Validation of a Three-Item Short Form of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-3) in the German Population

IntroductionIndividuals suffering from overweight or obesity frequently experience weight-based stigmatization. The widespread belief that weight is a matter of personal will and self-control results in various weight-based stereotypes (e.g., laziness, lack of self-discipline, or neglect).ObjectiveBased on the modified version of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M), a short form for the economic assessment of weight bias internalization in the general population was compiled and validated.MethodsA three-item short form (WBIS-3) was derived based on data from a representative sample of the German population (n = 1,092). This new short form was validated in a second representative population sample (n = 2,513). Item characteristics and internal consistency were obtained. Measurement invariance was tested. Construct validity was established via the correlation with theoretically related constructs (depression, anxiety, eating behavior, discrimination, weight status). To establish scale validity, all analyses were performed for the whole sample as well as for the subsample of individuals with overweight. Age- and gender-specific population norms were provided.ResultsThe WBIS-3 exhibited excellent psychometric properties. Internal consistency was α = 0.92. Strong measurement invariance was confirmed regarding age, gender, discrimination, and weight status in both the whole sample as well as the overweight subsample.ConclusionsThe WBIS-3 constitutes a valid and economical tool for the assessment of weight bias internalization in epidemiological contexts. Measurement invariance allows for an unbiased comparison of means, correlation coefficients, and path coefficients within structural equation modeling across groups.     

Testing the Italian version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale and a metacognitive model of cyberchondria

Cyberchondria refers to the tendency to excessively and compulsively search for online medical information despite the distress experienced, with consequent impairment of daily‐life activities. The current two studies sought to explore (i) the factor structure of the Italian version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) and (ii) a metacognitive model of cyberchondria. Participants were Italian community adults who reported using the Internet to search for health‐related information (Study 1: N = 374, Study 2: N = 717). Results from Study 1 supported the Italian version of the CSS exhibiting a five‐factor structure, with the resulting scales demonstrating good internal consistency, 5‐week test–retest reliability, and generally strong correlations with indices of health anxiety. In Study 2, results of a path analysis showed that the negative metacognitive belief domain (“thoughts are uncontrollable”) shared the strongest direct association with each of the five dimensions of cyberchondria, followed by beliefs about rituals. Consistently, the strongest indirect associations were found between “thoughts are uncontrollable” and all the five cyberchondria dimensions via beliefs about rituals. These results provide support for an Italian version of the CSS and the metacognitive conceptualization of cyberchondria.     

Validation of the Fatigue Severity Scale in a Swiss Cohort

Background:

Fatigue is highly prevalent and has a negative impact on quality of life and performance in a variety of disorders. The 9-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is one of the most commonly used self-report questionnaires to measure fatigue, but has only been validated in small sample-sized studies and in single disorders.

Objective:

To validate the FSS in healthy subjects and different disorders known to be commonly associated with fatigue.

Material and Methods:

The FSS was administered to 454 healthy subjects, 188 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 235 patients with recent ischemic stroke, and 429 patients with sleep-wake disorders including narcolepsy with cataplexy (n = 22), restless legs syndrome (RLS) (n = 79), sleep apnea (n = 108), insomnia (n = 62), parasomnia (n = 25), excessive daytime sleepiness/hypersomnia of other origin (n = 84), and other sleep-wake disorders (n = 49).

Results:

FSS scores were 4.66 ± 1.64 (mean ± SD) in patients with MS, 3.90 ± 1.85 in patients after ischemic stroke, and 4.34 ± 1.64 in patients with sleep-wake disorders. Compared to patients, values were significantly lower in healthy subjects (3.00 ± 1.08, P < 0.01). Scores did not correlate with gender, age, or education. Item analysis showed an excellent internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach α = 0.93). Test-retest variability was assessed in 104 healthy subjects, showing stable values over time (2.94 ± 0.90 vs. 2.90 ± 0.74; P = 0.27).

Conclusions:

This first validation of a fatigue scale in a large sample size demonstrates that the FSS is a simple and reliable instrument to assess and quantify fatigue for clinical and research purposes.

Citation:

Valko PO; Bassetti CL; Bloch KE; Held U; Baumann CR. Validation of the fatigue severity scale in a swiss cohort. SLEEP 2008;31(11):1601–1607.     

