Factor structure of the Graduate Record Examinations General Test in handicapped and nonhandicapped groups.

We used confirmatory factor analysis to investigate the structure of the Graduate Record Examinations General Test across handicapped and nonhandicapped groups. A simple three-factor model, consisting of verbal, quantitative, and analytical item types, was posed and tested for model fit. In addition, a higher order factor solution was computed to investigate the meaning of General Test total scores and to probe observed discrepancies in factor structure. Results suggested that the three-factor model fit better than simpler models but less well than a four-factor solution. The three-factor model showed particular problems in fit for visually impaired students taking a large-type examination and for physically impaired examinees taking a standard administration. For these groups, the item types composing the Analytical factor did not appear to function effectively as a single factor. For the large-type group, in particular, these item types exhibited different relations with the other factors, had different relations with the test's general factor, and appeared to produce different scale units. Results suggest that Analytical scores and total scores (Verbal?+?Quantitative?+?Analytical) may have different meanings across handicapped and nonhandicapped groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development and Validation of a Rasch-Derived CES-D Short Form.

The current study presents a Rasch-derived short form of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D) for use as a depression screening tool in the general population. In contrast to short forms developed with reliance on classical measurement techniques, those developed using techniques based on item response theory produce a measure that offers true interval scaling, provide enhanced information about responders with extreme scores, and expand understanding of the underlying latent structure. Cross-validation of the Rasch-derived CES-D short form supported its utility and structural validity across samples. Tests of structural validity using latent variable modeling methodology indicated that a hierarchical, single-factor model of depression had the best fit for the original full form and the Rasch-derived short form of the CES-D. This finding challenges depression researchers and theorists to reconsider the interfactor relationships in the study and assessment of depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Increases in depressive symptomatology in the rural elderly: Results from a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Depressive symptomatology was examined in a large sample of noninstitutionalized older adults using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). Both cross-sectional and longitudinal data showed age-related increases in mean CES-D scores and increases in the percentage of respondents scoring at or above the cutoff score of 16. Variables collected at baseline in the longitudinal study from 2,032 participants 65 yrs of age and older were significant predictors of depressive symptomatology 3 and 6 yrs later. Baseline CES-D scores accounted for the largest proportion of the variance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of depression in adolescents using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Operating characteristics of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were examined by using data from 4 samples of students in Grades 9–12. The CES-D was found to have good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Dimensionality was comparable to that found for adults. Structure varied little by order of assessment (Trial 1 of Trial 2), age, or gender. Salience of items, in terms of rank order of mean item scores, was remarkably similar to that reported for college and general adult samples. With the standard cutoff score of 16 or more, half of the high school students were classified as depressed. There was a pronounced gender effect, with proportionately more women reporting depressive symptoms across the 4 samples. Although it appears that the CES-D scale may be appropriate for use with adolescents, the issues of stability of scores over time, appropriate cutoff scores, and usefulness in detecting cases of clinical depression remain unresolved. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The four-factor model of depressive symptoms in dementia caregivers: A structural equation model of ethnic differences.

Previous studies have suggested that 4 latent constructs (depressed affect, well-being, interpersonal problems, somatic symptoms) underlie the item responses on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. This instrument has been widely used in dementia caregiving research, but the fit of this multifactor model and the explanatory contributions of multifactor models have not been sufficiently examined for caregiving samples. The authors subjected CES-D data (N = 1,183) from the initial Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health Study to confirmatory factor analysis methods and found that the 4-factor model provided excellent fit to the observed data. Invariance analyses suggested only minimal item-loading differences across race subgroups and supported the validity of race comparisons on the latent factors. Significant race differences were found on 3 of the 4 latent factors both before and after controlling for demographic covariates. African Americans reported less depressed affect and better well-being than White caregivers, who reported better well-being and fewer interpersonal problems than Hispanic caregivers. These findings clarify and extend previous studies of race differences in depression among diverse samples of dementia caregivers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychometric properties and U.S. National norms of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS).

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 22(3) of Psychological Assessment (see record 2010-18043-022). There were three errors in Table 1 on p. 360. In the last row, the row label should be “Overall EBPAS mean,” M = 2.73, and SD = 0.49. The revised Table 1 appears in the erratum.] The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) assesses mental health and social service provider attitudes toward adopting evidence-based practices. Scores on the EBPAS derive from 4 subscales (i.e., Appeal, Requirements, Openness, and Divergence) as well as the total scale, and preliminary studies have linked EBPAS scores to clinic structure and policies, organizational culture and climate, and first-level leadership. EBPAS scores are also related to service provider characteristics, including age, education level, and level of professional development. The present study examined the factor structure, reliability, and norms of EBPAS scores in a sample of 1,089 mental health service providers from a nationwide sample drawn from 100 service institutions in 26 states in the United States. The study also examined associations of provider demographic characteristics with EBPAS subscale and total scores. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a second-order factor model, and reliability coefficients for the subscales ranged from .91 to .67 (total scale = .74). The study establishes national norms for the EBPAS so that comparisons can be drawn for U.S. local as well as international studies of attitudes toward evidence-based practices. The results suggest that the factor structure and reliability are likely generalizable to a variety of service provider contexts and different service settings and that the EBPAS subscales are associated with provider characteristics. Directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Correction to Aarons et al. (2010).

