Alumni ratings as an indicator of departmental quality.

University alumni and enrolled students from 22 departments responded to 11 satisfaction items concerning instructional, curricular, advising, and operational aspects of their major departments. Factor structures for the 2 groups were nearly identical and included 2 factors: General Satisfaction With Major and Satisfaction With Mentorship. Comparisons of department means showed differences between alumni and enrolled students on many items, particularly vocational guidance. Alumni ratings were relatively uninfluenced by job-related variables. It is concluded that they are an important source of information in assessing departmental quality. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Students' ratings of academic programs: A study of structural and discriminant validity.

3,148 undergraduate and 1,336 graduate students responded to a questionnaire designed to measure students' satisfaction with their academic major programs. Hierarchical factor analyses produced 3 specific factors and 1 general factor that were invariant in undergraduate and graduate samples: Student Perception of Value in Program, Student Satisfaction with Instruction, Student Satisfaction with Faculty Mentorship, and Overall Satisfaction with Department. Significant differences in mean department subscale scores provided information for summative evaluation. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Preliminary development and validation of a multidimensional life satisfaction scale for children.

Two studies describe the development and preliminary validation of a multidimensional measure of children's life satisfaction, the Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS). In the 1st study, a preliminary version of the MSLSS was administered to a sample of 312 elementary school students. The final version of the scale demonstrated a 5-factor solution and acceptable internal consistency for the total and subscale scores. In the 2nd study, the factor structure findings were cross-validated with an independent sample of 413 elementary school students. Acceptable internal consistency estimates were obtained again for total and subscale scores. For the most part, MSLSS subscales correlated in expected ways with various criterion measures. Total satisfaction scores also related predictably to demographic variables. The MSLSS appears useful for research purposes with preadolescent students (Grades 3–5). Suggestions for further research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Children''s dental health in Europe. Caries treatment need in 5- and 12-year-old children from eight EU countries

An analysis of how time was used in and around 60 consultations was carried out for the purpose of exploring the relationship of time use to patient satisfaction. Sixty patients across two practice settings were surveyed, immediately following their interaction with the audiologist, regarding satisfaction with the consultation. Satisfaction was measured via: (1) a four-point scale, which yielded a satisfaction rating; and (2) a check list of satisfaction with 11 aspects of the consultation, which yielded a satisfaction score. Satisfaction ratings and scores were correlated significantly (rs = 0.76 corrected for ties, P = 0.0001). The majority of patients were either 'very satisfied' (63%) or 'satisfied' (31.6%) with the consultation experience. Temporal pictures of the consultations of 'very satisfied', 'satisfied' and 'dissatisfied' patients were clearly different. For the present sample it appeared that patient satisfaction ensued when the total consultation time was equal to or exceeded 0.6 of the sum of total consultation time and the time spent waiting at the clinic immediately prior to the consultation. Regression analyses showed that of the temporal variables studied, total consultation time (TCT) and the amount of time waiting immediately pre consultation (WT) contributed most to the variation in patient satisfaction ratings and scores. Forty-two per cent of the variance in satisfaction ratings and 36% of the variance in satisfaction scores could be explained by TCT/(WT + TCT).     

The Parenting Sense of Competence scale: Evidence of a stable factor structure and validity.

In this study, 110 mothers and 110 fathers of 5- to 12-yr old boys and girls completed the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale and measures of child behaviour, parenting style, and marital satisfaction. The authors replicated the factor structure of the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, and provided evidence that the Satisfaction and Efficacy scales from this measure assess distinct aspects of parenting self-esteem. Interestingly, parents of girls reported higher Efficacy scores than parents of boys. To address the validity of the PSOC scale, we calculated partial correlations between Efficacy and Satisfaction PSOC scores and other measures of family functioning, controlling for the shared variance between the 2 scales. Significant small-to-moderate size correlations were found between parents' reports of both internalizing and externalizing child problems and Satisfaction scores, but correlations with Efficacy scores were generally small and nonsignificant, particularly for mothers. Mothers and fathers who reported a more easy-going, low-conflict parenting style were more satisfied in parenting; for mothers, a similar relationship was found for parenting efficacy. In addition, Satisfaction scores shared a small but significant amount of variance with mother-father agreements in parenting style, as well as marital satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Life satisfaction and caregiving stress for individuals with stroke and their primary caregivers.

