Corrigendum: Confirmatory factor analysis and gender invariance of the Persian version of psychological control scale: association with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1128264.].

Confirmatory factor analysis and gender invariance of the Persian version of psychological control scale: association with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems

Introduction

The current cross-sectional study aimed to examine the reliability, construct validity, gender invariance and concurrent validity of the psychological control scale-youth self-report (PCS-YSR) among Iranian adolescents.

Methods

A total of 1,453 high school students (49.2% boys; Mage = 15.48, SD = 0.97), who aged between 14 and 18 years old completed the PCS-YSR and the youth self-report (YSR) scale of behavior problems.

Results

Reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha and ordinal alpha for maternal and paternal psychological control. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results supported the original unidimensional model of the PCS-YSR scale for both mother and father forms. Results also revealed that mother and father forms of PCS-YSR were invariant across adolescents' gender. When comparing the mean differences, mothers were more psychologically controlling toward their sons, compared to their daughters. The mother and father forms of PCS-YSR were found to have acceptable concurrent validity through their relationship to internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems.

Discussion

Overall, our findings supported the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Psychological Control Scale-Youth Self-Report among Iranian adolescents. This scale can be used as an efficient tool for parental psychological control among adolescents in Iran. The negative effect of the intrusive parenting behavior on child' negative outcomes in Iran, irrespective of culture, was shown.

Dimensions of Identity Development Scale: Confirmatory factor analysis, gender invariance, and external validity of the Persian version

The present study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties and gender invariance of the Iranian version of the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS). A total of 1453 adolescents (50.8% female; 14-18 years old, mean = 15.48) participated in a cross-sectional study and completed the DIDS and the Youth Self-Report of behavior problems. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the six-factor model of the DIDS, echoing past studies showing the original 5th factor (Exploration in Depth) being divided into Exploration in Depth and Reconsidering the Commitment. The invariance testing showed comparable measurement properties of the DIDS across males and females (strict measurement invariance). Further, behavior problems were associated positively with Ruminative Exploration and negatively with Commitment Making, Identification with Commitments, Exploration in Depth, and Reconsideration of Commitments, whereas the opposite was true for academic performance. A six-factor DIDS was shown to be a valid and reliable measure for the assessment of identity development dimensions among Iranian adolescents. Future studies in the Iranian context evaluating the identity clusters derived from identity dimensions and their gender differences are warranted.

Validation of Italian students' self-ratings on the SSIS SEL brief scales

Introduction

Despite increasing interest in measuring social and emotional learning (SEL), there is a lack of European-validated tools for assessing the efficacy of SEL programs. The aim of this study was to validate an Italian version of the social skills improvement system (SSIS) SEL brief scales-student form.

Methods

Participants were 1,175 students (mean age: 11.02 years; SD: 2.42; range: 8-16 years; males: 46.8%) recruited at schools in Northern Italy.

Statistical analyses and results

Initial confirmatory factor analysis encountered a series of challenges, implying non-convergence of the original five-factor measurement model (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) based on the Collaborative on Academic Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) competency framework established with students in the United States. Further exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported a four-factor model that remained partially invariant across gender groups. The Italian version of the SSIS SEL brief scales was thus shown to be an efficient measurement tool for estimating social and emotional learning in students.

Discussion

We discuss the implications of findings in relation to selecting valid and reliable instruments for assessing children's and adolescents' SEL competencies, while considering the culturally-situated nature of the constructs under study.

