Alternative Factor Models and Factorial Invariance of the GHQ-12: A Large Sample Analysis Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

This study tested alternative factor models of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), based on previous research findings, with a large sample using confirmatory factor analysis. An alternative models framework was used to test 6 factor analytic models. A 3-factor model was the best explanation of the sample data. The 3 factors were labeled Anxiety-Depression, Social Dysfunction, and Loss of Confidence. The model was found to be factorially invariant between men and women. The utility of the 3 subscales, as opposed to the total GHQ-12 score, is questioned as they appear to provide little information beyond that of a general factor. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Characterizing executive functioning in older special populations: From cognitively elite to cognitively impaired.

The authors examined the structure and invariance of executive functions (EF) across (a) a continuum of cognitive status in 3 groups of older adults (cognitively elite [CE], cognitively normal [CN], and cognitively impaired [CI]) and (b) a 3-year longitudinal interval. Using latent variable analyses (LISREL 8.80), the authors tested 3-factor models (“Inhibition”: Hayling [Burgess & Shallice, 1997], Stroop [Regard, 1981]; “Shifting”: Brixton [Burgess & Shallice, 1997], Color Trails [D’Elia et al., 1996]; and “Updating”: Reading and Computational Span [Salthouse & Babcock, 1991]) and 1-factor models within each group. Participants (initial N = 570; 53–90 years) were from the Victoria Longitudinal Study (Sample 3, Waves 1 and 2). Cross-sectionally, the authors observed a 3-factor EF structure especially for the CE group and 1-factor solutions for all 3 groups. Longitudinally, temporal invariance was supported for the 3-factor model (CE and CN groups) and the 1-factor model (CI and CN groups). Subgroups with higher cognitive status and greater 3-year stability performed better on EF factors than corresponding groups with lower cognitive status and less stability. Studies of EF structure, performance, dedifferentiation, and dysfunction will benefit from considering initial cognitive status and longitudinal stability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The nature of preschool phonological processing abilities and their relations to vocabulary, general cognitive abilities, and print knowledge.

The development of reading-related phonological processing abilities represents an important developmental milestone in the process of learning to read. In this cross-sectional study, confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the structure of phonological processing abilities in 129 younger preschoolers (M = 40.88 months, SD = 4.65) and 304 older preschoolers (M = 56.49 months, SD = 5.31). A 2-factor model in which Phonological Awareness and Phonological Memory were represented by 1 factor and Lexical Access was represented by a 2nd factor provided the best fit for both samples and was largely invariant across samples. Measures of vocabulary, cognitive abilities, and print knowledge were significantly correlated with both factors, but Phonological Awareness/Memory had unique relations with word reading. Despite significant development of phonological processing abilities across the preschool years and into kindergarten, these results show that the structure of these skills remains invariant. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personality trait development from age 12 to age 18: Longitudinal, cross-sectional and cross-cultural analyses.

Three studies were conducted to assess mean level changes in personality traits during adolescence. Versions of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (P. T. Costa, Jr., & R. R. McCrae, 1992a) were used to assess the 5 major personality factors. A 4-year longitudinal study of intellectually gifted students (N = 230) was supplemented by cross-sectional studies of nonselected American (N = 1,959) and Flemish (N = 789) adolescents. Personality factors were reasonably invariant across ages, although rank-order stability of individual differences was low. Neuroticism appeared to increase in girls, and Openness to Experience increased in both boys and girls; mean levels of Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were stable. Results extend knowledge of the developmental curve of penalty traits backward from adulthood and help bridge the gap with child temperament studies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The structure and temporal stability of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale.

In this study, the authors examined the factor structure and temporal stability of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale (CAPS; G. L. Flett, P. L. Hewitt, D. J. Boucher, L. A. Davidson, & Y. Munro, 1997) in 2 samples of adolescents (15–16 years old). In Sample 1 (n = 624), confirmatory factor analysis did not support a 2-factor structure (self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism). As in B. T. McCreary, T. E. Joiner, N. B. Schmidt, & N. S. Ialongo (2004), reanalysis suggested a 3-factor solution (i.e., socially prescribed perfectionism, self-oriented–Striving perfectionism, self-oriented–Critical perfectionism). The authors validated their 3-factor model in an independent replication sample (Sample 2; n = 514) and confirmed that the 3-factor structure was invariant across gender and time (test–retest over 6 months). Taking these analyses together, the authors concluded that their discriminant 3-factor structure is robust. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. More research on the predictive validity of the CAPS is suggested. (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)     

Factor analysis of category and magnitude scales of a technical attribute.

