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Preparing participants for psychedelic experiences is crucial for ensuring these experiences are safe and, potentially beneficial. However, there is currently no validated measure to assess the extent to which participants are well-prepared for such experiences. Our study aimed to address this gap by developing, validating, and testing the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS). Using a novel iterative Delphi-focus group methodology ('DelFo'), followed by qualitative pre-test interviews, we incorporated the perspectives of expert clinicians/researchers and of psychedelic users to generate items for the scale. Psychometric validation of the PPS was carried out in two large online samples of psychedelic users (N = 516; N = 716), and the scale was also administered to a group of participants before and after a 5–7-day psilocybin retreat (N = 46). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified four factors from the 20-item PPS: Knowledge-Expectations, Intention-Preparation, Psychophysical-Readiness, and Support-Planning. The PPS demonstrated excellent reliability (ω = 0.954) and evidence supporting convergent, divergent and discriminant validity was also obtained. Significant differences between those scoring high and low (on psychedelic preparedness) before the psychedelic experience were found on measures of mental health/wellbeing outcomes assessed after the experience, suggesting that the scale has predictive utility. By prospectively measuring modifiable pre-treatment preparatory behaviours and attitudes using the PPS, it may be possible to determine whether a participant has generated the appropriate mental 'set' and is therefore likely to benefit from a psychedelic experience, or at least, less likely to be harmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples' tendency towards voluntary single-childedness and childlessness (VSCC) has turned into a major challenge in all societies and led to different problems such as population aging. A key step to VSCC management is to determine its contributing factors through valid and reliable instruments. This exploratory sequential mixed method study (qualitative-quantitative) was conducted in 2020–2021. Phases of qualitative consists of all couples aged 15–49 in Babol, Iran, who were single or childless. Sampling is based on the purpose, and the number of samples is 20 couples. To collect data, face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. Sampling continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed by the conventional content analysis method and quantitative phase. Initially, a qualitative study was conducted on twenty couples, and were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Findings were used to develop QFT-VSCC and then, the face, content, and construct validity as well as reliability were assessed. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability was assessed through internal consistency and stability assessments. The results of the qualitative part analysis consist of 140 codes, 30 primary categories, and nine main categories and two themes (individual limitations and social limitations). The primary QFT-VSCC had 78 items. Fifty-eight items were omitted during validity assessment and the remaining twenty-two items were loaded on five factors during factor analysis. These factors were threatened priorities, inappropriate familial context for childbearing, sense of occupational and social insecurity for the child, social modeling of childlessness, and tendency towards change or stability in marital life. The five factors explained 52.56% of the total variance. All model fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable and the Cronbach's alpha values of QFT-VSCC and all its factors were more than 0.70. The results of convergent validity analysis revealed that all factors had an AVE value greater than 0.5, and the HTMT index for all factors was less than 0.85. This indicated that discriminant validity had been achieved. QFT-VSCC is a simple valid and reliable instrument for VSCC assessment among both men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study is to develop and validate the hypertension scale of the Quality of Life Instruments (QoL) for Chronic Diseases system, QLICD-HY (V2.0). The QLICD-HY (V2.0) was developed via a programmed decision method with several focus groups, nominal discussions and pilot testing. The data was collected from 370 hypertensive inpatients and measured their QoL three times before and after treatment. Using correlation, factor analyses, as well as t-tests, the psychometric properties of the scale were assessed with regard to validity, reliability and responsiveness. Correlation and factor analysis supported good construct validity and criterion-related validity when using Short Form 36 as a criterion. Test–retest reliability coefficients for the overall scale score and all domains, with the exception of the psychological and social domain (0.77, 0.78), were greater than 0.80, with a range of 0.77–0.92. The internal consistency for all domains was higher than 0.70. With the exception of the psychological domain and social domain, the overall score and scores for the majority of aspects within each domain underwent statistically significant changes (t-tests) after the treatment. The QLICD-HY (V2.0) has good validity, reliability and responsiveness and can be used as a QoL measure for hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining a classical test theory and an item response theory (IRT), this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale (BITS) by measuring two conceptually separate dimensions capturing unnecessary tasks (perceived by employees as pointless) and unreasonable tasks (perceived as unfairly or inappropriately assigned). Data collected among Polish employees in two samples (N = 965 and N = 803) were analysed. Results from the classical test theory (parallel analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses) indicated two correlated factors with four items each, confirming the theory of illegitimate tasks. This study is the first to report item and scale functioning using IRT analysis of each of the two dimensions of BITS. All items on each dimension had acceptable discrimination and difficulty parameters. Moreover, items had measurement invariance between men and women. All levels of unnecessary and unreasonable tasks were reliably captured by BITS items. Convergent and discriminant validities of both dimensions of BITS were confirmed in relation to work overload, work performance and