Hassles and uplifts of giving care to a family member with dementia.

The role of daily caregiving stressors (hassles) and small caregiving satisfactions (uplifts) in the well-being of 60 family caregivers was investigated. Hassles and uplifts in 4 domains of caregiving were examined, and direct effects of hassles, uplifts on caregivers' social and psychological well-being, as well as the interactive and net effects of hassles and uplifts, were assessed. Hassles associated with care recipients' behavior demonstrated strongest associations with well-being. Women and caregivers to socially responsive yet behaviorally inappropriate care recipients reported more behavior and cognitive hassles. Uplifts associated with assistance in activities of daily living and with care recipients' behavior were related to well-being, with more uplifts related to greater, rather than less, depression. More intensely involved caregivers reported more of these uplifts. Net effects in the hypothesized direction were found, but no interactive effects emerged. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The stability of mood variability: A spectral analytic approach to daily mood assessments.

Many researchers index mood variability by a within-Ss standard deviation computed from mood ratings provided by single Ss on several occasions. I argue that this index is theoretically limited because it refers mainly to the average extremity of mood change and not the frequency of change and that time-series techniques be used to better represent emotional variability. The studies here illustrate how one class of time-series techniques—spectral analysis—can be applied to daily mood measures to index the frequency of mood shifts. The convergent validity of spectral estimates of mood change frequency is assessed relative to self-report and parental-report measures of emotional reactivity. The divergent validity of the spectral estimates of mood change frequency is assessed by examining their relation to the within-subjects standard deviation computed from daily mood assessments. Results suggest that the spectral approach provides an adequate index of mood change frequency that is independent of mood change extremity, helps clarify the meaning of emotional variability, and provides a new class of analytic strategies for inclusion in the idiographic-nomothetic paradigm. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evidence of mood linkage in work groups.

Two studies investigated whether people's moods are influenced by the collective mood of their work teammates over time. In the first study, 65 community nurses in 13 teams recorded their moods and hassles daily for 3 weeks. A pooled time-series analysis showed a significant association between the nurses' moods and the collective mood of their teammates, which did not depend on shared hassles. The association was greater for nurses who were older, were more committed to their team, perceived a better team climate, or experienced fewer hassles with teammates. In Study 2, a team of 9 accountants rated their own moods and the moods of their teammates 3 times a day for 4 weeks using pocket computers. The accountants' moods and their judgments of their teammates' moods were significantly associated with the collective mood of their teammates. The findings suggest that people's mood at work can become linked to the mood of their teammates. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predicting employee life satisfaction: A coherent model of personality, work, and nonwork experiences, and domain satisfactions.

This study examined a theoretical model that linked neuroticism, extraversion, daily hassles and uplifts in both work and nonwork domains, job satisfaction, and nonwork satisfaction to overall life satisfaction. Structural equation analyses were conducted on 3 waves of data obtained from 479 police officers. It was found that job satisfaction and nonwork satisfaction made independent contributions to overall life satisfaction, but there was no significant relationship between work experiences and nonwork satisfaction, nor between nonwork experiences and job satisfaction. These findings support a segregation model rather than a spillover model of the links between the work and nonwork domains of employees' lives. Moreover, the total effects showed that life satisfaction was determined, in order of importance, by nonwork satisfaction, neuroticism, nonwork hassles, job satisfaction, nonwork uplifts, extraversion, work hassles, and work uplifts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relationship of daily hassles, uplifts, and major life events to health status.

100 45–64 yr olds completed a hassles scale, an uplifts scale, a recent life events schedule, and a health status questionnaire. Analysis showed that hassles—the repeated or chronic strains of everyday life—were more strongly associated with somatic health than were life events. Hassles shared most of the variance in health that could be accounted for by life events, and when the effects of life events were statistically removed, hassles and health remained significantly related. Daily uplifts made little contribution to health that was independent of hassles. The assessment of daily hassles appears to be a useful approach to the study of life stress and could be an important supplement to the life events approach that, alone, is insufficient for full understanding and practical prediction of health outcomes. (36 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychometric properties of a computerized mobile phone method for assessing mood in daily life.