36 journeymen electronics maintenance personnel judged the complexity of 16 avionics circuits using the paired-comparison, magnitude-estimation, rank-order, and constant-sum procedures on 2 occasions. The basic scale values were standardized across the 16 circuits separately within each method and occasion. The standardized scale values were then intercorrelated and factor analyzed to test the hypothesis that 2 factors would account for the data. After considering 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-factor solutions, a 2-factor solution was chosen as best fitting the data. These 2 factors suggested the taxonomy of "congnitive discrimination" and "contextual uncertainty" to account for Ss' scaling behavior. Most frequently, the paired-comparison and the constant-sum methods were most heavily loaded on Factor 1, "cognitive discrimination." The rank-order and the magnitude-estimation methods were most consistently loaded heaviest on "contextual uncertainty," Factor 2. The findings are interpreted in terms of their relationship to certain customary scaling classificatory schemes. (24 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A cross-cultural study of the psychometric properties of the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire among Italian nonclinical adolescents.

Five independent studies were used to test the hypothesis that a reliable 2-factor structure underlies the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) items and that the 2 scales show distinct patterns of association with personality and bullying behavior measures. Study 1 (N = 1,447) gave evidence of a clear 2-factor structure of RPQ items with factor loading matrices closely matching reactive (congruence coefficient = .90) and proactive (congruence coefficient = .91) models of item assignment. The RPQ 2-factor structure was consistently replicated in Study 2 (N = 662), as well as across the remaining 3 studies. In Study 3 (N = 536), Neuroticism differentiated reactive and proactive forms of aggression. In Study 4 (N = 674), self-reports of bullying behaviors were selectively correlated with proactive aggression. Findings confirm and extend the differential correlates of proactive–reactive aggression and also support the psychometric properties of the RPQ in a different cultural context. Finally, in Study 5 (N = 347), the RPQ scales showed adequate 2-month test–retest reliability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Structure of the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory Self-Restraint Scale and its relation to problem behaviors in adolescence.

The authors examined the structure of the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory (WAI) Self-Restraint scale in derivation (n?=?1,286) and cross-validation (n?=?1,154) samples of mostly African American 6th-graders in 3 urban schools. Four models were compared: (1) a 1-factor model; (2) a hierarchical model in which factors representing Impulse Control, Suppression of Aggression, Responsibility, and Consideration of Others were subsumed by a higher order factor; (3) a model that represented these 4 factors as correlated but distinct constructs; and (4) a model that excluded Consideration of Others from the higher order factor. Consistent support was found for the last model based on confirmatory factor analyses and latent-variable analyses examining the relations among self-restraint scales, drug use, delinquency, and aggression. These findings have implications for using the WAI, particularly in studies of adolescent problem behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A multidimensional measurement model for cardiovascular reactivity: stability and cross-validation in two adult samples

The factor structure for measures of stress-related cardiovascular reactivity was examined in 2 samples: a university campus employee sample (N = 72) and a sample of young adult twins (N = 113). In both samples, 5 noninvasive cardiovascular measures were monitored during a series of challenging laboratory tasks. We developed a 2-factor model depicting vascular and cardiac influences on responding. With confirmatory factor analysis, this model was shown to be consistent with the data across both samples, across 2 testing sessions, and across 2 sets of tasks. Latent variables measuring cardiac and vascular reactivity were highly reliable on retest as well. Individual differences in cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress may be characterized by a stable, 2-dimensional pattern of response.     

Stability in schizophrenia symptoms over time: Findings from the Mount Sinai Pilgrim Psychiatric Center Longitudinal Study.