Validation of a brief measure of anxiety-related severity and impairment: the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS)

BackgroundThe Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) is a 5-item self-report measure that can be used to assess severity and impairment associated with any anxiety disorder or multiple anxiety disorders. A prior investigation with a nonclinical sample supported the reliability and validity of the OASIS; however, to date it has not been validated for use in clinical samples.MethodsThe present study assessed the psychometric properties of the OASIS in a large sample (N = 1036) of primary care patients whose physicians referred them to an anxiety disorders treatment study. Latent structure, internal consistency, convergent/discriminant validity, and cut-score analyses were conducted.ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure. The five OASIS items displayed strong loadings on the single factor and had a high degree of internal consistency. OASIS scores demonstrated robust correlations with global and disorder-specific measures of anxiety, and weak correlations with measures of unrelated constructs. A cut-score of 8 correctly classified 87% of this sample as having an anxiety diagnosis or not.LimitationsConvergent validity measures consisted solely of other self-report measures of anxiety. Future studies should evaluate the convergence of OASIS scores with clinician-rated and behavioral measures of anxiety severity.ConclusionsOverall, this investigation suggests that the OASIS is a valid instrument for measurement of anxiety severity and impairment in clinical samples. Its brevity and applicability to a wide range of anxiety disorders enhance its utility as a screening and assessment tool.     

简版老年抑郁量表(GDS-15)在中国老年人中的使用

目的:考察简版老年抑郁量表(GDS-15)在中国老年人群中的信度和效度,特别关注量表的内部结构。方法:利用2006年中国城乡老年人口状况追踪调查10%数据进行分析。结果:量表内部一致性Cronbach’sα系数为0.793,一周重测信度为0.728;量表与生活自理能力量表间存在显著相关,不同照料需求的老年人在量表得分上存在显著差异。但原量表内部结构不佳,删除四个项目后,在总样本、农村样本和城镇样本中均获得抑郁体验和积极情绪两个因子,可解释43.21%的方差变异;量表内部一致性Cronbach’sα系数为0.763,重测信度为0.712。结论:GDS-15具有较好的信度和区分效度,基本可用于中国城乡老年人抑郁症状的测量,对项目进行删改后的GDS-11结构更为合理且适合中国老年人群。     

世界卫生组织生存质量老年人量表简化版的研制

目的:研制WHOQOL-OLD量表的简化版,并考察该简表的信效度。方法:在WHOQOL-OLD国际合作组提供的5566名老年人样本资料中,随机抽取2/3作为训练样本,1/3为考核样本。用经典测量理论和项目反应理论的方法对训练样本进行条目筛选,并用考核样本评价简表的信度和效度。结果:每个领域保留2个较优的条目,形成了12个条目的简明量表WHOQOL-OLD-12。简表各领域的平均信息量仅减少了22.1%～32.9%;简表的克朗巴赫系数为0.80;各领域与WHOQOL-BREF各领域及总分的相关系数介于0.21～0.76之间,大部分大于0.40。结论:WHOQOL-OLD简明量表具有可接受的信度和效度,是老年人生存质量研究中简单易行的测量工具。     

The Development and Validation of the Children's Hope Scale

Assuming that children are goal-oriented, it is suggested thattheir thoughts are related to two components-agency and pathways.Agency thoughts reflect the erception that children can initiateand sustain action toward a desired goal; pathways thoughtsreflect the children's perceived capability to produce routesto those goals. Hope reflects the combination of agentic andpathways thinking toward goals. A six-item dispositional self-reportindex called the Children's ope Scale is introduced and validatedfor use with children ages 8-16. Results suggest that the scaleevidences internal consistency, and is relatively stable overretesting. Additionally, the scale exhibits convergent, discriminant,and incremental alidity. Limitations and uses of the scale arediscussed.     

工作场所排斥问卷的编制及信效度检验

目的:结合中国企业文化特点,区分不同来源的排斥编制工作场所排斥问卷。方法:1090位员工参与了本研究;通过开放式问卷调查和改编国外问卷建立上司和同事排斥题库,经专家评定、频次分析和探索性因素分析形成正式问卷;对多个样本施测,检验其信效度指标。结果:工作场所排斥包含上司排斥和同事排斥两个维度,各10道题目;该问卷受方法效应影响小;两个维度的单因素模型拟合指数良好,同工作场所融入和人际公平的区别效度良好,同效标归属感、抑郁、工作满意度和角色行为相关显著;上司排斥和同事排斥维度在3个样本中的内部一致性系数在0.86以上,重测信度分别为0.76和0.72。结论:本研究编制的工作场所排斥问卷具有良好的心理测量学指标,可以作为评估职场排斥的有效工具使用。     

