Intrinsic Motivation Inventory: An Adapted Measure for Schizophrenia Research

This article describes the psychometric validation of a scale designed to measure intrinsic motivation (IM) in schizophrenia. Recent studies have highlighted the relationship between motivation and functional outcome in schizophrenia and identified IM as an important mediating factor between neurocognition and psychosocial outcome. It therefore becomes imperative to have validated measures of IM for empirical use. To that end, we validated a self-report IM scale that gauges the central motivational structures identified by Self-determinism Theory as pertinent to cognitive task engagement, skill acquisition, treatment compliance, and remediation outcome. Participants were schizophrenia outpatients involved in a cognitive remediation study (n = 58), a convenience subsample of clinically stable schizophrenia outpatients (n = 15), and a group of healthy normals (n = 22). The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory for Schizophrenia Research (IMI-SR) is a concise instrument, possessing good internal consistency (α = .92) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation = .77). Data were analyzed to abridge the original 54 items into a final 21-item questionnaire comprised of 3 domains relevant to motivation for treatments (interest/enjoyment, perceived choice, value/usefulness). The scale was highly associated with germane constructs of motivation for health-related behaviors, including perceived competency for attempting challenging tasks and autonomous treatment engagement. Importantly, the scale was able to distinguish improvers and nonimprovers on a cognitive task and actual learning exercises, delineate high vs low treatment attendance, and demonstrate sensitivity to motivational changes due to intervention variation. The IMI-SR is a viable instrument to measure IM in schizophrenia as part of a cognitive remediation protocol or psychosocial rehabilitation program.     

Factor Structure and Validation of the Revised Suicide Crisis Inventory in a Korean Population

ObjectiveBecause of the exceptionally high suicide rates in South Korea, new assessment methods are needed to improve suicide prevention. The current study aims to validate the revised Suicide Crisis Inventory-2 (SCI-2), a self-report measure that assesses a cognitiveaffective pre-suicidal state in a Korean sample. MethodsWith data from 1,061 community adults in South Korea, confirmatory factor analyses were first conducted to test the proposed one-factor and five-factor structures of the SCI-2. Also, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to examine possible alternative factor structure of the inventory. ResultsThe one-factor model of the SCI-2 resulted in good model fit and similarly, the five-factor model also exhibited strong fit. Comparing the two models, the five-factor was evaluated as the superior model fit. An alternative 4-factor model derived from EFA exhibited a comparable model fit. The Korean version of the SCI-2 had high internal consistency and strong concurrent validity in relation to symptoms of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. ConclusionThe SCI-2 is an appropriate and a valid tool for measuring one’s proximity to imminent suicide risk. However, the exact factor structure of the SCI-2 may be culture-sensitive and warrants further study.     

Factor Structure of Measures of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in African American Youth

Previous research has suggested that the factor structure of anxiety measures is different in African American samples compared to majority population samples. However, these findings may be due to misuse of analytic methods rather than meaningful differences in the underlying presentation of anxiety. To address this, we examined the factor structure of two measures of child anxiety: the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children in a sample of 229 African American youth. Contrary to previous research, confirmatory factor analyses yielded good fit for the original factor structures of both measures. These results suggest that the underlying factor structure of these measures may not be significantly different for African American and majority population youth as previously thought. The effect of data analytic procedures on subsequent conclusions and theory is discussed and recommendations are made.     

Factor structure and construct validity of the Chinese Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Youth with Epilepsy

PurposeFactor structure and construct validity of the Chinese version of the Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Children with Epilepsy are reported.MethodsThe Parent-Proxy Response Scale and Child Self-Report Scale of the measure were administered to 266 children and their parents (or primary caregivers). Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the underlying factor structure of the instrument. Hypothesis testing was used to explore construct validity.ResultsThe Chinese version of the Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Children with Epilepsy had the same five-factor structure as the Canadian version. Greater use of epilepsy-related services was associated with poorer quality of life. Quality of life was also poorer in children who had more seizures, took more than one anticonvulsant, had impaired cognition, and studied in special schools. Children who had close friends and spent more time in extracurricular activities with friends scored higher on the Interpersonal/Social subscale.ConclusionsOur data provide evidence of the cross-cultural applicability of the translated instrument.     

Factor structure and construct validity of the Chinese Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Youth with Epilepsy

PURPOSE: Factor structure and construct validity of the Chinese version of the Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Children with Epilepsy are reported. METHODS: The Parent-Proxy Response Scale and Child Self-Report Scale of the measure were administered to 266 children and their parents (or primary caregivers). Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the underlying factor structure of the instrument. Hypothesis testing was used to explore construct validity. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Children with Epilepsy had the same five-factor structure as the Canadian version. Greater use of epilepsy-related services was associated with poorer quality of life. Quality of life was also poorer in children who had more seizures, took more than one anticonvulsant, had impaired cognition, and studied in special schools. Children who had close friends and spent more time in extracurricular activities with friends scored higher on the Interpersonal/Social subscale. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence of the cross-cultural applicability of the translated instrument.     

