scholarly journals Structural validation of the “Teacher’s report form” attention problems scale in a Brazilian sample

Author(s):  
Thiago Pires ◽  
Marina Rocha ◽  
Simone Assis ◽  
Flavio Nobre

Abstract Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental syndromes. Although clinical evaluation is considered the gold standard in diagnosing psychiatric disorders, in epidemiological studies, this evaluation is rarely used for practical and financial reasons. Instead, psychometric instruments are used to screen for the disorders. In this case, it is essential to investigate whether these instruments are suitable for measuring the proposed problem. This study aims to verify the structural validation of the Attention Problems Scale of the Teacher’s Report Form (TRF). Methods A random sample of 445 TRF filled out by the teacher of children from São Gonçalo/RJ was selected. The confirmatory factor analysis was applied to validate some factor structures that have been raised in the literature. A second aspect analyzed was the use of structural equation models to verify the validated factorial structure’s relationship with some comorbidities. Results The bifactor model was the most suitable to explain the TRF child’s Attention Problems Scale’s factor structure. It presented the best-fit quality scores for confirmatory factor analysis than other tested structures. Although it presented good indicators for structural validity, some symptoms could be reassessed to have a more consistent instrument. The bifactor model as an explanatory structure in SEM was able to predict important mental health outcomes. These results are an additional validation to the bifactor model. Conclusions The results suggest the validity of the TRF’s Attention Problems Scale. The instrument’s factor structure was also appropriate because it corroborated most of the association’s assumptions between subtypes of attention problems and other aspects of mental health. The existence of screening scales adapted to Brazilian Portuguese can substantially impact many children who have difficulty learning. Also, the screening scales can be a useful tool for the health sector to facilitate referral to the professional to make the diagnosis.

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-243
Author(s):  
Roberto Nuevo ◽  
Andrés Losada ◽  
María Márquez-González ◽  
Cecilia Peñacoba

The Worry Domains Questionnaire was proposed as a measure of both pathological and nonpathological worry, and assesses the frequency of worrying about five different domains: relationships, lack of confidence, aimless future, work, and financial. The present study analyzed the factor structure of the long and short forms of the WDQ (WDQ and WDQ-SF, respectively) through confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 262 students (M age = 21.8; SD = 2.6; 86.3% females). While the goodness-of-fit indices did not provide support for the WDQ, good fit indices were found for the WDQ-SF. Furthermore, no source of misspecification was identified, thus, supporting the factorial validity of the WDQ-SF scale. Significant positive correlations between the WDQ-SF and its subscales with worry (PSWQ), anxiety (STAI-T), and depression (BDI) were found. The internal consistency was good for the total scale and for the subscales. This work provides support for the use of the WDQ-SF, and potential uses for research and clinical purposes are discussed.


Author(s):  
Sarah Beale ◽  
Silia Vitoratou ◽  
Sheena Liness

Abstract Background: Effective monitoring of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) competence depends on psychometrically robust assessment methods. While the UK Cognitive Therapy Scale – Revised (CTS-R; Blackburn et al., 2001) has become a widely used competence measure in CBT training, practice and research, its underlying factor structure has never been investigated. Aims: This study aimed to present the first investigation into the factor structure of the CTS-R based on a large sample of postgraduate CBT trainee recordings. Method: Trainees (n = 382) provided 746 mid-treatment audio recordings for depression (n = 373) and anxiety (n = 373) cases scored on the CTS-R by expert markers. Tapes were split into two equal samples counterbalanced by diagnosis and with one tape per trainee. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The suggested factor structure and a widely used theoretical two-factor model were tested with confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance was assessed by diagnostic group (depression versus anxiety). Results: Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single-factor solution (98.68% explained variance), which was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. All 12 CTS-R items were found to contribute to this single factor. The univariate model demonstrated full metric invariance and partial scalar invariance by diagnosis, with one item (item 10 – Conceptual Integration) demonstrating scalar non-invariance. Conclusions: Findings indicate that the CTS-R is a robust homogenous measure and do not support division into the widely used theoretical generic versus CBT-specific competency subscales. Investigation into the CTS-R factor structure in other populations is warranted.


1988 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-59
Author(s):  
Joanne M. Gardner

The purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity (internal structure) of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) for use with Cantonese, English, and Punjabi speaking Canadians. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the sequential/simultaneous theoretical model was supported by the English and Punjabi data: however, the Cantonese data did not exhibit a good fit with this model. Similarly, the results of the exploratory factor analysis suggested that sequential and simultaneous factors could apply when describing the factor structure of the English and Punjabi data, but not for the Cantonese data. Implications of these findings are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Lithopoulos ◽  
Peter A. Dacin ◽  
Tanya R. Berry ◽  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Norm O’Reilly ◽  
...  