Reports an error in "Psychometric properties and U.S. National norms of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS)" by Gregory A. Aarons, Charles Glisson, Kimberly Hoagwood, Kelly Kelleher, John Landsverk and Guy Cafri (Psychological Assessment, 2010[Jun], Vol 22[2], 356-365). There were three errors in Table 1 on p. 360. In the last row, the row label should be “Overall EBPAS mean,” M = 2.73, and SD = 0.49. The revised Table 1 appears in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2010-10892-016.) The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) assesses mental health and social service provider attitudes toward adopting evidence-based practices. Scores on the EBPAS derive from 4 subscales (i.e., Appeal, Requirements, Openness, and Divergence) as well as the total scale, and preliminary studies have linked EBPAS scores to clinic structure and policies, organizational culture and climate, and first-level leadership. EBPAS scores are also related to service provider characteristics, including age, education level, and level of professional development. The present study examined the factor structure, reliability, and norms of EBPAS scores in a sample of 1,089 mental health service providers from a nationwide sample drawn from 100 service institutions in 26 states in the United States. The study also examined associations of provider demographic characteristics with EBPAS subscale and total scores. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a second-order factor model, and reliability coefficients for the subscales ranged from .91 to .67 (total scale = .74). The study establishes national norms for the EBPAS so that comparisons can be drawn for U.S. local as well as international studies of attitudes toward evidence-based practices. The results suggest that the factor structure and reliability are likely generalizable to a variety of service provider contexts and different service settings and that the EBPAS subscales are associated with provider characteristics. Directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Exercise barrier severity and perseverance of active youth with physical disabilities.

Purpose: The authors investigated perceived exercise and physical activity barriers of active youth with physical disabilities. Research Method/Design: A 46-item exercise barrier instrument was administered to 145 youth (117 boys and 28 girls, 12 to 19 years of age). Using the Rasch model, the authors estimated barrier severity and youths' exercise perseverance. Model-data fit was determined by Infit and Outfit statistics (≥ 0.5 and ≤ 1.5). Results: Except for 1 item, the model fit the data well. The most difficult barriers that youth with physical disabilities faced were lack of time and pain or discomfort. The older youth demonstrated higher exercise perseverance than the younger youth. There were no differences in youths' exercise perseverance scores by gender or National Wheelchair Basketball Association classification. Implications: Removing severe barriers should be a part of future exercise and physical activity interventions targeting this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor structure of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites.

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess whether Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores represent the same underlying construct in randomly selected non-Hispanic White (n?=?1,149), U.S.-born Mexican-American (n?=?538), and Mexico-born Mexican-American (n?=?706) community residents. The factor structure identified in previous studies (e.g., V. A. Clark et al, 1981) fit the data well. Although the factor structure was not statistically identical across ethnic and immigration groups, factor loadings were substantively similar in the 3 groups. The exception was sleep disturbance, which loaded primarily on a Somatic factor for U.S.-born Mexican Americans, primarily on a Negative Affect factor for the Mexico-born, and about equally on these factors for non-Hispanic Whites. The results indicate high (but imperfect) conceptual equivalence of the CES-D in these cultural groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Description and psychometric evaluation of the Youth Counseling Impact Scale.

The present article describes and evaluates the Youth Counseling Impact Scale (YCIS; L. Bickman et al., 2007), a recently developed therapeutic process measure that assesses youths' perceptions of the impact individual mental health counseling sessions have on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This measure is intended for frequent use in the mental health treatment of youths aged 11–18. It provides a general Impact score as well as two subscale scores: Insight and Change. Five hundred youths receiving mental health services participated in this investigation. Classical test theory, item response theory, confirmatory factor nalysis, and analyses of the relationship of the YCIS with other scales were used to evaluate the research questions. The results suggest that, overall, the YCIS is a well-functioning scale with good psychometric properties. The proposed model for 1 primary general factor of impact and 2 secondary factors (Insight and Change) fit the data well. Specific weaknesses of the scale are discussed, and possible improvements are suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Older Adult Disability Scale: Development and validation.