An Observational Study of Bullying as a Contributing Factor in Youth Suicide in Toronto

Objective

Bullying has been identified as a potential contributing factor in youth suicide. This issue has been highlighted in recent widely publicized media reports, worldwide, in which deceased youth were bullied. We report on an observational study conducted to determine the frequency of bullying as a contributing factor to youth suicide.

Method:

Coroner records were reviewed for all suicide deaths in youth aged between 10 and 19 in the city of Toronto from 1998 to 2011. Data abstracted were recent stressors (including bullying), clinical variables, such as the presence of mental illness, demographics, and methods of suicide.

Results:

Ninety-four youth suicides were included in the study. The mean age was 16.8 years, and 70.2% were male. Bullying was present in 6 deaths (6.4%), and there were no deaths where online or cyberbullying was detected. Bullying was the only identified contributing factor in fewer than 5 deaths. The most common stressors identified were conflict with parents (21.3%), romantic partner problems (17.0%), academic problems (10.6%), and criminal and (or) legal problems (10.6%). Any stressor or mental and (or) physical illness was detected in 78.7% of cases. Depression was detected in 40.4% of cases.

Conclusions:

Our study highlights the need to view suicide in youth as arising from a complex interplay of various biological, psychological, and social factors of which bullying is only one. It challenges simple cause-and-effect models that may suggest that suicide arises from any one factor, such as bullying.     

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Inventory of Gambling Situations: Evaluation of the Factor Structure, Reliability, and External Correlations

The development and evaluation of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Inventory of Gambling Situations (CAMH-IGS) is described. The CAMH-IGS is based on a cognitive-behavioural approach to addiction that sees excessive gambling as a pattern of behaviour which is learned, and which can be changed. The CAMH-IGS is designed to determine the patterns of behaviour, thoughts or feelings which may trigger problematic gambling, with the goal of developing tailored treatment and relapse-prevention approaches for clients. The information can be used in treatment planning. A sample of 524 gamblers that included 323 problem and probable pathological gamblers was used to evaluate the factor structure, reliability, and external correlations of the CAMH-IGS. The results show that the CAMH-IGS consists of 10 internally reliable subscales that can identify individual differences between clients.     

The Factor Structure of the Anorexia Nervosa Inventory for Self-Rating in a population-based sample and derivation of a shortened form

The Anorexia Nervosa Inventory for Self-Rating (ANIS) was the first instrument covering aspects of the general psychopathology of eating disorders alongside eating attitudes, but its factorial integrity in non-clinical samples has not yet been investigated. Thus, this report is aimed at assessing the factorial structure of the ANIS with different methods of extraction and rotation. Data from a population-based random sample of German-speaking Italian schoolgirls aged 11–20 years (n = 1402) were used. The instruments included the ANIS and the Eating Behaviour Severity Scale. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α of the ANIS and four of its subscales was 0.70– 0.88; however, reliability of the subscales “Sexual Anxieties” and “Obsessive–Compulsive Traits” was doubtful in non-clinical female adolescents. The original six factors were convincingly replicated by maximum likelihood extraction and principal component analysis. As some items and subscales showed weaknesses, a shortened 20-item version was derived containing the subscales “Figure Consciousness”, “Feelings of Inadequacy”, “Adverse Effects of Meals”, and “Bulimia”. All items showed factor loadings > 0.50 and item-total-correlations between 0.30 and 0.80. Internal consistency of the ANIS-20 total scale (0.90) was remarkable as it was for the subscales (0.70– 0.85); discriminant validity as assessed by a cross-validational approach (random split-half samples) was not affected by this abbreviation. In conclusion, both the original ANIS and the ANIS-20 are psychometrically sound instruments. Because brevity is important in screening studies, the short form is recommended. Received: 16 December 1996 / Accepted: 27 April 1998     

A Diagnostic Test for Apraxia in Stroke Patients: Internal Consistency and Diagnostic Value

The internal consistency and the diagnostic value of a test for apraxia in patients having had a stroke are presented. Results indicate that the items of the test form a strong and consistent scale: Cronbach's alpha as well as the results of a Mokken scale analysis present good reliability and good scalability. The diagnostic value of the test was determined by comparison of test results in three groups of patients: 44 stroke patients with apraxia (patients), 35 stroke patients without apraxia (patient controls), and 50 healthy nursing home residents with no history of stroke (normal controls). The diagnostic value is expressed by means of the sensitivity and specificity and the predictive value of the test. In addition, Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) curves are presented. The sensitivity and specificity of the apraxia test appear to be good: all values are higher than 80%. The test also has high predictive value. The ROC curves illustrate that the test is sufficiently discriminative to allow a differentiation between persons with apraxia and persons without apraxia.     

