An examination of the convergent and discriminant validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

This study examined the factor structure of the parent and teacher versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; R. Goodman, 1997) with a sample of first-grade children at risk for educational failure. The 5-factor model previously found in studies using exploratory factor analysis was fit to the data for both parent and teacher questionnaires. Fit indices for both versions were marginally adequate. Model fit was comparable across gender and ethnic groups. Factor fit for the parent questionnaire was invariant across parent educational level. The examination of convergent and discriminant validity included peer evaluations of each SDQ construct. Thus, each of the five constructs was evaluated by three sources (parent, teacher, and child). On the basis of D. T. Campbell and D. W. Fiske's (1959) multitrait-multimethod approach as well as a confirmatory factor analysis using the correlated uniqueness model, the SDQ has good convergent validity but relatively poor discriminant validity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in the Bergen Child Study: A conceptually and methodically motivated structural analysis.

Objective: To test Goodman’s theoretical 5-factor model of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in an analysis of the Norwegian parent (P) and teacher (T) versions of the questionnaire. Method: The T-SDQ was analyzed for 8,999 (95.4% of all) children in primary school grades 2–4 in Bergen, Norway, whereas the P-SDQ was examined for 6,430 children (68.2%). Main analyses were exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results: The analyses supported a modestly modified version of Goodman’s 5-factor model for both the P-SDQ and the T-SDQ. The correlations between latent factors were high, particularly when the conduct problem factor was involved, reflecting a high level of overlap between the problem areas. Cross-informant correlation between parents and teachers was moderate to high for the problem subscales and considerably higher than the corresponding correlation between subscales that has been found in earlier studies. Conclusions: None of the alternative models derived from the exploratory factor analysis fitted the data better than a slightly modified version of Goodman’s 5-factor model, which showed acceptable goodness of fit. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Examining the structural validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a U.S. sample of custodial grandmothers.

The authors examined the structural validity of the parent informant version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) with a sample of 733 custodial grandparents. Three models of the SDQ's factor structure were evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis based on the item covariance matrix. Although indices of fit were good across all 3 models, a model that included a newly hypothesized positive construal method factor in addition to the 4 symptom factors (Emotional Symptoms, Conduct Problems, Hyperactivity-Inattention, Peer Problems) and the single Prosocial Behavior factor originally intended for the SDQ provided the best representation of this instrument's latent structure. Structural validity was further evidenced by measurement invariance across grandparent race and grandchild gender and age, a conceptually meaningful pattern of cross-scale correlations, and the acceptable internal reliability estimates found for each subscale. Measurement and clinical implications of the results are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire: Validation of a parent-report screening measure.

This study evaluated the internal structure and convergent and discriminant evidence for the Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ), a 20-item parent-report rating scale that was developed to provide a brief screening measure for learning difficulties. CLDQ ratings were obtained from parents of children in 2 large community samples and 2 samples from clinics that specialize in the assessment of learning disabilities and related disorders (total N = 8,004). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed 5 correlated but separable dimensions that were labeled reading, math, social cognition, social anxiety, and spatial difficulties. Results revealed strong convergent and discriminant evidence for the CLDQ Reading scale, suggesting that this scale may provide a useful method to screen for reading difficulties in both research studies and clinical settings. Results are also promising for the other 4 CLDQ scales, but additional research is needed to refine each of these measures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Longitudinal Stability of the Group Environment Questionnaire With Elite Female Athletes.

The Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) has been used extensively in previous research, yet factorial validity for this measure has been inconclusive, and the temporal stability of scores has not been previously investigated. As argued by D. E. Conroy, J. N. Metzler, and S. M. Hofer (2003), investigations into stability are invaluable in providing support for the structural and generalizability of scores over time. In this study, elite female netball players completed the GEQ at 4 different times across the 10-week playing season (Weeks 1, 2, 6, and 10). Results supported strong factorial invariance for social and task cohesion scores, whereas differential stability was achieved only by the task cohesion scales. Linear trajectory models showed a lack of fit, indicating that the latent mean stability of GEQ scores was not established. Overall, both social and task constructs revealed a moderate decrease in perceived cohesion over the competitive playing period. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reliability and validity of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire for Aphasia (FOQ-A).

Objective: To perform a psychometric evaluation of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire for Aphasia (FOQ-A), a 32-item instrument designed to assess the extent to which a person who has had a stroke performs several important functional communication behaviors. Research Design: The FOQ-A was administered to family caregivers of persons with a history of left hemisphere stroke (N = 91) undergoing a comprehensive screening assessment to determine their eligibility for participation in research trials for novel stroke rehabilitation interventions. Results: Statistical analyses provided strong support for the internal consistency reliability and the convergent and discriminant validity of the FOQ-A. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution, Basic Verbal Expression and Conversational Response Skills. Conclusions: The present findings build on earlier evidence indicating that the FOQ-A has good psychometric properties and considerable promise as a measure of functional communication in aphasia rehabilitation. Future research will focus on the test-retest reliability, criterion-oriented validity, and predictive validity of the instrument. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Inventory of Drug Use Consequences (InDUC): Test-retest stability and sensitivity to detect change.