Examined the development and validity of the Older Adult Disability Scale (OADS), a self-report instrument designed to measure attitudes toward older adults (aged 60 yrs and older) with physical disabilities. Data from a community sample (n ?=?207) were used for alpha coefficients, subscale intercorrelations, demographic correlations, and factor analyses. Data from a reliability sample (n ?=?27) were used for a 2-week test-retest reliability check; and data from an identified "positive attitude" sample of health care professionals and students (n ?=?57) were used to test construct validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed resulting in a 36-item instrument with four subscales of Cranky Dependency, Discomfort with Aging, Positive Attributes of Aging, and Negative Expectations of Disability. Satisfactory internal consistency, high test-retest reliability, and moderately high subscale intercorrelations were found. Validity was supported by the highly significant differences in OADS scores between the "positive attitude" and community samples. In conclusion, the OADS provides a promising measure of attitudes toward older adults with disabilities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analysis of the WAIS-R.

A simultaneous maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis of intercorrelations among the 11 subtests of the WAIS–R was undertaken in the 9 age groups in the normative sample (D. Wechsler, 1981). Several models were fit to the data and compared, including a single-factor model; orthogonal and oblique 2-factor models, comprised of the Verbal and Performance subtests, respectively; an orthogonal and 2 oblique 3-factor models, the 3rd factor involving the Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Digit Symbol subtests; a 3-factor model, composed of a general intellectual factor and Verbal and Performance factors; and a 4-factor model, consisting of both a general factor and 3 common ability factors (Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Memory/Freedom from Distractability). Results suggest that (a) the single-factor model fits the data fairly well, although there is some misspecification in this model; (b) none of the multifactor models fit the data markedly better than the single-factor model; and (c) the single-factor structure is consistent across the age groups. It is concluded that the WAIS–R largely contains a general intellectual factor and that any common ability factors therein play a minor role in influencing WAIS–R subscale scores. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dual-Process Models of Associative Recognition in Young and Older Adults: Evidence From Receiver Operating Characteristics.

In 3 experiments, young and older adults studied lists of unrelated word pairs and were given confidence-rated item and associative recognition tests. Several different models of recognition were fit to the confidence-rating data using techniques described by S. Macho (2002, 2004). Concordant with previous findings, item recognition data were best fit by an unequal-variance signal detection theory model for both young and older adults. For both age groups, associative recognition performance was best explained by models incorporating both recollection and familiarity components. Examination of parameter estimates supported the conclusion that recollection is reduced in old age, but inferences about age differences in familiarity were highly model dependent. Implications for dual-process models of memory in old age are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cognition and depression in a cohort of aging men: Results from the Western Collaborative Group Study.

Relationships between cognitive performance and self-ratings of depression on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D; L.S. Radloff, 1977) were examined for 1,217 older men. After controlling for demographic variables and both objective and subjective measures of health, significant associations were observed between several CES-D variables and measures of cognitive mental status, memory, and psychomotor speed. The Well-Being factor of the CES-D was the most robust predictor of cognitive scores. Therefore, for older adults with generally favorable health and socioeconomic resources, there may be a link between positive affect and maintenance of cognitive effectiveness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-reported assessment of visual function in a population-based study: the SEE project. Salisbury Eye Evaluation

PURPOSE: To report on the usefulness of the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS) questionnaire for assessing visual functioning, a population-based sample of elderly Americans. METHODS: The ADVS questionnaire was administered to a population-based sample of 2520 community-dwelling individuals 65 to 84 years of age in Salisbury, MD. Items and subscales were evaluated for internal consistency, item discrimination, and content validity. Published subscale groupings and item associations in our population were compared for coherence using correlation, factor, and cluster analyses. Whole-sample and race- and gender-specific analyses were conducted. External validity was explored by regressing ADVS scores on standard psychophysical vision measures. RESULTS: ADVS scores were skewed to high visual functioning levels; approximately 60% of the population had function scores of 95 or better (of a possible 100). The overall, night driving, and near vision scales were internally consistent and had strong item-subscale associations; the day driving and glare subscales were not acceptable regarding these properties. The far vision subscale was acceptably scalable but only weakly differentiated from the other subscales. Overall, night driving, near vision, and far vision scores were all statistically and independently associated with multiple psychophysical vision measures. Findings were consistent across race and gender subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: As assessed by the ADVS, reported visual functioning is high in our representative older population. The overall scale and selected subscales effectively distinguish persons along a spectrum of ability. They correlate with measures of visual impairment in a reasonable way and thus hold promise for risk factor investigations. The published day driving and glare subscales should be examined for relevance and consistency before being applied in population-based settings. Methods specific to population-based settings should be investigated for their ability to better elicit additional visual function dimensions and early visual disability.     

