Validation of the Beck Depression Inventory-II in a Low-Income African American Sample of Medical Outpatients.

The psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) are well established with primarily Caucasian samples. However, little is known about its reliability and validity with minority groups. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the BDI-II in a sample of low-income African American medical outpatients (N = 220). Reliability was demonstrated with high internal consistency (.90) and good item-total intercorrelations. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated. A confirmatory factor analysis supported a hierarchical factor structure in which the BDI-II reflected 2 first-order factors (Cognitive and Somatic) that in turn reflected a second-order factor (Depression). These results are consistent with previous findings and thus support the use of the BDI-II in assessing depressive symptoms for African American patients in a medical setting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development and validation of a modified version of the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire.

This article reports results from 3 studies conducted to develop and validate a modified version of the self-administered form of the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ; C. R. Marmar, D. S. Weiss, & T. J. Metzler, 1997). The objective was to develop an instrument suitable for use with persons from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. In Study 1, the original PDEQ was administered to a small sample (N=15) recruited from among men admitted to the hospital for physical injuries stemming from exposure to community violence. Results led to modifications aimed at improving the utility of the instrument. In Study 2, the modified PDEQ was subjected to structural equation modeling and item response theory analyses to assess its psychometric properties in a larger, primarily male, sample of community violence survivors (N=294). In Study 3, the reliability and validity of the modified instrument were further assessed in a sample of female survivors of sexual assault (N=90). Results attest to the psychometric properties as well as the reliability and validity of the modified 8-item PDEQ. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The reliability and validity of the family history method for assessing pathological gambling and gambling involvement.

The family history (FH) method, which involves the use of an informant to gather information about one or more family members, has been used in a number of previous gambling studies. However, no evaluation of the reliability and validity has been conducted on the use of the FH method for assessing pathological gambling (PG) and gambling involvement. The current study examined the test-retest and inter-rater reliability and the validity of the FH method for assessing PG and gambling involvement among a large community-based sample of adult twins (N = 4,764) reporting on their parents, co-twins, and spouses. The test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities of the FH reports of PG were high. Validity of the FH reports of PG was low, primarily because of substantial underestimation of pathology (low sensitivity). The test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities of the FH reports of gambling involvement (ever gambled, ever gambled monthly, and ever gambled weekly) were moderate and the sensitivities were quite high. The results of this study support the use of the FH method for studies of PG and gambling involvement. A number of potential explanations for the low sensitivity of FH reports of PG are elaborated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Testing the raters: inter-rater reliability of standardized anaesthesia simulator performance

PURPOSE: Assessment of physician performance has been a subjective process. An anaesthesia simulator could be used for a more structured and standardized evaluation but its reliability for this purpose is not known. We sought to determine if observers witnessing the same event in an anaesthesia simulator would agree on their rating of anaesthetist performance. METHODS: The study had the approval of the research ethics board. Two one-hour clinical scenarios were developed, each containing five anaesthetic problems. For each problem, a rating scale defined the appropriate score (no response to the situation: score = 0; compensating intervention defined as physiological correction: score = 1; corrective treatment: defined as definitive therapy score = 2). Video tape recordings, for assessment of inter-rater reliability, were generated through role-playing with recording of the two scenarios three times each resulting in a total of 30 events to be evaluated. Two clinical anaesthetists, uninvolved in the development of the study and the clinical scenarios, reviewed and scored each of the 30 problems independently. The scores produced by the two observers were compared using the kappa statistic of agreement. RESULTS: The raters were in complete agreement on 29 of the 30 items. There was excellent inter-rater reliability (= 0.96, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of videotapes allowed the scenarios to be scored by reproducing the same event for each observer. There was excellent inter-rater agreement within the confines of the study. Rating of video recordings of anaesthetist performance in a simulation setting can be used for scoring of performance. The validity of the scenarios and the scoring system for assessing clinician performance have yet to be determined.     

Les inquiétudes chez les adolescents: Propriétés psychométriques de la version fran?ais du Penn State Worry Questionnaire for Children.