Ecological momentary assessment is a method that is now largely used to study behavior and mood in the settings in which they naturally occur. It maximizes ecological validity and avoids the limitations of retrospective self-reports. Studies on the psychometric properties of scales administered via mobile phone ecological momentary assessment are lacking. Therefore, we collected data on a 4-item mood scale measuring well being on six occasions per day for 7 days (N = 307) and examined compliance rate across time, within day, and within week. Using specific latent state-trait structural equation models, we analyzed the degree to which interindividual mood differences on an occasion of measurement were because of (a) measurement error, (b) stable differences in mood level, and (c) occasion-specific differences. Results show good compliance (mean compliance: 74.9% of calls answered). Moreover, the scale showed good reliability (M = .82). Mood was mostly stable, especially the first 3 days of the week. It depended weakly albeit significantly on the previous assessment (autoregressive coefficient). In conclusion, computerized mobile phone assessment is an appropriate, easy-to-use, and promising method to measure mood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hassles, coping, and depressive symptoms in an elderly community sample: The role of mood regulation expectancies.

To extend research on the role of expectancy in coping, 96 individuals aged 65 yrs or older (M?=?74.46, SD?=?6.28) from non-nursing-home residential communities and organizations completed measures of daily hassles, situational coping responses, depressive symptoms, and generalized expectancies for negative mood regulation, defined as beliefs about one's ability to alleviate a negative mood. Scores from the Negative Mood Regulation Scale (S. J. Catanzaro and J. Mearns, 1990) were negatively associated with avoidant coping and depressive symptoms, independent of hassles and coping responses. As in college student samples, active coping was positively related to depressive symptoms, but only when negative mood regulation expectancies were controlled. The relations of hassles and expectancies with coping responses were weaker than those found previously in younger samples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Permanency and ephemerality of psychological measures with application to organizational commitment.

The constancy or change of an attribute is important to most substantive areas of psychology. During the past decade, 2 independent methodological schools have developed statistical models for the depiction of longitudinal research. One, which might be called the European school, has created latent state-trait models. Alternatively, the American school has formulated models that go by the rubric of latent curve analysis or latent growth models. In this article, the authors integrate both approaches into a detailed unified latent curve and latent state-trait model (LC-LSTM) that includes the significant features from both schools. From the LC-LSTM framework, the permanency and ephemerality of psychological measures are discussed and the concepts of stability and reliability are reformulated. In addition, a comprehensive illustration on organization commitment is presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Empirical and Conceptual Problems With Longitudinal Trait-State Models: Introducing a Trait-State-Occasion Model.

The latent trait-state-error model (TSE) and the latent state-trait model with autoregression (LST-AR) represent creative structural equation methods for examining the longitudinal structure of psychological constructs. Application of these models has been somewhat limited by empirical or conceptual problems. In the present study, Monte Carlo analysis revealed that TSE models tend to generate improper solutions when N is too small, when waves are too few, and when occasion factor stability is either too large or too small. Mathematical analysis of the LST-AR model revealed its limitation to constructs that become more highly auto-correlated over time. The trait-state-occasion model has fewer empirical problems than does the TSE model and is more broadly applicable than is the LST-AR model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Variability and predictors of negative mood intensity in patients with borderline personality disorder and recurrent suicidal behavior: Multilevel analyses applied to experience sampling methodology.

Variability in mood swings is a characteristic of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and is associated with suicidal behavior. This study investigated patterns of mood variability and whether such patterns could be predicted from demographic and suicide-related psychological risk factors. Eighty-two adults with BPD and histories of recurrent suicidal behavior were recruited from 3 outpatient psychiatric programs in Canada. Experience sampling methodology (ESM) was used to assess negative mood intensity ratings on a visual analogue scale, 6 random times daily, for 21 days. Three-level models estimated variability between times (52.8%), days (22.2%), and patients (25.1%) and supported a quadratic pattern of daily mood variability. Depression scores predicted variability between patients' initial rating of the day. Average daily mood patterns depended on levels of hopelessness, suicide ideation, and sexual abuse history. Patients reporting moderate to severe sexual abuse and elevated suicide ideation were characterized by worsening moods from early morning up through evening, with little or no relief; patients reporting mild sexual abuse and low suicide ideation reported improved mood throughout the day. These patterns, if replicated in larger ESM studies, may potentially assist the clinician in determining which patients require close monitoring. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Investigating Population Heterogeneity With Factor Mixture Models.