A Study on the Psychometric Properties of the Short Version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale in an Adult Population

A new measure of the short form of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-S), including four items, has been developed that focuses on the subjective experience of enjoyment. As validation has so far only been conducted in a youth population, the purpose of the present article was to test the psychometric properties of the measure in an adult population in three studies. In the first study (n = 1017) the results supported the unidimensional structure of the instrument (χ² = 10.0; df = 2; p < 0.01; CFI = 0.992; RMSEA = 0.063), revealed a satisfactory level of internal consistency (ω = 0.79), and showed that the measure is invariant across gender. The results on factorial validity and internal consistency were generally supported by the second study (n = 482), which additionally showed satisfactory test-retest reliability (r = 0.73). Finally, the third study (n = 1336) also supported the factorial validity and internal consistency of the measure and additionally showed a positive correlation with physical activity (r = 0.40), thus supporting the criterion-related validity of the measure. This more economical version of PACES seems to be particularly useful for large-scale studies.

The use of the Decision Regret Scale in non-clinical contexts

The Decision Regret Scale (DRS) was assessed for its psychometric qualities in measuring decision regret in ordinary life scenarios. Although the scale has typically been used with patients and in the context of medical decision-making in earlier studies, this contribution shows that the instrument may have a variety of uses, retaining excellent metric properties even in non-medical contexts. The tool showed good fits with both the CFA and the gender Measurement Invariance. A non-probabilistic selection of 2,534 Italian university students was conducted. The internal consistency measures were found to be completely appropriate. Correlations with the General Decision-Making Style (GDMS) and Scale of Regulatory Modes were used to check for convergent validity (SRM). Convergence analysis showed that participants with higher regret scores were those who favored a rational decision-making style, while lower regret scores correlated with avoidant and spontaneous styles. With regard to the regulatory modes, the relationship between regret and locomotion was positive. Overall, the directions of association point to an interesting predictive measure of a person's decision-making and self-regulatory orientation through the evaluation of regret using the DRS. The excellent psychometric properties found foreshadow a reliable use in various contexts where knowledge of post-decisional attitude becomes important: school, university, professional orientation, marketing studies, relationship choices, as well as for use in research.

Flourishing Scale: Adaptation and Evidence of Validity in a Chilean High School Context

This study aimed to adapt the Flourishing Scale to a Chilean high school context and provide evidence of its validity. Data were collected from 1,348 students (52% girls) from three different Chilean schools. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a one–factor solution, multiple–group CFA supported gender invariance, and structural equation model indicated that the FS is related to positive and negative academic feelings. Overall, the evidence indicates that the Flourishing Scale adapted to the high school context is an instrument that produces valid and reliable scores in our high school Chilean sample.

Metric Goodness and Measurement Invariance of the Italian Brief Version of Interpersonal Reactivity Index: A Study With Young Adults

The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) is a widely used multidimensional measure to assess empathy across four main dimensions: perspective taking (PT) empathic concern (EC) personal distress (PD) fantasy (F). This study aimed to replicate the Italian validation process of the shortened IRI (Interpersonal Reactivity Index) scale in order to confirm its psychometric properties with a sample of young adults. The Gender Measurement Invariance of empathy in this age group was also an objective of the work in order to increase the data on this aspect. A total of 683 Italian university students participated in a non-probabilistic sampling. The 16-item version was confirmed in its four-factor structure but with changes to some items. The model showed good fits with both the CFA and the gender Measurement Invariance. The internal consistency measures were found to be fully satisfactory. Convergent validity was tested by the correlations with the Prosocialness Scale for Adults and The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. As hypothesized the measure proved good convergent validity with Prosocialness, i.e., the willingness to assist, help, share, care and empathy with others, and a relevant inverse association with the External Oriented Thinking, characterizing individuals with emotionally poor thinking. This research provided additional evidence for a link between alexithymia and poor empathic abilities in young adults.

School Burnout Inventory: Factorial Validity, Reliability, and Measurement Invariance in a Chilean Sample of High School Students

This brief report assessed the psychometric validity and gender invariance of the School Burnout Inventory (SBI) -a measure of students' exhaustion, cynicism, and inadequacy- in a convenience sample of 972 high school Chilean students ranging between 12 and 18 years old. The results showed that: (1) the SBI produces adequate scores in terms of reliability; (2) two models (one solution of three related factors and one of second-order and three first-order factors) fitted adequately fit to our sample and was invariant across gender; and (3) the SBI scores were significantly related to other related constructs (i.e., study-related emotions, academic psychological capital, and academic engagement). Overall, the SBI was found to be a reliable and valid inventory to assess school burnout in Chilean high school students.

Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Analysis and Validity of the Family Needs Screener

Assessment that accurately categorizes families' risk for family violence (i.e., intimate partner violence and child maltreatment) and identifies areas of family need is essential for prevention program planning, practice, and resource allocation. The Family Needs Screener (FNS) assesses risk for intimate partner violence and child maltreatment. It is used as a tool to prioritize those who are in the greatest need of services as well as plan prevention efforts in selected prevention services offered to military families. To date, no peer-reviewed studies examine the factor structure of the FNS. In this study, we examined measurement aspects of the FNS as an assessment tool in identifying risk of family violence. Data were drawn from Army families (N = 18,159) who were screened between 2009 and 2013 and matched to substantiated cases of family violence. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to examine the factor structure, measurement invariance, and predictive validity of the FNS. Results supported a shortened measure with a five-factor structure and full gender invariance. In particular, relationship issues were predictive of both intimate partner violence and child maltreatment. In addition, family of origin/history of family violence was predictive of substantiated cases of child maltreatment. Findings support the use of the FNS to assess risk, allocate, and plan for services in an Army population. Implications for scale modifications and use, as well as prevention efforts, are discussed.

The Brief 10-Item Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences-Positive Scale (Brief CAPE-P10): Initial psychometric properties, gender measurement invariance and mean differences among Nigerian adolescents

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences-Positive Scale (CAPE-P) for its psychometric properties in terms of its reliability and validity, in addition to its factor structure and gender measurement invariance among Nigerian adolescents (n = 1336, M_age = 15.15).

METHODS

The sample consisted of 606 (45.4%) males, who completed the 20-items CAPE-P in addition to the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory (PANSI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). We compared 11 a priori models of the CAPE-P with the aim of identifying the one with the best fit indices applying Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Gender measurement invariance was examined with nested multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA).

RESULTS

All the 11 a priori models had poor fit indices. An examination of the scale's 20 items revealed that 10 items had poor correlation with the overall scale. The remaining 10 items which we labelled as the Brief CAPE-P10 were subjected to CFA which yielded a 3-factor model (Bizarre Experiences-5 items, Delusional Ideation-3 items and Perceptual Anomalies-2 items) with satisfactory fit indices (CFI = 0.961, SRMR = 0.0376, RMSEA = 0.062/90% CI = 0.052-0.069). The validity and reliability of the Brief CAPE-P10 and its subscales were modestly satisfactory. MGCFA affirmed the configural, metric and scalar gender invariance of the 3-factor Brief CAPE-P10.

CONCLUSIONS

The Brief CAPE-P10 is a promising instrument for the evaluation of PLEs among Nigerian adolescents.

The Multidimensional and Hierarchical Nature of the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Wellbeing: A Bifactor-ESEM Representation in a Spanish Sample

Aim of the present study is to support the multidimensional and hierarchical nature of the Spanish version of Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Wellbeing (QEWB) and to analyze its psychometric properties through the exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework. Results of the analyses carried out in a sample of university students (N = 589, 161 males and 428 females), supported the hypothesized bifactor-ESEM solution, composed by a global eudaimonic wellbeing factor and three specific factors (Sense of Purpose, Purposeful Personal Expressiveness and Effortful Engagement). Specifically, the global factor is relatively well defined by most of the 21 items; moreover, two of the specific factors (Purposeful Personal Expressiveness, Effortful Engagement) keep their own meaningful specificity apart from that explained by the global factor, suggesting that they add information to the eudaimonic wellbeing construct. Regarding criterion-related validity of the QEWB, the global factor was positively correlated with self-esteem. Finally, the scale showed adequate levels of composite reliability and measurement invariance over gender. Differences in latent means showed that girls report higher positive Purposeful Personal Expressiveness and Effortful Engagement than boys, whereas no significant differences were found in relation to global eudaimonic wellbeing. Theoretical implications about the nature of eudaimonic wellbeing are considered.