大学生手机过当依赖量表的编制与信效度检验

目的:编制用于测量识别非手机成瘾的大学生手机过当依赖量表(MEDS-C),并进行信效度检验。方法:通过综述法与访谈法编制包含30个项目的初步量表,对682名大学生进行施测。经项目分析、探索性因子分析(n=338)与验证性因子分析(n=310)进行结构效度测量,另抽取34名大学生进行间隔时长为2周的前后重测以获得重测信度。结果:通过因子分析获得4因子结构和3因子结构量表,经比较,3因子结构量表与预设结构相符且各项指标拟合度更优。3因子EDMS-C包含突显行为、低效性和安抚性3个维度共9个项目,各因子负荷在0.56~0.83,方差累计解释率为56.48%。量表结构效度良好(χ~2=49.86,df=24,χ~2/df=2.01,RMR=0.05,GFI=0.97,AGFI=0.94,CFI=0.96,RMSEA=0.06);效标效度为0.79;量表内部一致信度不低于其Cronbachα系数0.78,3个因子的系数在0.58~0.77之间;量表总重测信度为0.81,3个因子的重测信度在0.56~0.68之间。结论:本研究编制的大学生手机过当依赖量表具有较好的信效度,可用于筛别大学生中对手机过当依赖的非成瘾者。     

The Development and Validation of the Sense of Support Scale

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to develop and validate the Sense of Support Scale (SSS). Study I, which consisted of scale development and an evaluation with a sample of corporate and university employees, supported the scale's internal consistency and construct validity. Study 2, which was conducted with a sample of undergraduate students, was designed to evaluate the revised and shortened version of the SSS. The scale was found to be internally consistent and had a high test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was supported by significant correlations to the Social Provisions Scale and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Construct validity was supported by significant positive correlations to hardiness and approach-coping and significant negative correlations to avoidance-coping, stress, and symptoms of illness. The relationship between the SSS and symptoms of illness supported a main effect rather than a stress-buffering model. Implications for using the SSS to investigate the influences of social support on health are discussed.     

溃疡症状自评量表的编制及信效度研究

目的:编制消化性溃疡症状自评量表(PUSRS)并对其信效度进行研究。方法:151名消化性溃疡患者(男118人,女30人,性别缺失3人,平均年龄38.61±14.99岁)完成PUSRS初测版本的测试;30名溃疡患者在初测3周后进行PUSRS重测;40名溃疡患者和30名慢性胃炎患者参与了区分效度研究。结果:探索性因素分析获得PUSRS的2个维度:疼痛因素(PF)和消化不良因子(DF)。信度检验:PF和DF两个因素的α系数分别为0.786和0.753,分半信度分别为0.824,0.723;3周重测相关为分别为0.156(P>0.05)和0.391(P<0.05)。区分效度结果提示:消化性溃疡患者在PUSRS-PF因子分和总分上与慢性胃炎患者存在显著性差异(P分别小于.01和.05),而在DF因子分上与慢性胃炎患者差异边缘显著(P=.505)。结论:PUSRS具备合格的信度和区分效度,可以用于后继量化研究。     

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (I-PRRS) Scale

Context:

Only a few scales measure confidence within sport; however, these scales are insufficient to measure confidence after athletic injuries. Therefore, better measures are needed to determine the psychological readiness of injured athletes to return to sport participation.

Objective:

To develop a scale that measures the psychological readiness of injured athletes to return to sport participation and to provide preliminary evidence of reliability and validity for the scale.

Design:

The Delphi method was used to develop the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport scale (I-PRRS). Two 1-way analyses of variance with repeated measures and 6 Pearson product moment correlations were computed to help validate the scale.

Setting:

Athletic training clinics at 3 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) schools.

Patients or Other Participants:

Four certified athletic trainers (ATs) and professors of Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education-accredited athletic training programs and 3 NCAA Division III coaches made up a panel of experts that participated in the Delphi portion of the study to develop the I-PRRS. In the second part of the study, 22 injured athletes, who missed a minimum of 1 week of practice, from 3 NCAA schools in Divisions II and III were surveyed along with their respective ATs. The injured athletes and ATs participated in the validation of the I-PRRS.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The injured athlete completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) short form and the I-PRRS shortly after injury, before returning to the first practice, before returning to competition, and immediately after competition. The respective AT completed the I-PRRS before and after competition. The I-PRRS is a 6-item scale that measures the psychological readiness of injured athletes to return to sport, and the POMS short form is a 30-item scale that measures mood states. I added the negative moods of the POMS and subtracted the positive moods of the POMS to calculate a Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score.

Results:

The I-PRRS scores were negatively correlated with the TMD scores of the POMS short form at all 4 time intervals, showing concurrent validity. The I-PRRS scores were lowest after injury, increased before practice, increased again before competition, and had no change after competition. The I-PRRS as completed by the athlete and respective AT was positively correlated both before and after practice, demonstrating external validity.

Conclusions:

Preliminary evidence for reliability and validity of the I-PRRS was demonstrated. The I-PRRS can be a beneficial tool for ATs to assess an athlete''s psychological readiness to return to sport participation after injury.     

