced anti-LGB discrimination were more likely to report suicidal behavior, but the significance of this association was limited to those under 30. The effect of discrimination on suicidal behavior was stronger among young adult sexual minority men, relative to sexual minority women, but was present for a wider age range for sexual minority women (until age 30) relative to sexual minority men (until age 25).

Separating Common from Unique Variance Within Emotional Distress: An Examination of Reliability and Relations to Worry.

High comorbidity rates among emotional disorders have led researchers to examine transdiagnostic factors that may contribute to shared psychopathology. Bifactor models provide a unique method for examining transdiagnostic variables by modelling the common and unique factors within measures. Previous findings suggest that the bifactor model of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) may provide a method for examining transdiagnostic factors within emotional disorders. This study aimed to replicate the bifactor model of the DASS, a multidimensional measure of psychological distress, within a US adult sample and provide initial estimates of the reliability of the general and domain-specific factors. Furthermore, this study hypothesized that Worry, a theorized transdiagnostic variable, would show stronger relations to general emotional distress than domain-specific subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the bifactor model structure of the DASS in 456 US adult participants (279 females and 177 males, mean age 35.9 years) recruited online. The DASS bifactor model fitted well (CFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.05). The General Emotional Distress factor accounted for most of the reliable variance in item scores. Domain-specific subscales accounted for modest portions of reliable variance in items after accounting for the general scale. Finally, structural equation modelling indicated that Worry was strongly predicted by the General Emotional Distress factor. The DASS bifactor model is generalizable to a US community sample and General Emotional Distress, but not domain-specific factors, strongly predict the transdiagnostic variable Worry.