Purpose The brand equity pyramid is a theory that explains how people develop loyalty and an attachment to a brand. The purpose of this study is to test whether the predictions made by the theory hold when applied to the brand of ParticipACTION, a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes active living. A secondary objective was to test whether this theory predicted intentions to be more physically active. Design/methodology/approach A research agency conducted a cross-sectional, online brand health survey on behalf of ParticipACTION. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis established the factor structure. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings A nationally representative sample of Canadian adults (N = 1,191) completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a hypothesized five-factor brand equity framework (i.e. brand identity, brand meaning, brand responses, brand resonance and intentions). A series of structural equation models also provided support for the hypothesized relationships between the variables. Practical implications Though preliminary, the results provide a guide for understanding the branding process in the activity-promotion context. The constructs identified as being influential in this process can be targeted by activity-promotion organizations to improve brand strength. A strong organizational brand could augment activity-promotion interventions. A strong brand may also help the organization better compete against other brands promoting messages that are antithetical to their own. Originality/value This is the first study to test the brand equity pyramid using an activity-promotion brand. Results demonstrate that the brand equity pyramid may be useful in this context.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 735-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Ponce-Garcia ◽  
Amy N. Madewell ◽  
Shelia M. Kennison

This research developed the Scale of Protective Factors (SPF-24) to measure protective factors contributing to resilience. We investigated the factor structure of 35 items. After exploratory factor analysis, we subjected 25 items representing 2 social-interpersonal and 2 cognitive-individual factors to confirmatory factor analysis. The sample consisted of 942 college students from 3 studies and 2 institutions. To examine the diagnostic function of the SPF, we used clinical criteria to identify a subsample of participants who had experienced violent trauma and scored low, moderate, or high on an established resilience scale. Results showed that the low-resilient group scored significantly lower on all subscales of the SPF with marked differences in prioritizing/planning behavior. Implications for the research and clinical settings are discussed.


Author(s):  
Hepi Wahyuningsih ◽  
Dyna Rahayu Suci Pertiwi

This study aims to adapt the Sanctification of Marriage Questionnaire for Muslims inIndonesia. Adaptation of the Sanctification of Marriage Questionnaire is carried out throughthe stages: translation, providing evidence of construct validity and reliability. Evidence of construct validity was carried out by exploratory factor analysis followed by MGCFA (Multi-Group Confirmatory factor Analysis). In this study, we used a composite reliability. Subjects to reveal the factor structure of sanctification of marriage were 160 married individuals, while the subjects to test the stability of factor structure consisted of 102 husbands and 111 wives. The result of exploratory factor analysis shows that the construct of sanctification of marriage has three factors / dimensions, namely: belief, perceived sacred qualities and manifestation of God. The structure stability of sanctification of marriage was then empirically tested by MGCFA. The results of MGCFA showed that the three factors / dimensions of sanctification of marriage proved stable. The composite reliability coefficient of the Sanctification of Marriage Questionnaire was in a good category. Further research can be carried out to provide evidence of construct validity with predictive validity and concurrent validity of the Sanctification of Marriage Questionnaire. Limitations in this study are discussed further.Keywords: exploratory factor analysis, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, muslim,sanctification of marriage, scale adaptation


Author(s):  
Giulia Bassi ◽  
Adriana Lis ◽  
Tatiana Marci ◽  
Silvia Salcuni

AbstractThe increased smartphone use in adolescence has led clinicians and researchers to carry out in-depth studies on the matter. Adolescents seem to be at risk of smartphone addiction because they are yet to develop self-control in smartphone use. This psychometric study aimed at examining the levels of validity evidence for the Smartphone Addiction Inventory-Italian (SPAI-I) version for adults, among adolescents. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the factor structure of the SPAI-I version for adults among adolescents but not the exploratory factor structure for adults of the original Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI). Convergent validity was assessed by examining the relationship between SPAI-I, self-control, and internalized and externalized problems. A total of 446 Italian adolescents (mean age = 16.04, SD = 1.72, 36.3% males) completed the Self-Restraint Subscale of the Adolescent Self-Consciousness and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires—with a specific focus on the subscales of internalized and externalized problems. Present findings suggested that the SPAI-I version could be used to assess smartphone overuse among adolescents according to a multidimensional perspective.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-38
Author(s):  
Iulia-Clarisa Giurcă ◽  
Adriana Baban ◽  
Sebastian Pintea ◽  
Bianca Macavei

AbstractThe following study is aimed at investigating the construct validity of the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 25) on a Romanian military population. The exploratory factor analysis was conducted on 434 male military participants, aged between 24 and 50 years (M = 34.83, S.D. = 6.14) and the confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on a sample of 679 military participants, of 605 men and 74 women, aged between 18 and 59 years (M = 38.37, S.D. = 9.07). Factor analysis of the scale showed it to be a bidimensional, rather than a multidimensional instrument, as the original five-factor structure was not replicated in this military Romanian sample. Moreover, EFAs suggested that a 14-item bidimensional model should be retained and CFA confirmed that this model fit the data best.


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