Sources of population heterogeneity may or may not be observed. If the sources of heterogeneity are observed (e.g., gender), the sample can be split into groups and the data analyzed with methods for multiple groups. If the sources of population heterogeneity are unobserved, the data can be analyzed with latent class models. Factor mixture models are a combination of latent class and common factor models and can be used to explore unobserved population heterogeneity. Observed sources of heterogeneity can be included as covariates. The different ways to incorporate covariates correspond to different conceptual interpretations. These are discussed in detail. Characteristics of factor mixture modeling are described in comparison to other methods designed for data stemming from heterogeneous populations. A step-by-step analysis of a subset of data from the Longitudinal Survey of American Youth illustrates how factor mixture models can be applied in an exploratory fashion to data collected at a single time point. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Irrational beliefs and self-reported depressed mood.

30 undergraduates completed the Depression Adjective Check List daily for 14–28 days to evaluate differences in depressed mood level and variability across time among Ss grouped on the basis of irrational beliefs, as measured by the Idea Inventory. As hypothesized, high levels of irrational thinking were associated with greater intensity and variability of depressed mood. Data provide partial confirmation for A. Ellis's (1962) theory of emotional disturbance, which holds that persons whose thinking is more dominated by irrational beliefs are more influenced by unpleasant experiences. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Decomposing Person and Occasion-Specific Effects: An Extension of Latent State-Trait (LSI) Theory to Hierarchical LST Models.

An extension of latent state-trait (LST) theory to hierarchical LST models is presented. In hierarchical LST models, the covariances between 2 or more latent traits are explained by a general 3rd-order factor, and the covariances between latent state residuals pertaining to different traits measured on the same measurement occasion are explained by 2nd-order latent occasion-specific factors. Analogous to recent developments in multitrait-multimethod methodology, all factors are interpreted in relation to factors taken as comparison standards. An empirical example from test anxiety research illustrates how estimates of additive variance components due to general trait, specific trait, occasion, state residual, method, and measurement error can be obtained using confirmatory factor analysis. Advantages and limitations of these models are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adverse Life Events in Late Life: Their Manifestation and Management in Daily Life.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among major life events, chronic events, daily instrumental activities, and well-being. Fifty individuals between 73 and 93 years of age reported major life events, minor hassles and uplifts, and daily activities during 5 measurement periods. In addition, positive affect was assessed in situ 5 times per day on 6 consecutive days on the basis of a random time-sampling scheme. The effects of major life events on positive affect were transmitted through minor events. However, there was no evidence that the relationship between minor events and positive affect was moderated by the occurrence of a major event. The relationship between life events and positive affect, however, was moderated by change in instrumental activities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analyzing the convergent and discriminant validity of states and traits: Development and applications of multimethod latent state-trait models.

The analysis of convergent and discriminant validity is an integral part of the construct validation process. Models for analyzing the convergent and discriminant validity have typically been developed for cross-sectional data. There exist, however, only a few approaches for longitudinal data that can be applied for analyzing the construct validity of fluctuating states. In this article, the authors show how models of latent state-trait theory can be combined with models of multitrait-multimethod analysis to develop a model that allows for analyzing convergent and discriminant validity in time: the multimethod latent state-trait model. The model allows for identifying different sources of variance (trait consistency, trait-method specificity, occasion-specific consistency, occasion-specific method specificity, and unreliability). It is applied to the repeated measurement of depression and anxiety in children, which was assessed by self and teacher reports (N = 375). The application shows that the proposed models fit the data well and allow a deeper understanding of method effects in clinical assessment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Phase 1B ventricular arrhythmia in the dog: localized reentry within the mid-myocardium