Life satisfaction scores of 38 individuals (aged 33–84 yrs) at 6 mo post-stroke were compared to disability ratings measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and handicap ratings measured by the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique. Satisfaction was lower for the patients than for the general population, and more strongly associated with disability than handicap. Satisfaction scores of the patients' primary caregivers were compared to a measure of caregiver stress and to caregivers' ratings of the patients' disability and handicap. Caregivers' satisfaction was somewhat lower than satisfaction in the general population and directly associated with caregiving stress scores. Caregiving stress scores were associated with the handicap scales of independence, mobility, and occupation, which were related to the physical disability scales of the FIM and to each other. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sensation Seeking Scales and consumer satisfaction with a substance abuse treatment program

Satisfaction of 119 addicts with an addiction treatment program was measured by an 11 item satisfaction scale. The scale's internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha = .75). The total satisfaction score was weakly but significantly correlated with Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking scales: Those with higher scores on the Boredom Susceptibility scale (i.e., those easily bored) reported less satisfaction, whereas those with higher scores on Thrill and Adventure Seeking scale (i.e., risk, adventure, and thrill seekers) reported higher levels of treatment satisfaction. Older patients were more satisfied with the feedback they received from their psychological tests and also with staff's respect for their rights.     

The Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire for Older Persons.

Conducted 5 studies to construct and psychometrically evaluate a marital satisfaction questionnaire for older persons. The questionnaire content was generated and refined in Study 1, temporal stability was evaluated in Study 2, and criterion-related validity was examined in Study 3. Norms, factor structure, and construct validity of the questionnaire were established in Study 4. The degree to which scores on the questionnaire predicted observer ratings of marital interactions during an analog problem-solving situation was examined in Study 5. The final questionnaire consists of 24 items with 1 major and 2 minor factors. Factor scores and a total Marital Satisfaction Scale score were found to be homogeneous, temporally stable, and significantly correlated with multiple measures of marital adjustment, life satisfaction, perceived spouse behaviors, and observer ratings of marital communication. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

L'échelle de satisfaction de vie: Validation canadienne-fran?aise du "Satisfaction with Life Scale."

Studied the validity of the Canadian-French version of a self-report instrument designed to measure global life satisfaction in 2 population groups. Human subjects: 871 male and female French-Canadian adults (mean age 18.93–21.34 yrs) (college and university students). 313 male and female French-Canadian old adults (mean age 76.34–76.70 yrs). The scores on the French version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (1985) by E. Diener et al—a 5-item self-report scale—were analyzed statistically, using factorial analysis and the LISREL statistical software package (K. G. Joreskog and D. Sorbom, 1984). Psychometric properties and reliability and validity indices were determined and compared with those of the original English version. Norms for college students and elderly Ss are presented. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of varying performance-pay instrumentalities on the relationship between performance and satisfaction: A test of the Lawler and Porter model.

Predicted that a high-instrumentality pay system should result in positive relationships between performance and satisfaction with pay, and that a low-instrumentality system should result in zero correlations. The pay system (hourly or piece rates) and amount of pay were varied in 2 studies, and measures of performance and job satisfaction (Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire) were taken. Ss were 106 male undergraduates in Study 1 and 60 male and female high school and college students in Study 2. Results indicate that performance-satisfaction correlations under incentive systems were not generally positive and were not larger than correlations under the hourly systems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Satisfaction With Therapy and Therapist Scale--Revised (STTS-R) for group psychotherapy: Psychometric properties and confirmatory factor analysis.

Patients' level of satisfaction with their therapeutic experience is a concept that is important for understanding treatment efficacy; however, patient satisfaction has received little empirical attention. The Satisfaction With Therapy and Therapist Scale (STTS) developed for group psychotherapy by T. P. S. Oei and G. J. Shuttlewood (1999) was designed to assess patients' level of satisfaction with their therapeutic endeavor. This article aims to strengthen the STTS's psychometric properties by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a large sample of patients with mood and anxiety disorders. Outpatients (N = 344) took part in the study. Exploratory factor analysis indicated 2 conceptually coherent factors that accounted for 66.9% of the variance. The 2 factors, which were similar to those found in Oei and Shuttlewood (1999), namely, Satisfaction With Therapy and Satisfaction With Therapist, were replicated. CFA revealed a 2-factor solution to be the best-fitting model. Overall, this article demonstrated that the STTS-R has sound psychometric properties and would serve as a useful instrument in assessing a patient's level of satisfaction with both group therapy and therapist in research as well as in clinical settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perceptions of and satisfaction with retirement: A comparison of six European Union countries.