This study examined the stability of symptoms of schizophrenia over time, focusing on the stability of symptom structure. Symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The sample consisted of 215 chronic patients followed up for as long as 4 years. Exploratory factor analysis identified 6 factors. Several statistical techniques were used to examine the stability of these symptoms, including longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis. Low-to-moderate rank-order stability and high absolute stability of the factors were found, with the structure of the PANSS-assessed symptoms consistent over time. The results demonstrate that despite changes in the severity of symptoms in individual patients with schizophrenia, the factor structure and interrelatedness of symptoms have considerable stability over time. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The composition and structure of depressive symptomatology in renal disease.

Renal disease is an increasingly common illness among middle-aged and older adults, and is often associated with depression. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES–D) is a widely used self-report screening measure on which responses generally conform to a 4-factor structure, with each factor loading onto a higher-order Depression factor. The current study examines whether this structure is supported among individuals with renal disease (both predialysis and posttransplant kidney disease patients). Persons with renal disease (n = 225) and healthy control participants (n = 230) were recruited from Vancouver General Hospital and the community. Participants completed the CES–D as part of an extended assessment. Confirmatory factor analytic models were computed for the renal disease and healthy control groups. Results support a 4-factor structure for CES–D responses in persons with renal disease and healthy controls. The hierarchical structure of CES–D responses also appears invariant between groups. Factor structure was similar between groups; only for Depressive Affect was the strength of association with the second-order factor greater among the renal disease than healthy control participants. Findings support similarity of CES–D factor structures between patients with renal disease and healthy individuals. Results suggest that the CES–D's 4 factors contribute to measurement of a higher-order Depression factor in both groups; furthermore, 3 of 4 factors appear invariant between groups. As such, this measure can be used confidently to quantify depressive symptoms in individuals with renal disease. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

A confirmatory factor analysis of the Impact of Event Scale using a sample of World War II and Korean War Veterans.

This study assessed the factor structure of the Impact of Event Scale (IES), a measure of intrusion and avoidance, using a sample of World War II and Korean War veterans who had experienced combat 40–50 years earlier. A series of 3 confirmatory factor analytic models were specified and estimated using LISREL 8.3. Model 1 specified a 1-factor model. Model 2 specified a correlated 2-factor model. Model 3 specfied a 2-factor model with additional cross-factor loadings for Items 2 and 12. Model 3 was found to fit the data. In addition, this model was found to be a better explanation of the data than the other models. Also in addition, the correlations between the Intrusion and Avoidance factors and the 4 subscales of the 28-item General Health Questionnaire were examined to determine the distinctiveness of the two IES factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The strengths and difficulties questionnaire: The self-report version in American urban and suburban youth.

This study examined the factor structure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in urban inner-city and suburban general population samples of American youth. The SDQ was administered to 4,661 predominantly minority urban youth (mean age = 13.0 years, SD = 2.02) and 937 predominantly Caucasian suburban youth (mean age = 14.0 years, SD = 1.56). The authors examined SDQ factor structure using structural equation modeling techniques. The fit for the 5-factor models in both samples was very good (comparative fit index = .96-.97). However, the factor loadings and, correspondingly, the scale reliabilities for most of the SDQ scales (except for Emotional Problems) were low, which suggests poor specificity of the items. Subsequent exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that a 3-factor structure had a comparable model fit and better internal consistency of the scales. The study concluded that, although the SDQ scales do conform reasonably well to a 5-factor model, the scales are unsatisfactory in other respects and that, in its present form, the instrument has inadequate psychometric characteristics. Future research is needed for further scale development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The PANAS structure revisited: On the validity of a bifactor model in community and forensic samples.

The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) is a widely used inventory for the assessment of affect in psychology and other applied sciences. Despite its popularity, the structure of the PANAS is still under debate. On the one hand, there is evidence of the traditional 2-factor model with Positive Affect (PA) and Negative Affect (NA) as uncorrelated factors. On the other hand, a more complex structure of the PANAS has been discussed. To shed further light on the core dimensions of the PANAS, 2 studies investigated the structure of the PANAS in 2 German samples (N = 354 and N = 364, respectively) by means of confirmatory factor analysis. The factor analysis results of Study 1 for a traitlike time frame instruction suggested a suboptimal model fit for the uncorrelated 2-factor model and the 3-factor model with PA, Afraid, and Upset as factors, whereas a superior model fit occurred for a bifactor model with traitlike PA, NA, and a general 3rd factor named Affective Polarity. In Study 2, the bifactor model was replicated for a statelike PANAS time frame instruction and evidence of criterion validity was provided for PA, NA, and Affective Polarity factors in 2 sex offender subgroups and in a community sample. With Affective Polarity, we introduce an affect dimension that captures additional variance beyond PA and NA. Because of the adjectives with relevant loadings on Affective Polarity, this general factor represents an individual's orientation toward approach and withdrawal, respectively. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Longitudinal factor structure of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale in schizophrenia.