This study assessed, among a French high-school student sample (N=614), the psychometric properties of an adaptation for children and adolescents of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. The factor structure, internal consistency, convergent/discriminant validity, and test-retest reliability were investigated. The results show that the single factor scale has good psychometric properties. The French version seems to be a useful and appropriate tool for clinicians and researchers assessing the tendency to worry among adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Patient-caregiver functional unit scale: a new scale to assess the patient-caregiver dyad

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Patient-Caregiver Functional Unit Scale (PCFUS), a new instrument to assess the stability or endurance of patient-caregiver dyads. METHODS: Patient-caregiver dyads were recruited from a nursing home (NH) (n = 38), a comprehensive geriatric assessment program (CGA) (n = 20), and an ambulatory medical clinic (controls) (n = 85). Caregivers were eligible if they assisted, or were available to assist, the patient with personal and instrumental activities of daily living, without pay. Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were evaluated among the CGA sample. Validity was assessed by comparing PCFUS scores among the NH, CGA, and control groups and by correlation of PCFUS scores with other standardized caregiver burden measures. RESULTS: The PCFUS had excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Mean PCFUS scores were significantly lower (ie, less stable patient-caregiver dyad) in NH than CGA and control caregivers. PCFUS scores were significantly associated with Burden Interview, Perceived Stress Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale scores and risk factors for caregiver stress (eg, patient's cognitive impairment, disruptive behaviors). CONCLUSIONS: The PCFUS is a short, easily administered measure with good reliability and validity and is applicable to clinical and research settings.     

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)     

Development and psychometric properties of the Early Development Instrument (EDI): A measure of children's school readiness.

The Early Development Instrument (EDI), a teacher-completed measure of children's school readiness at entry to Grade 1, was designed to provide communities with an informative, inexpensive and psychometrically sound tool to assess outcomes of early development as reflected in children's school readiness. Its psychometric properties at individual level were evaluated in two studies. Five a priori domains--physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and communication, and cognitive development and general knowledge--were tested in a factor analysis of data on over 16,000 kindergarten children. The factor analyses upheld the first three domains, but revealed the need to develop two new ones, resulting in the final version of the EDI consisting of: physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development, communication skills and general knowledge domains. These final domains showed good reliability levels, comparable with other instruments. A separate study (N = 82) demonstrated consistent agreements in parent-teacher, interrater reliabilities, concurrent validity, and convergent validity. These results establish the EDI as a psychometrically adequate indicator of child well-being at school entry. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development and evaluation of the Balanced Index of Psychological Mindedness (BIPM).

Psychological mindedness (PM) refers to a person's interest and ability to be in touch with and reflect on his or her psychological states and processes. In this multipart study, the authors present the Balanced Index of Psychological Mindedness (BIPM). The psychometric properties and clinical relevance of this 14-item self-report scale were examined in 2 community samples and a mental health patient sample in the Netherlands (total N = 1,211). The 7-item Interest and Insight subscales of the BIPM showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's αs = .85 and .76, respectively), test–retest reliability (r = .63 and .71, respectively), and construct validity (e.g., r > .40 with related constructs). PM was higher in women than in men. Relatively low PM was found among poorly educated people and in mental health patients (ps r = ?.21 to ?.36, p     

The Disability Rating Index: an instrument for the assessment of disability in clinical settings

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an instrument for assessment of physical disability, mainly intended for clinical settings, the Disability Rating Index (DRI). Healthy persons (n = 1092), both white and blue collar workers, and patients (n = 366) with different levels of physical capacity, were assessed. Most of the patients (n = 303) underwent rehabilitation programmes for neck/shoulder/low-back pain but some (n = 47) were arthritis patients waiting for hip or knee replacement surgery, or wheelchair patients with multiple sclerosis (n = 16). The reliability was investigated by test-retest studies, intra- and inter-rater and internal consistency studies. Five construct validity tests were carried out: a discrimination study; a converging validity test; a test for sensitivity to small alterations in health status; and two correlational validity tests. Correlation of the self-reported DRI to the actual performance in similar activities was carried out. Responsiveness was tested by correlation of the DRI before/after replacement surgery for arthritis. The test-retest correlations were 0.83-0.95 in the studies, including correlation of different versions. The intra- and inter-rater reproducibility was 0.98 and 0.99 respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis test in the discrimination study yielded p < 0.0001. More than 90% of the respondents completed the questionnaire correctly. Correlation of the DRI to the Functional Status Questionnaire was 0.46. The responsiveness was excellent, p = 0.0001. The DRI proved to be a robust, practical clinical and research instrument with good responsiveness and acceptability for assessment of disability caused by impairment of common motor functions.     