The main aim of this study was to assess perceptions of and satisfaction with retirement among 1,686 recently retired people from 6 European Union countries. The authors compared their responses to a set of questions taken from the Retirement Satisfaction Inventory (F. J. Floyd et al., 1992). The first significant result was that Belgian, British, Finnish, French, and Spanish retirees all expressed very similar assessments of life satisfaction, whereas Portuguese retirees expressed a lower level of satisfaction. The 2nd result was that the major determinants of overall satisfaction in the 6 countries were (a) health and resources and (b) anticipated satisfaction. Finally, the data revealed that cultural background only accounted for a limited amount of variance in overall satisfaction with retirement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A multiperspective comparison of satisfaction, symptomatic change, perceived change, and end-point functioning.

Measures of satisfaction have become increasingly popular as indications of psychotherapy outcome both in research and in practice. Several studies have explored the relationship between satisfaction and symptomatic change, with mixed results. The present study examines the relationship among satisfaction, symptomatic improvement, perceived change, and end-point functioning from multiple perspectives. Sixty-six clients from 2 Midwestern community mental health centers, 48 of their spouses and significant others, and their therapists participated in the study. Results indicated that satisfaction was not significantly related to symptomatic change. Satisfaction and perceived change were significantly related from all 3 perspectives. Satisfaction was also significantly related to end-point functioning from the client and significant other perspectives. The unique contribution of satisfaction data to a comprehensive outcome evaluation strategy is discussed. Researchers, administrators, and practitioners are encouraged to use satisfaction measures with a greater awareness of both their strengths and their limitations as outcome indicators. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Work satisfaction and scores on a picture interest inventory.

Men in 6 different occupational groups were given the Geist Picture Interest Inventory (GPII) and the Hoppock Job Satisfaction Survey. Correlations were computed between job satisfaction variables and scores on relevant scales of the GPII. Additional data were gathered in regard to satisfaction and dissatisfaction with work. With the exception of the Clerical and Outdoor scales, the scales of the GPII used in this study appear to be valid, using work satisfaction as a criterion of validity. Median correlations of the other groups range from .209 (social workers) to .866 (artists). "Freedom" and "intellectual stimulation" were the 2 most prominent reasons for satisfaction while "lack of appreciation by colleagues and administrators" and "bad physical working conditions" were most prominent for disliking work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perceived counselor characteristics, client expectations, and client satisfaction with counseling.

Examined (a) the relationship between perceived counselor expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness and client satisfaction; (b) the relationships between specific client expectations on perceived counselor characteristics and client satisfaction; and (c) the effects of actual counselor experience level on perceived counselor characteristics and client satisfaction. The 55 counselors who participated in the study were either beginning or advancing practicum students, doctoral-level interns, or PhD counselors; clients were 72 students who sought help at a university counseling center. Clients completed an Expectations About Counseling (EAC) questionnaire before entering counseling, as well as the Counseling Evaluation Inventory (CEI) and Counselor Rating Form (CRF) after several weeks of counseling. CRF and CEI were correlated, but EAC scores were not strongly related to the CEI or CRF scores. Actual counselor experience level did not differentially affect CEI or CRF scores. Findings are discussed in terms of several variables (e.g., legitimate power, source variables, and client satisfaction) that may differentially affect the influence process over time. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Job satisfaction: Environmental and genetic components.

Monozygotic twins reared apart from an early age were used to test the hypothesis that there is a significant genetic component to job satisfaction. 34 monozygotic twin pairs who had been reared apart completed the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire as part of a comprehensive work-history assessment. Three subscales were formed from the job satisfaction items to reflect intrinsic, extrinsic, and general satisfaction with the current (or major) job. Intraclass correlations were computed to estimate the proportion of observed variability resulting from genetic factors for all job satisfaction items and for the 3 subscales. Resulting values indicated that approximately 30% of the observed variance in general job satisfaction was due to genetic factors. Additional analysis indicated that these results obtained even when job characteristics such as complexity, motor skill requirements, and the physical demands were held constant via partialing methods. Finally, the data indicated significant heritabilities for several of these job characteristics, which is consistent with the hypothesis of a genetic disposition to seek and remain in similar environments (jobs). Implications of these findings for theories of job satisfaction, selection, and job enrichment are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Construction et validation de l'échelle de Satisfaction dans les études (ESDE).

Studied the construction and validation of an instrument designed to evaluate academic satisfaction. Human subjects: 539 male and female Canadian adults (mean age 17.4–28.7 yrs) (university students). The "échelle de Satisfaction dans les études" (Scale of Satisfaction in Studies), a 5-item instrument derived from the Satisfaction with Life Scale by E. Diener et al (1985), was administered to Ss in a series of 5 studies. Internal consistency, temporal stability, factorial structure, and construct validity were evaluated. Factorial analysis using LISREL and other statistical tests were used. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)