The effects of guided imagery on affect, cognition, and pain in older adults in residential care: a randomized controlled study from Thailand

Few studies have examined the effects of guided imagery on older adults in residential care. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of group-delivered guided imagery over a 16-day period with a sample of Thai older adults in residential care (N = 31). Residents were randomly allocated to the guided imagery treatment group or usual care control group. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding affective states, cognitive functioning, or pain. The results are discussed in relation to a ceiling effect and other methodological factors that may have contributed to the lack of positive outcomes. As the evidence base remains inconclusive, it is hoped that future studies will seek to establish the effects of using guided imagery with older adults in residential care.     

A comparison of reliability and construct validity between the original and revised versions of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

Objective

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) is a widely used instrument that has been tested for reliability and validity in many settings; however, some negative-worded items appear to have caused it to reveal low reliability in a number of studies. In this study, we revised one negative item that had previously (from the previous studies) produced the worst outcome in terms of the structure of the scale, then re-analyzed the new version for its reliability and construct validity, comparing it to the original version with respect to fit indices.

Methods

In total, 851 students from Chiang Mai University (mean age: 19.51±1.7, 57% of whom were female), participated in this study. Of these, 664 students completed the Thai version of the original RSES - containing five positively worded and five negatively worded items, while 187 students used the revised version containing six positively worded and four negatively worded items. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied, using a uni-dimensional model with method effects and a correlated uniqueness approach.

Results

The revised version showed the same level of reliability (good) as the original, but yielded a better model fit. The revised RSES demonstrated excellent fit statistics, with χ²=29.19 (df=19, n=187, p=0.063), GFI=0.970, TFI=0.969, NFI=0.964, CFI=0.987, SRMR=0.040 and RMSEA=0.054.

Conclusion

The revised version of the Thai RSES demonstrated an equivalent level of reliability but a better construct validity when compared to the original.     

Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia: Study of Residents in a Northern Thai Long-Term Care Home

Objective

This study aimed to analyse the validity of the Thai version of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) when using DSM-IV criteria.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out of 84 elderly residents in a residential care home setting in Thailand. The participants went through a comprehensive geriatric assessment which included a Mini-Mental State Examination, a Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and use of the CSDD tool. A ROC analysis was performed in order to test the validity of the CSDD as against the DSM-IV when used by the MINI.

Results

ROC analysis revealed a better score for those areas found under the curve for the CSDD-as against the DSM-IV criteria (0.96). With a cut-off score of >6, the CSDD yielded the highest sensitivity score (100%), plus produced a specificity of 81% and a negative predictive value of 100%. It also had a positive predictive value of 69%. The validity of the CSDD was found to be better for the group experiencing cognitive impairment than with the non-cognitive impairment group in terms of the agreement of CSDD items between patients and caregivers. The CSDD yielded a high internal consistency (Cronbach''s alpha=0.87).

Conclusion

CSDD is a valid tool to use for identifying depressive disorders among Thai LTC home residents - those experiencing and those not experiencing cognitive impairment.     

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use associates with apathy among depressed elderly: a case-control study

Background  

It has been reported for over the past decade that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) may associate with the emergence of apathy. The authors hypothesized that depressed patients treated with SSRI's would show more signs of apathy than patients treated with non-SSRI antidepressants. This case control study was conducted to investigate the possibility of the association between SSRI use and the occurrence of apathy.     

The Group Cohesiveness Scale (GCS) for Psychiatric Inpatients

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the seven‐item Group Cohesiveness Scale (GCS). DESIGN AND METHODS: In total, 96 inpatients completed the GCS along with the Cohesion to Therapist Scale Questionnaire and the Group Benefit Questionnaire after participating in group therapy sessions. Construct and concurrent validities and internal consistency were analyzed. FINDINGS: It yielded a Cronbach's alpha of .87, with a one‐factor solution with excellent fit indices. A significant correlation was found between the GCSc, the Cohesion to Therapist Scale, and the Group Benefit Questionnaire. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The scale shows good internal consistency, and its brevity makes it suitable for use with psychiatric inpatients.