Psychometric evaluation of the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM‐CY). Method The PEM‐CY examines participation frequency, extent of involvement, and desire for change in sets of activities typical for the home, school, or community. Items in the ‘Environment’ section examine perceived supports and barriers to participation within each setting. Data were collected via an online survey from caregivers of children and young people, aged 5 to 17 years, with and without a range of different disabilities, residing in the USA and Canada. Caregivers were eligible for inclusion if (1) they identified themselves as a parent or legal guardian of the child who was the focus of the survey; (2) they were able to read English; and (3) their child was between 5 and 17 years old at the time of enrolment. Results Data were obtained from 576 respondents. About half were parents of children with disabilities and a little more than half were from Canada. Child mean age was 11 years (SD 3.1y); 54% were male and 46% were female. Internal consistency was moderate to good (0.59 and above) across the different scales. Test–retest reliability was moderate to good (0.58 and above) across a 1‐ to 4‐week period. There were large and significant differences between the groups with and without disabilities on all participation and environment scales. Although there were some significant age differences, they did not follow a consistent pattern. Interpretation Results support the use of the PEM‐CY for population‐level studies to gain a better understanding of the participation of children and young people and the impact of environmental factors on their participation.     

An evaluation of the Malaise Inventory

This paper reports some psychometric properties of the Malaise Inventory of Rutter and colleagues from a longitudinal study of a large sample of New Zealand mothers. Malaise scores were relatively stable over time and the scale showed good psychometric properties. The measure was also sensitive to potential sources of adversity in the backgrounds of the women. Some recommendations regarding a number of the questionnaire items are made.     

SPINning factors: Factor analytic evaluation of the Social Phobia Inventory in clinical and nonclinical undergraduate samples

The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was designed to assess three dimensions of social anxiety (i.e., fear, avoidance, and physiological arousal) as posited by the scale authors (Connor et al., 2000). Despite expectations of a 3-factor solution, analyses of the SPIN to date have provided support for 3- and 5-factor solutions (Radomsky et al., 2006). Moreover, a 3-item version, the Mini-SPIN (Connor et al., 2001), has good sensitivity and specificity for generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD), implying some item redundancy. Another recent psychometric analysis of the SPIN was performed in a diagnostically diverse clinical sample (Antony et al., 2006); however, the study did not include a comprehensive evaluation of the factor structure. The current study was designed to comprehensively assess the SPIN factor structure using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses in undergraduate (N = 227) and clinical samples (N = 355) using current recommendations for factor analyses (Osborne et al., 2008). Results suggest a 10-item 3-factor solution may be an ideal fit for clinical samples; however, using the undergraduate sample, the same solution was significantly better than precedent solutions but nonetheless not ideal. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.     

Comparison of Attachment theory and Cognitive-Motivational Structure theory

Attachment theory and Cognitive-Motivational Structure (CMS) are similar in most respects. They differ primarily in their proposal of when, during development, one's sense of the self and of the outside world are formed. I propose that the theories supplement each other after about age seven years--when Attachment theory's predictions of social function become unreliable, CMS theory comes into play.     

The Spanish Reasons for Living Inventory (SRFL-I): Factor Structure and Association with Suicide Risk Among Spanish Speaking Hispanics

The present study examined the factor structure of a Spanish-translated version of the Reasons for Living Inventory (SRFL-I; Oquendo, Baca-Garcia, Graver et al., 2000). Participants (N = 168) were from a combined sample of bilingual undergraduate students and monolingual Spanish speaking outpatients at a community health center. Factor analytic results yielded a seven factor structure: Survival Beliefs, Suicide Appraisal, Problem Solving Beliefs, Family Related Concerns, Suicide Self-Efficacy, Moral Objections, and Fear of Suicide. The SRFL-I subscales displayed high internal consistencies, as well as appropriate convergent and divergent associations with depression and suicide indicators. As expected, subscales (Problem Solving Beliefs, Moral Objections, Survival Beliefs, and Suicide Self-Efficacy) from the SRFL-I displayed direct and moderating effects on suicide risk indicators. Results are discussed with respect to how culturally specific beliefs among Hispanics are reflected using the SRFL-I.     

Moral competence and character strengths among adolescents: the development and validation of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth

Moral competence among adolescents can be approached in terms of good character. Character is a multidimensional construct comprised of a family of positive traits manifest in an individual's thoughts, emotions and behaviours. The Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA-Youth) is a self-report questionnaire suitable for adolescents that measures 24 widely valued strength of character. Data from several samples bearing on the internal consistency, stability, and validity of the VIA-Youth are described, along with what is known about the prevalence and demographic correlates of the character strengths it measures. Exploratory factor analysis revealed an interpretable four-factor structure of the VIA-Youth subscales: temperance strengths (e.g., prudence, self-regulation), intellectual strengths (e.g., love of learning, curiosity), theological strengths (e.g., hope, religiousness, love), and other-directed (interpersonal) strengths (e.g., kindness, modesty). The uses of the VIA-Youth in research and practise are discussed along with directions for future research.