Our aim was to investigate the relationships between defensiveness and repression, on the one hand, and self-reported stressor exposure and resting blood pressure, on the other hand. In addition, different operationalizations of defensiveness and repression were compared. Participants were 310 male and 90 female employees representing a wide range of occupations. Before a medical examination, all subjects completed questionnaires measuring defensiveness, anxiety, repression, daily hassles, and life events. After controlling for potentially confounding variables, multiple regression analyses revealed an inverse association between defensiveness and self-reported number of daily hassles and a positive link between defensiveness and resting systolic blood pressure. In general, the interaction between defensiveness and anxiety (representing repression) did not add to the predictive power of defensiveness and anxiety alone. The results support the notion that defensive individuals tend to underreport problems, while exhibiting elevated resting blood pressures.     

Hassles and health: A replication.

Explored the relationship between minor daily events and somatic health. 397 Ss (aged 20–64 yrs) completed a survey on life experiences, hassles, and uplifting events and a health status questionnaire. Significant but low correlations were found between life experience scores and somatic symptoms and energy level. Hassles scores were significant predictors of overall health status when the effects due to life experiences were controlled. Contrary to findings by A. de Longis et al (see record 1983-05622-001), hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that life experiences, hassles, and uplifts accounted for only a small proportion of the variance reflected in health outcome measures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The impact of daily stress on health and mood: Psychological and social resources as mediators.

This study examined daily stress processes among 75 married couples across 20 assessments during a 6-month period. The somatic and psychological effects of common everyday hassles were investigated. Overall, there was a significant relationship between daily stress and the occurrence of both concurrent and subsequent health problems such as flu, sore throat, headaches, and backaches. The relationship of daily stress to mood disturbance was more complex. The negative effects of stress on mood were limited to a single day, with the following day characterized by mood scores that were better than usual. Furthermore, striking individual differences were found in the extent to which daily stress was associated with health and mood across time. Participants with unsupportive social relationships and low self-esteem were more likely to experience an increase in psychological and somatic problems both on and following stressful days than were participants high in self-esteem and social support. These data suggest that persons with low psychosocial resources are vulnerable to illness and mood disturbance when their stress levels increase, even if they generally have little stress in their lives. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Structural relationships among dimensions of the DSM-IV anxiety and mood disorders and dimensions of negative affect, positive affect, and autonomic arousal.

Using outpatients with anxiety and mood disorders (N?=?350), the authors tested several models of the structural relationships of dimensions of key features of selected emotional disorders and dimensions of the tripartite model of anxiety and depression. Results supported the discriminant validity of the 5 symptom domains examined (mood disorders; generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; panic disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder; social phobia). Of various structural models evaluated, the best fitting involved a structure consistent with the tripartite model (e.g., the higher order factors, negative affect and positive affect, influenced emotional disorder factors in the expected manner). The latent factor, GAD, influenced the latent factor, autonomic arousal, in a direction consistent with recent laboratory findings (autonomic suppression). Findings are discussed in the context of the growing literature on higher order trait dimensions (e.g., negative affect) that may be of considerable importance to tube understanding of the pathogenesis, course, and co-occurrence of emotional disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nighttime waking in children with asthma: An exploratory study of daily fluctuations in family climate.

Children with asthma are at increased risk for waking in the night, and there is the potential for the entire household to feel the effects. The authors conducted a telephone-based diary study to examine whether daily fluctuations in parent mood, parenting hassles, and family routines would distinguish nights in which waking occurred from nights in which they did not. Forty-seven families with a child with asthma were contacted 4 times a week every 3 months over a period of 1 year, resulting in 500 daily observations. Parent negative mood, perceived parenting hassles, and disruptions in bedtime routines were associated with increased odds that the child would wake in the middle of the night. Results underscore the importance of considering family climate in children's disturbed sleep. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)