The Inventory of Drug Use Consequences (InDUC) is a self-administered measure of consequences of drug use. Psychometric characteristics have been published for its alcohol-focused parent instrument (Drinker Inventory of Consequences; W. Miller, J. Tonigan, & R. Longabough, 1995). Two studies provided information about the test-retest reliability (lifetime) of InDUC scales (Study 1, N?=?34) and the replicability of findings to the 5 InDUC scales (recent; Study 2, N?=?208). Four scales had good to excellent test-retest reliability. Findings also indicate that reductions in drug use and problems after treatment are large and that the magnitude of change differs between drug use and consequences. Consequences of drug use should be measured directly rather than be inferred from measures of use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Behavioral Assessment of Gambling: An Application of the Timeline Followback Method.

The Gambling Timeline Followback (G-TLFB), a measure of gambling behavior that uses the timeline followback methodology, was psychometrically evaluated with samples of frequent-gambling young adults. Seven dimensions of gambling behavior were assessed: type, frequency, duration, intent, risk, win-loss, and consumption of alcohol while gambling. The G-TLFB demonstrated adequate to excellent test-retest reliability with a sample of 57 frequent gamblers (r=.75 to .96) and with a group of 34 disordered gamblers (r=.73 to .93). With a separate sample of 58 frequent-gambling participants, convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validity were assessed. The G-TLFB correlated positively with daily self-monitoring reports (r=.59 to .87). The dimensions of frequency and duration demonstraied concurrent validity with gambling screening instruments, and standard drinks consumed while gambling demonstrated concurrent validity with a measure of alcohol misuse. The G-TLFB also demonstrated discriminant validity with demographic variables and a measure of positive impression management. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Validating the Children's Behavior Questionnaire in Dutch children: Psychometric properties and a cross-cultural comparison of factor structures.

In this article, we examined the factorial validity of the Dutch translation of the Children's Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) and the Very Short Form scores. In addition, we conducted cross-cultural comparisons of temperament structure. In total, 353 parents of 6- to 8-year-olds completed the instrument. The original higher order factor structure of the different CBQ forms was generally replicated and represented the three broad dimensions of temperament: Surgency/Extraversion, Negative Affectivity, and Effortful Control. For the Standard Form, results demonstrated a relatively high degree of factor similarity of the Dutch sample with other cultures (e.g., China and Japan). The findings provide evidence for applicability of the CBQ in Western Europe as a promising instrument to comprehensively assess reactive and self-regulative temperamental dimensions in young children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Construction and Evaluation of a Number Sense Test With Head Start Children.

The reliability and, to a lesser extent, the validity of the newly created Number Sense Test was evaluated with a group of 40 3- to 5-year-old children attending Head Start. Six number sense skills (e.g., counting, number identification, addition-subtraction) and children's feelings about school were assessed both before and after instruction either in 2 of these skills (i.e., counting and number identification) or in insects (i.e., an attention control condition). The Number Sense Test was found to have high internal consistency and to be a valid means of assessing pre- to posttest improvements in instructed skills as a function of condition. Except for addition-subtraction, training effects did not generalize to non-instructed number sense skills. In neither condition did instruction have a harmful effect on children's largely positive feelings about school. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The reliability and validity of the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Social Comfort Questionnaire (SCQ) among an adult burn survivor sample.

In this study, 361 adult burn survivors completed the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ), the Social Comfort Questionnaire (SCQ), and other measures. Both the PSQ and SCQ had good internal consistency indices. Factor analysis of the PSQ yielded 3 factors (absence of friendly behavior, confused/staring behavior, and hostile behavior). The SCQ had 1 factor. Conjoint factor analysis with measures of related constructs (body esteem, body-esteem importance, depression, social support) suggested that PSQ and SCQ measure distinct constructs. Correlations with the related psychosocial constructs and burn characteristics suggested the PSQ and SCQ have good convergent and discriminant validity. Limitations of the study are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessing Positive and Negative Changes in the Aftermath of Adversity: Psychometric Evaluation of the Changes in Outlook Questionnaire.

The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CiOQ; S. Joseph, R. Williams, & W. Yule, 1993) is a 26-item self-report measure that was designed to assess positive and negative changes in the aftermath of adversity. This article had 3 aims: 1st, to investigate the factor structure of the CiOQ; 2nd, to test for internal consistency reliability and convergent and discriminant validity; and, 3rd, to investigate the association between positive and negative changes in outlook, posttraumatic stress, and psychological distress. Three studies are reported. Study 1 provides evidence that positive and negative changes are statistically separable and that the 2-factor model is a better fit than the 1-factor model. Studies 2 and 3 provide evidence for internal consistency reliability, convergent and discriminant validity of the CiOQ, and its associations with posttraumatic stress and psychological distress. In conclusion, the CiOQ has much promise for research on responses to stressful and traumatic events. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dissociation and Internal Models of Protection: Psychotherapy With Child Abuse Survivors.