The focus of this study was the invariance of the factor structure of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) over time. An initial sample of 193 individuals diagnosed with nonacute schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were administered the BPRS every 6 months over a 3-year period. Multiple-groups confirmatory factor analysis was used to fit the 4-factor oblique model of Mueser, Curran, and McHugo (1997) to both the 16-item and 18-item version of the BPRS. The results show that the model was configurally invariant over time, but it was more invariant for the 16-item version. The findings suggest that the factors, Thought Disturbance, Anergia, Affect, and Disorganized, as measured by the BPRS are distinct symptom constructs that endure over at least a 3-year period, but the strength of their interrelationships varies. Implications for interpretation of change in observed scores over time are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Latent structure and factorial invariance of a neuropsychological test battery for the study of preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: To examine the latent structure of a test battery currently being used in a longitudinal study of asymptomatic middle-aged adults with a parental history of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and test the invariance of the factor solution across subgroups defined by selected demographic variables and known genetic risk factors for AD. Method: An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a sequence of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted on 24 neuropsychological measures selected to provide a comprehensive estimate of cognitive abilities most likely to be affected in preclinical AD. Once the underlying latent model was defined and the structural validity established through model comparisons, a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis model was used to test for factorial invariance across groups. Results: The EFA solution revealed a factor structure consisting of five constructs: verbal ability, visuospatial ability, speed & executive function, working memory, and verbal learning & memory. The CFA models provided support for the hypothesized 5-factor structure. Results indicated factorial invariance of the model across all groups examined. Conclusions: Collectively, the results suggested a relatively strong psychometric basis for using the factor structure in clinical samples that match the characteristics of this cohort. This confirmed an invariant factor structure should prove useful in research aimed to detect the earliest cognitive signature of preclinical AD in similar middle aged cohorts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The ingratiation construct: An assessment of the validity of the Measure of Ingratiatory Behaviors in Organizational Settings (MIBOS).

Independent samples were used to assess the construct validity of the Measure of Ingratiatory Behaviors in Organizational Settings (MIBOS) scale (K. Kumar & M. Beyerlein, 1991). The 4 samples included managerial personnel (n = 288), members of 2 professional organizations (n?=?144), clerical employees (n?=?110), and working students (n?=?279). Three distinct conceptualizations were examined using confirmatory factor analysis (LISREL 8). Alternative models included (a) a 4-factor conceptualization proposed by Kumar and Beyerlein; (b) a 4-factor, 2nd-order conceptualization; and (c) a unidimensional model. None of the models provided adequate support for the factor structure of the measure. Similarly, convergent and discriminant assessments failed to provide strong support for the validity of the scale. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Confirmatory factor analysis of the PTSD Checklist and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale in disaster workers exposed to the World Trade Center Ground Zero.

Although posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) factor analytic research has yielded little support for the DSM-IV 3-factor model of reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms, no clear consensus regarding alternative models has emerged. One possible explanation is differential instrumentation across studies. In the present study, the authors used confirmatory factor analysis to compare a self-report measure, the PTSD Checklist (PCL), and a structured clinical interview, the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), in 2,960 utility workers exposed to the World Trade Center Ground Zero site. Although two 4-factor models fit adequately for each measure, the latent structure of the PCL was slightly better represented by correlated reexperiencing, avoidance, dysphoria, and hyperarousal factors, whereas that of the CAPS was slightly better represented by correlated reexperiencing, avoidance, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal factors. After accounting for method variance, the model specifying dysphoria as a distinct factor achieved slightly better fit. Patterns of correlations with external variables provided additional support for the dysphoria model. Implications regarding the underlying structure of PTSD are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)