Adaptation of Panic-Related Psychopathology Measures to Russian.

The study reports results of adaptation of panic-related psychopathology measures to Russian, including the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ), and the Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MIA). Psychometric properties (e.g., reliability, factor structure, endorsement) and external validity of the adaptations were evaluated in a representative sample of Moscow residents (N=390) and Ukrainian undergraduates (N=492). The adapted ASI was generally equivalent to the original English-language version. The ACQ showed structural equivalency but did not exhibit expected specificity to panic. Finally, the MIA displayed notable structural discrepancies but had external validity comparable to the original. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Validation d’une version fran?aise de l’échelle d’évaluation cognitive primaire de Brewer et Skinner.

The purpose of this paper is to present 2 studies designed to validate a French version of the Cognitive Appraisal Scale (Trait) developed by Skinner and Brewer (2002). A first study evaluated its psychometric properties, factorial structure, and test–retest reliability. A second study tested the construct validity of the scale and its compatibility with 2 versions of the transactionnalist stress model (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). In conclusion, this scale appears to be an adequate and useful instrument for the study of cognitive appraisal processes. In this early stage of development, it exhibits satisfying psychometric properties, which could be easily enhanced by the withdrawal of 2 items. Moreover, a confirmatory analysis shows that the French version of the scale has a better compatibility with an integrative version of the transactionnalist stress model initially developed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) than with a more classical one. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluation of the original Ontario Child Health Study scales

This article presents evaluative information on the use of the original Ontario Child Health Study scales to serve as original-level measures of conduct disorder, hyperactivity and emotional disorder among children in the general (non clinic) population. Problem checklist assessments were obtained from parents and teachers of children aged six to 16 and youth aged 12 to 16 drawn from a general population (n = 1,751); and a mental health clinic sample (n = 1,027) in the same industrialized, urban setting. The results showed that the original OCHS scales possess adequate psychometric properties to be used as original-level measures of disorder. Correlations between individual items and their hypothesized scales were very strong, indicating convergent validity, while correlations between the same items and other (non hypothesized) scales were lower, indicating discriminant validity. Item analyses indicated that individual scale items possess both convergent and discriminant validity. Although the scales were skewed to the positive end of the continuum, they demonstrated good internal consistency (all estimates > or = 0.74) and test-retest (all estimates > or = 0.65) reliability. Finally, three different validity analyses confirmed hypotheses about how the original OCHS scales should perform if they provide useful measures of disorder.     

Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale: Its value for organizational psychology research.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 42(1) of Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement (see record 2009-25142-008). In this article, line 2 of the second table was missing from the printed article. The correct table is reprinted in this correction.] The Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale (WEIMS) is an 18-item measure of work motivation theoretically grounded in self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000). The purpose of the present research was twofold. First, the applicability of the WEIMS in different work environments was evaluated. Second, its factorial structure and psychometric properties were assessed. Two samples of workers (military: N = 465; civilians: N = 192) voluntarily completed questionnaires. Using the WEIMS’s 3 indexes (work self-determination index, work self-determined and nonself-determined motivation, respectively), results of regression analyses were supportive of its ability to predict positive and negative criteria in the workplace. Results also showed the adequacy of both its construct validity and internal consistency. Its factorial structure was also invariant across samples. Finally, its quasi-simplex pattern and relationships with psychological correlates further supported the self-determination continuum. Overall, these findings provide evidence for the applicability as well as the reliability and validity of the WEIMS in organisational settings. Results are discussed in regard to the applicability of self-determination theory to the workplace. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychometric Evaluation of the Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation Scales in a Large Sample of Outpatients With Anxiety and Mood Disorders.

The latent structure, reliability, and validity of the Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation Scales (BIS/BAS; C. L. Carver & T. L. White, 1994) were examined in a large sample of outpatients (N = 1,825) with anxiety and mood disorders. Four subsamples were used for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. In addition to generally upholding a latent structure found previously in nonclinical samples, results indicated measurement invariance of the BIS/BAS between genders and a higher order structure of the BAS scales. Convergent and discriminant validity of the BIS/BAS were supported by findings that the subscales correlated most strongly with measures of neighboring personality constructs (e.g., BIS with neuroticism, BAS with positive affect) than with measures of current anxiety and depression symptoms. Overall, the results support the psychometric properties of the BIS/BAS in this clinical sample. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cohen syndrome with neutropenia-induced periodontitis managed with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF): case reports