This article presents strategies for treating child abuse survivors based on a theory of interpersonal protection that integrates research in attachment, developmental psychopathology, trauma, dissociation, and experiential psychotherapy. The theory proposes that abused children do not form internal working models of an effective protector, with the result that they have difficulty defending themselves against interpersonal aggression and internal self-criticism; thus, a core psychotherapy task is to help survivors develop adequate representations of protection. The article provides case examples and describes interventions targeting the client-therapist relationship, other client relationships, client self-criticism, and traumatic memories. The author discusses dissociation as an intervention marker; client verbal and nonverbal feedback to therapist interventions; subselves and internal roles; the "inner critic"; guided imagery, role-plays, and dramatic enactment methods; and directions for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Use of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire for measuring nicotine dependence among adolescent smokers in China: A pilot test.

The validity of the Prokhorov adolescent version of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) has not been demonstrated in assessing nicotine dependence among Chinese adolescents in China. Data for 48 tenth-grader 30-day'smokers in Wuhan, China (ages 16-17 years), were analyzed. Two different item scoring protocols were used, and self-reports of smoking were validated with saliva cotinine. When items were scored using Protocol A, Cronbach's alphas were .42 and .63 for the 7-item and the 4-item scales, respectively; while using Protocol B, the alphas were .67 and .79 for the 7-item and 4-item scales, respectively. The total FTQ scores were significantly associated with self-reported smoking and saliva cotinine levels. These results support the reliability and validity of the Prokhorov FTQ. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological inflexibility in childhood and adolescence: Development and evaluation of the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth.

The authors describe the development and validation of the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y), a child-report measure of psychological inflexibility engendered by high levels of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance. Consistent with the theory underlying acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), items converged into a 17-item scale (AFQ-Y) and an 8-item short form (AFQ-Y8). A multimethod psychometric approach provides preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the AFQ-Y and AFQ-Y8. In 5 substudies, 3 samples (total N = 1369) were used to establish (a) item comprehension (n = 181), (b) initial item selection (n = 513), (c) final item reduction and development of a short form for research (n = 346), (d) comprehensive psychometric evaluation of the AFQ-Y and AFQ-Y8 (n = 329), and (e) convergent and construct validity for both versions of the AFQ-Y. Overall, results suggest that the AFQ-Y and AFQ-Y8 may be useful child-report measures of core ACT processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Religious Commitment Inventory--10: Development, refinement, and validation of a brief scale for research and counseling.

The authors report the development of the Religious Commitment Inventory--10 (RCI-10), used in 6 studies. Sample sizes were 155, 132, and 150 college students; 240 Christian church-attending married adults; 468 undergraduates including (among others) Buddhists (n= 52), Muslims (n=12), Hindus (n=10), and nonreligious (n= 117); and 217 clients and 52 counselors in a secular or 1 of 6 religious counseling agencies. Scores on the RCI-10 had strong estimated internal consistency, 3-week and 5-month test-retest reliability, construct validity, and discriminant validity. Exploratory (Study 1) and confirmatory (Studies 4 and 6) factor analyses identified 2 highly correlated factors, suggesting a 1-factor structure as most parsimonious. Religious commitment predicted response to an imagined robbery (Study 2), marriage (Study 4), and counseling (Study 6). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Making Sense of Self-Conscious Emotion: Linking Theory of Mind and Emotion in Children With Autism.

Self-conscious emotions such as embarrassment and shame are associated with 2 aspects of theory of mind (ToM): (a) the ability to understand that behavior has social consequences in the eyes of others and (b) an understanding of social norms violations. The present study aimed to link ToM with the recognition of self-conscious emotion. Children with and without autism identified facial expressions conscious of self-conscious and non-self-conscious emotions from photographs. ToM was also measured. Children with autism performed more poorly than comparison children at identifying self-conscious emotions, though they did not differ in the recognition of non-self-conscious emotions. When ToM ability was statistically controlled, group differences in the recognition of self-conscious emotion disappeared. Discussion focused on the links between ToM and self-conscious emotion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Inventory of Personality Organization: Psychometric properties, factorial composition, and criterion relations with affect, aggressive dyscontrol, psychosis proneness, and self-domains in a nonclinical sample.

This report describes 2 studies of the psychometric characteristics of the primary clinical scales of the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO; O. F. Kernberg and J. F. Clarkin, 1995), which assess reality testing, primitive psychological defenses, and identity diffusion, in a nonclinical sample. The 3 IPO scales display adequate internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. Item-level confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure of the EPO consistent with O. F. Kemberg's (1984, 1996) model of borderline personality organization. Each of the 3 EPO scales was associated with increased negative affect, aggressive dyscontrol, and dysphoria as well as lower levels of positive affect consistent with Kernberg's model of borderline personality organization. The IPO Reality Testing scale is closely related to various measures of psychotic-like phenomena, (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)