Specific extreme behaviors of postinstitutionalized Russian adoptees.

Behavior problems reported by parents on the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) were studied in 316 children adopted from social-emotionally depriving Russian institutions as a function of age at adoption (18-month cutoff), age at assessment (6–11 and 12–18 years), and gender. Children adopted after 18 months had higher problem scores predominately when assessed at 12–18 years. Although most children had no behavior problems, 59.0% of later adoptees assessed in adolescence had at least 1 subscale score and 48.7% had 2 or more subscale scores in the clinical/borderline range. A factor analysis of items that significantly related to age at adoption for older children revealed 1 broad factor, encompassing different antisocial behaviors, social difficulties, and withdrawal. These results may suggest a somewhat broader deficiency produced by orphanage experience beyond the first 18 months of life that underlies a range of behavioral problems displayed later. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Measurement Equivalence of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Latino and Anglo Adolescents: A National Study.

The cross-ethnic measurement equivalence of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; L. S. Radloff, 1977) was examined using a subsample of adolescents (N=10,691) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Configural and metric invariance, as well as functional and scalar equivalence, were examined for Anglo American, Mexican American, Cuban American, and Puerto Rican American youths age 12-18 years. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in each group provided evidence of configural invariance for European and Mexican American adolescents but not for Cuban and Puerto Rican youths. A 2-group CFA for Anglo and Mexican Americans demonstrated partial metric invariance for these groups. Multigroup structural equation modeling indicated similar relations between CES-D scores and self-esteem for all 4 groups, supporting cross-ethnic functional and scalar equivalence. The results have implications for using the CES-D in cross-ethnic research and, more broadly, for the assessment and treatment of depression in Latinos. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factor structure of the Counselor Rating Form—Short.

The relative goodness of fit of four competing factor models of the Counselor Rating Form—Short was examined across client (N?=?191) and nonclient (N?=?111) samples by confirmatory factor analysis. The four models tested were (a) the single, general, positive-evaluation factor; (b) the three orthogonal factors (expertness, trustworthiness, and attractiveness); (c) the three oblique factors; and (d) a two-step hierarchical-factor model consisting of the three independent first-order factors and an independent second-order general factor. Results of the confirmatory factor analyses supported the validity of the two-step hierarchical-factor model for both the client and nonclient samples. The factor structure of this two-step hierarchical-factor model was found to be invariant across the two samples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Radiotherapy of stage T1-T2 M0 prostatic adenocarcinoma. Analysis of the carcinologic results of a multicenter study of 610 patients. Groupe Radiothérapie de la Commission de Coopération Médicale Intercentres (CCMI)

A Monte Carlo study was conducted using simulated dichotomous data to determine the effects of guessing on Rasch item fit statistics (weighted total, unweighted total, and unweighted between fit statistics) and the Logit Residual Index (LRI). The data were simulated using 100 items, 100 persons, three levels of guessing (0%, 25%, and 50%), and two item difficulty distributions (normal and uniform). The results of the study indicated that no significant differences were found between the mean Rasch item fit statistics for each distribution type as the probability of guessing the correct answer increased. The mean item scores differed significantly with uniformly distributed item difficulties, but not normally distributed item difficulties. The LRI was more sensitive to large positive item misfit values associated with the unweighted total fit statistic than to similar values associated with the weighted total fit or unweighted between fit statistics. The greatest magnitude of change in LRI values (negative) was observed when the unweighted total fit statistic had large positive values greater than 2.4. The LRI statistic was most useful in identifying the linear trend in the residuals for each item, thereby indicating differences in ability groups, i.e. differential item functioning.     

Examining the construct validity of the Eating Disorder Inventory.

The construct validity of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) was examined in 3 samples. An archival clinic sample (n=318) of women completed the EDI, a structured interview, and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory--II (MCMI-II). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) indicated that neither null nor 1-factor models of the EDI fit item-level or item-parcel data. The proposed 8-factor model did not fit at the item level but did fit item-parcel data. Reliability estimates of the 8 scales ranged from .82 to .93, and low-to-moderate interscale correlations among the eating and weight-related scales provided partial support for convergent validity. EDI personality scales showed moderate interscale correlations and were associated with MCMI-II scales. A final CFA of the EDI scales supported a 2-factor model (Eating and Weight, Personality) of the 8 EDI scales. Strong associations between depression and several EDI scale scores were found in a treatment study sample (n=50). The archival clinic sample scored significantly higher on the 8 EDI scales than the nonpatient college comparison sample (n=487). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)