occupational wellbeing. We conclude that BITS, in the case of the Polish version, is psychometrically suitable to use with the working population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizational implementation climate is an important construct in implementation research to describe to what extent implementation is expected, supported, and rewarded. Efforts in bridging the research-practice gap by implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) can benefit from consideration of implementation climate. The Implementation Climate Scale (ICS) is a psychometrically strong measure assessing employees' perceptions of the implementation climate. The present cross-sectional study aimed at providing a German translation and investigating its psychometric properties. The translation followed standard procedures for adapting psychometric instruments. German psychotherapists (N = 425) recruited online completed the ICS, the Evidence Based Practice Attitudes Scale (EBPAS-36D) and the Intention Scale for Providers (ISP). We conducted standard item and reliability analyses. Factorial validity was assessed by comparing an independent cluster model of Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (ICM-CFA), a Bifactor CFA, a Second-order CFA and an (Bifactor) Exploratory Structural Equation Model (ESEM). Measurement invariance was tested using multiple-group CFA and ESEM, convergent validity with correlation analysis between the ICS and the ISP subjective norms subscale (ISP-D-SN). The mean item difficulty was pi =.47, mean inter-item correlation r =.34, and mean item-total correlation ritc =.55. The total scale (ω = 0.91) and the subscales (ω =.79–.92) showed acceptable to high internal consistencies. The model fit indices were comparable and acceptable (Second-order CFA: RMSEA [90% CI] =.077 [.069;.085], SRMR =.078, CFI =.93). Multiple-group CFA and ESEM indicated scalar measurement invariance across gender and presence of a psychotherapy license. Psychotherapists in training reported higher educational support for EBP than licensed psychotherapists (T = 2.09, p =.037, d = 0.25). The expected high correlation between the ICS and the ISP-D-SN was found (r =.59, p <.001). Results for the German ICS confirm good psychometric properties including validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the validity of a psychometric test is fundamental to ensure a reliable interpretation of its outcomes. Few attempts have been made recently to complement classical approaches (e.g., factor models) with a novel technique based on network analysis. The objective of the current study is to carry out a network-based validation of the Eating Disorder Inventory 3 (EDI-3), a questionnaire designed for the assessment of eating disorders. Exploiting a reliable, open source sample of 1206 patients diagnosed with an eating disorder, we set up a robust validation process encompassing detection and handling of redundant EDI-3 items, estimation of the cross-sample psychometric network, resampling bootstrap procedure and computation of the median network of the replica samples. We then employed a community detection algorithm to identify the topological clusters, evaluated their coherence with the EDI-3 subscales and replicated the full validation analysis on the subpopulations corresponding to patients diagnosed with either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Results of the network-based analysis, and particularly the topological community structures, provided support for almost all the composite scores of the EDI-3 and for 2 single subscales: Bulimia and Maturity Fear. A moderate instability of some dimensions led to the identification of a few multidimensional items that should be better located in the intersection of multiple psychological scales. We also found that, besides symptoms typically attributed to eating disorders, such as drive for thinness, also non-specific symptoms like low self-esteem and interoceptive deficits play a central role in both the cross-sample and the diagnosis-specific networks. Our work adds insights into the complex and multidimensional structure of EDI-3 by providing support to its network-based validity on both mixed and diagnosis-specific samples. Moreover, we replicated previous results that reinforce the transdiagnostic theory of eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the validity of a psychometric test is fundamental to ensure a reliable interpretation of its outcomes. Few attempts have been made recently to complement classical approaches (e.g., factor models) with a novel technique based on network analysis. The objective of the current study is to carry out a network-based validation of the Eating Disorder Inventory 3 (EDI-3), a questionnaire designed for the assessment of eating disorders. Exploiting a reliable, open source sample of 1206 patients diagnosed with an eating disorder, we set up a robust validation process encompassing detection and handling of redundant EDI-3 items, estimation of the cross-sample psychometric network, resampling bootstrap procedure and computation of the median network of the replica samples. We then employed a community detection algorithm to identify the topological clusters, evaluated their coherence with the EDI-3 subscales and replicated the full validation analysis on the subpopulations corresponding to patients diagnosed with either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Results of the network-based analysis, and particularly the topological community structures, provided support for almost all the composite scores of the EDI-3 and for 2 single subscales: Bulimia and Maturity Fear. A moderate instability of some dimensions led to the identification of a few multidimensional items that should be better located in the intersection of multiple psychological scales. We also found that, besides symptoms typically attributed to eating disorders, such as drive for thinness, also non-specific symptoms like low self-esteem and interoceptive deficits play a central role in both the cross-sample and the diagnosis-specific networks. Our work adds insights into the complex and multidimensional structure of EDI-3 by providing support to its network-based validity on both mixed and diagnosis-specific samples. Moreover, we replicated previous results that reinforce the transdiagnostic theory of eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the 12-item Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQOL-12) in 184 stroke survivors in Hong Kong. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire including the SSQOL-12, SF-12 health survey, and validating variables at baseline and 148 stroke survivors completed SSQOL-12 two months later. Confirmatory factor analysis investigated the construct validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of SSQOL-12 across two months. Concurrent, convergent, and divergent validity was examined with respect to SF-12, hope, self-esteem, functional disability, anxiety, and depression. The original 2-factor model did not reveal a superior fit over the 1-factor model and a modified 1-factor model provided an acceptable fit to the data in both waves. The SSQOL-12 factor displayed substantial factor loadings (λ = 0.40–0.87), good internal consistency (Ω = 0.88), temporal stability (r = 0.70), and scalar measurement invariance across time. Stroke-specific quality of life was significantly associated with higher levels of SF-12, hope, and self-esteem and lower levels of functional disability, anxiety, and depression. Most correlations remained significant after controlling for demographic covariates and SF-12. The present findings offered empirical support for the validity and reliability of the unidimensional structure for SSQOL-12 as a measure of stroke-specific quality of life among stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the psychometric properties of the learning perception questionnaire (CPA) presented in this research. It was administered to a total of 1496 students in Baja California and Nuevo León, of the total sample, 748 were girls (Mage = 14.0, SD = 0.3), and 748 boys (Age = 14.1, SD = 0.3). The analyses support the hypothesized theoretical model of origin, presenting an acceptable internal consistency and temporal stability. The model fit data was excellent; furthermore, the examined model meets the convergent validity requirements. External validity was explored by examining the predictive relationship of the scale studied with Satisfaction with School. The CPA has a strong predictive relationship with student satisfaction/fun in class, while it is negative with boredom. Thus, the higher the perception of learning, the less likely that students will be bored in class. It is concluded, therefore, that the CPA scale is a proven instrument and that it serves to assess the perception of key learning by secondary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current article reports data from three Polish samples to examine the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) with respect to its unidimensionality, invariance across countries, gender, formal and informal relationships, degree of precision (or information) across latent levels of relationship satisfaction, and the functioning of individual items. The analyses of the data from the reference sample (n = 733) confirmed a clear 1-factor structure of the RAS-PL and good internal consistency. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance for countries (Poland, Hungary, USA), gender (women and men) and relationship types (formal and informal relationships) were achieved. Item Response Theory Analysis (IRT) suggested that the RAS-PL assesses relationship satisfaction most reliably at low to average levels. Analyses of the data from validation samples (n = 203 and n = 209) confirmed the convergent and divergent validity by weak, medium, and large correlations of the RAS-PL with measures of other theoretically related constructs. Concurrent criterion validity was demonstrated by a strong positive correlation between the RAS-PL and the intent to continue the current relationship. This investigation provides considerable psychometric information about the items and scale of the RAS-PL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) is a generic patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) used for evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQoL). No data on its psychometric properties in COVID-19 survivors is available. We aimed to describe internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity of the EQ-5D-5L in people with long-COVID. Ninety-three (n = 93) individuals previously hospitalized due to COVID-19 with post-COVID symptoms completed the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire twice one year after hospital discharge in a three-week interval. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha and Omega value), test–retest reliability (kappa and ICC2,1) and construct validity (factor analysis), and floor/ceiling effects were calculated. No ceiling effect was observed in any dimension whereas the floor effect ranged from 53.76 to 94.62%. The overall Cronbach's α value was 0.75 (95%CI 0.64–0.83) and the Omega ω value was 0.77 (95%CI 0.66–0.84), showing good internal consistency of the questionnaire. Further, Cronbach's alpha values the of each dimension ranged from 0.63 to 0.77 whereas those for Omega values ranged from 0.70 to 0.79. The test–retest reliability of the total score was excellent (ICC2,1 0.86, 95%CI 0.798–0.911). The agreement percentage ranged from 85.13 to 96.77%; but kappa coefficients ranged from fair (κ: 0.37) to good (κ: 0.61). The factor analysis showed factor loadings from 0.585 to 0.813 supporting good construct validity. The EQ-5D-5L has good psychometric properties to be used as a PROM to assess HRQoL in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with long-COVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) is a valid and reliable tool to assess trunk impairment in children with heterogeneous cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the TIS in assessing children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. The sample was a total of 30 subjects (15 = boys, 15 = girls). All subjects underwent an assessment of the sitting component of the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 and TIS by rater 1. Rater one observed video recordings within 24 h and scored TIS for intra-rater reliability, while rater two did likewise after 48 h for inter-rater reliability. The mean and standard deviation of the TIS and sitting components of the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 were 15.66 ± 4.20 and 52.36 ± 6.26, respectively. We established intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the TIS with Intra Class Correlation Coefficient 0.991 and 0.972, respectively. The concurrent validity of the TIS with the sitting component of the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 was good, with an r-value of 0.844 (p < 0.001). This study showed the excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and high concurrent validity of the TIS in assessing children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]