Development of a Short Form Depression Screening Questionnaire for Korean Soldiers

BackgroundThe frequencies of South Korean soldiers'' depression and resulting suicide are increasing every year. Thus, this study aimed to develop and confirm the reliability and validity of a simple short form depression screening scale for soldiers.MethodsThis study was conducted as part of a 2013 research project named ‘The Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Depression in Military Service and a Search for High Risk Group Management.’ Clinical depression was diagnosed using the Korean version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and suicide risk was assessed through the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Furthermore, the Center for Epidemiological Studies for Depression Scale (CES-D), the Stress Response Inventory, and the Barret Impulsiveness Scale were employed. Of the 20 CES-D items, three of the most correlated items with clinical diagnosis were derived to form the short form scale. Analyses for internal consistency, concurrent validity, and factor analysis were implemented for its validation. We performed a receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis using a clinical diagnosis of depression as a gold standard to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) value, cut-off score, and corresponding sensitivity and specificity to that cut-off score.ResultsAccording to the results of the correlation analysis, 7, 18, and 4 were selected to be on our scale. The three-item scale was reliable with a Cronbach''s alpha value of 0.720, and a factor was derived from the factor analysis. The ROC analysis showed a high discriminant validity, with an AUC value of 0.891. The sensitivity and specificity were 84.8% and 78.2%, and 71.7% and 91.6%, respectively, for each when the selected cut-off scores were 2 and 3, respectively. Depression screened through the scale when the cut-off score was 2 or 3 was significantly associated with suicidality, stress, and social support.ConclusionThe depression screening questionnaire for Korean soldiers developed through this study demonstrated high reliability and validity. Since it comprises only three items, it can be utilized easily and frequently. It is expected to be employed in a large-scale suicide prevention project targeting military soldiers in the future; it will be beneficial in selecting high-risk groups for depression.     

The Stigma Scale for Chronic Illnesses 8-Item Version (SSCI-8): Development, Validation and Use Across Neurological Conditions

Background

Although the impact of stigma has been highlighted for epileptic populations, the experiences of people living with other neurological conditions have been less studied.

Purpose

In order to promote research on stigma among people with neurological conditions, we sought to develop and psychometrically validate an eight-item questionnaire measuring internalised and enacted stigma experienced by people with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Method

We used item response theory methodologies to select items and field tested our items with 587 participants from eight academic medical centres across the USA.

Results

We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis as well as examined the scale’s reliability and validity. In addition, we conducted an analysis of variance test to examine mean total score differences across the five neurological conditions. Data from people across conditions revealed that the shortened instrument conformed to an essentially unidimensional model of multifaceted stigma as a one-factor questionnaire with correlated residuals on a pair of items that distinctly measured internalised stigma.

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence suggests that the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness 8-item version fits a unidimensional model, which assesses enacted and internalised stigma, and has adequate internal consistency/reliability and validity in relation to psychological distress and patient performance. Our results suggest fairly low stigma for neurological populations. In addition, our results suggest that stigma may be more severe for patients with ALS relative to those with MS and PD. In the future, the SSCI-8 scale could be used practically in clinic settings to examine stigma without the patient burden associated with lengthier scales.     

中学生常见心理问题筛查量表的编制与信效度检验

目的:编制适合我国中学生的常见心理问题筛查量表,并进行信度和效度考评。方法:采取议题小组和核心工作组交互工作的方式编制量表,条目池经专家认可,对5273名中学生进行调查后,采用t检验法、变异系数法、因子分析法、反应度分析法等4种方法联合进行条目筛选,由保留条目组成量表测试版,并对之进行信度与效度检验。结果:编制了含43个条目的中学生常见心理问题筛查量表。总分的重测相关系数为0.841,各个分量表得分的重测相关系数介于0.725-0.794之间。量表总分的Cronbach’sα系数为0.909,各个分量表得分的Cronbach’sα系数介于0.735-0.811之间。量表结构与理论构想相符。本表与有关效标的相关系数分别为0.784(P<0.01)、0.764(P<0.01)。结论:中学生常见心理问题筛查量表是可信、有效的测评工具,有应用价值。     

军人睡眠自适应量表的编制

目的:编制一个测量军人睡眠适应能力的评估工具。方法:采用文献回顾、访谈和开放式问卷等方法收集量表条目,通过探索性因素分析和验证性因素分析程序进行量表构建。结果:857名被试的探索性因素分析表明军人睡眠自适应量表由睡眠与生活质量、睡眠的影响因素、睡眠的积极暗示、对睡眠的重视、睡眠的抗干扰力、对睡眠的积极态度等6个因子构成,可解释总变异的45.64%;974名新样本被试的验证性因素分析发现模型拟合度指数χ2/df、GFI、AGFI、CFI、NFI、TLI、RMSEA分别为3.02、0.84、0.82、0.86、0.80、0.85、0.046;睡眠自适应量表与军人睡眠质量量表、PSQI的相关分别为0.60、-0.50,均在0.001水平上显著。结论:军人睡眠自适应量表具有较好的信、效度。