Using the Short Form of the MSBS to Assess State Boredom Among Adolescents: Psychometric Evidence by Applying Item Response Theory

The Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) is widely used, but evidence regarding its psychometric properties among adolescents is lacking. In particular, the functioning of the scale across genders is unknown. As a result, we used item response theory (IRT) to investigate gender invariance of the Short Form of the MSBS (MSBS-SF) among adolescents. Four hundred and sixty-six Italian high school students (51% male; M = 16.7, SD = 1.44) were recruited. A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the unidimensionality of the scale, and IRT analyses indicated that the scale was sufficiently informative. Differential item functioning (DIF) across genders showed that only one item had DIF that was both nonuniform and small in size. Additionally, relationships with negative/positive urgency and present/future-oriented time perspectives were found. Overall, this study offers evidence that the MSBS-SF is a valuable and useful scale for measuring state boredom among male and female adolescents.

Gender Invariance of the Gambling Behavior Scale for Adolescents (GBS-A): An Analysis of Differential Item Functioning Using Item Response Theory

As there is a lack of evidence attesting the equivalent item functioning across genders for the most employed instruments used to measure pathological gambling in adolescence, the present study was aimed to test the gender invariance of the Gambling Behavior Scale for Adolescents (GBS-A), a new measurement tool to assess the severity of Gambling Disorder (GD) in adolescents. The equivalence of the items across genders was assessed by analyzing Differential Item Functioning within an Item Response Theory framework. The GBS-A was administered to 1,723 adolescents, and the graded response model was employed. The results attested the measurement equivalence of the GBS-A when administered to male and female adolescent gamblers. Overall, findings provided evidence that the GBS-A is an effective measurement tool of the severity of GD in male and female adolescents and that the scale was unbiased and able to relieve truly gender differences. As such, the GBS-A can be profitably used in educational interventions and clinical treatments with young people.

ADHD and Hyperkinetic Disorder Symptoms in Australian Adults: Descriptive Scores, Incidence Rates, Factor Structure, and Gender Invariance

OBJECTIVE

ADHD and Hyperkinetic Disorder (HKD) have the same 18 symptoms, covering inattention (IA), hyperactivity (HYP), and impulsivity (IMP). This study was aimed at providing descriptive scores for the different symptom groups in these disorders and how these scores varied by age and gender, the percentages of individuals meeting the symptom thresholds for the different ADHD types and HKD, the factor structure, and gender invariance of these symptoms in adults.

METHOD

To accomplish this, 852 adults provided self-ratings for a scale comprising the 18 ADHD/HKD symptoms.

RESULTS

The findings showed that age and gender had minimal effects on the ADHD symptoms. Also, in terms of symptom counts, 2% had HKD and 6.3% had ADHD (inattentive = 1.6%, hyperactive-impulsive = 2.7%, and combined type = 2.0%). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided most support for the three-factor HKD model, involving separate factors for the IA, HYP, and IMP symptoms. This model showed full measurement invariance across gender.

CONCLUSION

The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

Internal Structure and Partial Invariance across Gender in the Spanish Version of the Reasoning Test Battery

The Reasoning Test Battery (BPR) is an instrument built on theories of the hierarchical organization of cognitive abilities and therefore consists of different tasks related with abstract, numerical, verbal, practical, spatial and mechanical reasoning. It was originally created in Belgium and later adapted to Portuguese. There are three forms of the battery consisting of different items and scales which cover an age range from 9 to 22. This paper focuses on the adaptation of the BPR to Spanish, and analyzes different aspects of its internal structure: (a) exploratory item factor analysis was applied to assess the presence of a dominant factor for each partial scale; (b) the general underlined model was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis, and (c) factorial invariance across gender was studied. The sample consisted of 2624 Spanish students. The results concluded the presence of a general factor beyond the scales, with equivalent values for men and women, and gender differences in the factorial structure which affect the numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning and mechanical reasoning scales.