The present study focused on a newly developed questionnaire to assess dental anxiety. The short version of the Dental Anxiety Inventory (S-DAI) contains nine items of the Dental Anxiety Inventory (DAI), which was designed to take into account three situations that may evoke dental anxiety, four time elements in which dental anxiety may be provoked, and three reactions. The aim was to assess the validity and reliability of the S-DAI in a sample of highly anxious dental patients applying for treatment at a dental fear clinic in the Netherlands. Three hundred and twenty-one patients filled out several questionnaires assessing dental anxiety (S-DAI, DAS, and a 10-point Likert-scale) and psychological complaints. Total mean score on the S-DAI for women (mean=40.5, s=5.7) was somewhat higher than for men (mean=38.8, s=6.9) (t(306)=2.35; P=0.019). Cronbach's alpha for the present sample was 0.88. Correlations with other measures of dental anxiety were 0.73 with the DAS (P<0.001) and 0.69 (P<0.001) with the 10-point scale. The results indicated that the S-DAI has good reliability and construct validity. It was concluded that the S-DAI is easy to administer in general dental practices and dental fear clinics and has satisfactory psychometric qualities.     

Development of the Children's Apperceptive Story-Telling Test.

This study reports the development of the Children"s Apperceptive Story-Telling Test (CAST), which uses story telling to evaluate the emotional functioning of children ages 6–13. The CAST yields profile scores on 4 major factors (Adaptive, Nonadaptive, Immature, and Uninvested) and 15 adaptive, nonadaptive, and problem-solving scales. The CAST is an attempt to address the psychometric issues present with traditional apperceptive techniques in that it offers a nationally representative standardization sample (N?=?876); the development of an objective Likert-type scoring system based on an Adlerian theoretical model; colored picture stimuli reflective of contemporary family, peer, and school contexts; separate but equivalent stimulus pictures of boys and girls that have been subjected to studies on ethnic sensitivity; and demonstrated viable validity and reliability with school-based behavior-disordered children (N?=?322). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development and psychometric testing of the Leddy Healthiness Scale

The study was designed to develop and determine the psychometric properties of the Leddy Healthiness Scale (LHS). Healthiness is defined as having perceived purpose and the power to achieve goals. In three stages, using three overlapping samples, internal consistency reliability ranged from .89 to .93. Test-retest reliability was .86 at 2-6 weeks. Principal components factor analysis revealed three components which explained 51.2% of the instrument variance. Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations between the LHS and the Sense of Coherence Scale (r = .72), a one-term measure of overall well-being (r = .62), the Perceived Well-Being Scale (r = .74), the Power As Knowing Participation in Change Test (r = .63), and the Personal Meaning Index (r = .62). Divergent validity was supported by a moderate negative correlation between the LHS and the Fatigue Experience Scale (r = -.41). It was concluded that the LHS has demonstrated initial reliability and validity. Further testing is recommended.     

Need we measure anxiety differently for males and females?

Using 2 separate large samples of children (N1 = 957 and N2 = 3,885) and 1 smaller sample of adolescents and adults (N3 = 416), 3 studies of item selection for measurement of anxiety were conducted to determine if item selection differed across gender when traditional psychometric methods were applied. Applying a common set of item selection rules for males and for females, the same items were selected for inclusion on various measures of anxiety with differing item-response formats with comparable internal consistency reliability obtained using separate gender and combined gender samples. Standard psychometric methods indicate anxiety is measured in males and females about equally well and by essentially the same items.     

Psychometric properties of the Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey in Canadian university women.

The Minnesota Eating Behavior Survey (MEBS) is a 30-item questionnaire for longitudinal assessment of disordered eating symptoms among community children and adults. This cross-validation study evaluated the MEBS's psychometric properties among 423 Canadian university women. Generally, we observed satisfactory internal consistency reliability and convergent and discriminant validity, although performance of the Compensatory Behavior subscale was relatively weak. Further, we observed acceptable congruence with the original factor structure in this sample, but confirmatory factor analysis indicated the original factor structure fit these data poorly. An alternative model is presented. We interpret these mixed results as largely supporting the MEBS's reliability and validity as a brief measure of disordered eating symptoms among female undergraduates. Further evaluation of its factor structure is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)