The Shame and Guilt Scales of the Test of Self-Conscious Affect-Adolescent (TOSCA-A): Factor Structure, Concurrent and Discriminant Validity, and Measurement and Structural Invariance Across Ratings of Males and Females

This study examined various psychometric properties of the items comprising the shame and guilt scales of the Test of Self-Conscious Affect-Adolescent. A total of 563 adolescents (321 females and 242 males) completed these scales, and also measures of depression and empathy. Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for an oblique two-factor model, with the originally proposed shame and guilt items comprising shame and guilt factors, respectively. Also, shame correlated with depression positively and had no relation with empathy. Guilt correlated with depression negatively and with empathy positively. Thus, there was support for the convergent and discriminant validity of the shame and guilt factors. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis comparing females and males, based on the chi-square difference test, supported full metric invariance, the intercept invariance of 26 of the 30 shame and guilt items, and higher latent mean scores among females for both shame and guilt. Comparisons based on the difference in root mean squared error of approximation values supported full measurement invariance and no gender difference for latent mean scores. The psychometric and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Assessing the Gender Invariance of the Modern Homonegativity Scale

The measurement invariance of the Modern Homonegativity Scale (MHS) was examined among heterosexual female (n = 449) and male (n = 329) university students who were predominantly Mexican American. The MHS demonstrated full invariance of factor loadings and partial invariance of latent intercepts. At the latent mean level, heterosexual men compared to heterosexual women held more negative attitudes toward both gay men and lesbian women. There were no latent mean differences in attitudes toward gay men and lesbian women when rated by either heterosexual men or heterosexual women. The MHS can be used by heterosexual men and heterosexual women to assess their homonegativity.

The structure of the Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale over the course of treatment for depression

The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a widely used clinician-rated measure of depressive severity. Empirical support for the factor structure of the MADRS is mixed; further, the comparison of MADRS scores within and between patients requires the demonstration of consistent instrument properties. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate MADRS factor structure as well as MADRS factorial invariance across time and gender. The MADRS was administered to 821 depressed outpatients participating in a large-scale effectiveness study of combined pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for depression. Treatment outcome did not differ across treatment groups. Factor structure and invariance was evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis. A four-factor model consisting of Sadness, Negative Thoughts, Detachment and Neurovegetative symptoms demonstrated a good fit to the data. This four-factor structure was invariant across time and gender. A hierarchical model, in which these four factors served as indicators of a general depression factor, was also supported. A limitation of the current study is the lack of comprehensive characterization of patient clinical features; results need to be replicated in more severely depressed or treatment refractory patients. Overall, evidence supported the use of the MADRS total score as well as subscales focused on affective, cognitive, social and somatic aspects of depression in male and female outpatients.

Gender-related invariance of the Beck Depression Inventory II for Taiwanese adolescent samples

The Chinese version of Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II-C) is one of the most used instruments to measure the severity of depression in Taiwan. The scarce literature regarding its psychometric properties (e.g., measurement invariance) highlighted the need and significance for such an investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine the gender-related measurement invariance of the BDI-II-C in an adolescent sample facing an entrance examination in the following two ways: (a) examining configural, metric, and scalar invariance using multigroup confirmatory factor analyses and (b) estimating the effects of any detected noninvariance on mean differences. The participants included 827 (416 boys and 411 girls) Taiwanese adolescents. Results indicate that measurement invariance was established at the level of configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance. Seven noninvariant intercepts (Items 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 19) were identified, showing that there was differential additive response style bias for the BDI-II-C across gender groups. Additionally, the results demonstrated that the noninvariance had significant effects on interpretation based on gender latent mean difference as well as observed mean difference.