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Effects of overextracting factors and components within and between maximum likelihood factor analysis and principal components analysis were examined through computer simulation of a range of factor and component patterns. Results demonstrate similarity of component and factor scores during overextraction. Overall, results indicate that overextraction has a negative effect. (SLD)

Principal component, image component, three types of factor score estimates, and one scale score method were compared over different levels of variables, saturations, sample sizes, variable to component ratios, and pattern rotations. There were virtually no overall differences among methods, with the average correlation between matched scores being 0.98. (SLD)

Principal component analysis, image component analysis, and maximum likelihood factor analysis were compared to assess the effects of variable sampling. Results with respect to degree of saturation and average number of variables per factor were clear and dramatic. Differential effects on boundary cases and nonconvergence problems were also found. (LMO)

Understanding resilience in relation to HIV-related outcomes may help address racial/ethnic disparities, however, significant gaps in its measurement preclude in-depth study. Thus, this research aims to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of long and short forms of the Multilevel Resilience Resource Measure for African American/Black Adults Living with HIV. To develop the items, we conducted a mixed methods study (N = 48) and reviewed published resilience measures. We completed content validity index analyses to ensure the items reflected the resilience construct. Next, we conducted 20 cognitive interviews and a field survey (N = 400). The long and short forms demonstrated acceptable to excellent psychometric properties based on factorial validity, internal consistency and convergent validity and on measurement invariance (conducted for the short form only). These measures provide a comprehensive framework to examine resilience and HIV-related outcomes and can inform resilience-building interventions to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently available risk perception scales tend to focus on risk behaviors and overall risk (vs partner-specific risk). While these types of assessments may be useful in clinical contexts, they may be inadequate for understanding the relationship between sexual risk and motivations to engage in safer sex or one's willingness to use prevention products during a specific sexual encounter. We present the psychometric evaluation and validation of a scale that includes both general and specific dimensions of sexual risk perception. A one-time, audio computer-assisted self-interview was administered to 531 women aged 18-55 years. Items assessing sexual risk perceptions, both in general and in regards to a specific partner, were examined in the context of a larger study of willingness to use HIV/STD prevention products and preferences for specific product characteristics. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded two subscales: general perceived risk and partner-specific perceived risk. Validity analyses demonstrated that the two subscales were related to many sociodemographic and relationship factors. We suggest that this risk perception scale may be useful in research settings where the outcomes of interest are related to motivations to use HIV and STD prevention products and/or product acceptability. Further, we provide specific guidance on how this risk perception scale might be utilized to understand such motivations with one or more specific partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To develop and validate the Weight Control Strategies Scale (WCSS), a self-report instrument to assess the use of specific behaviors thought to facilitate weight loss. Design and Methods Factor analysis was conducted on 323 overweight and obese adults (mean age = 48.7 ± 10.9 years, mean body mass index = 35.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2, 74% female) enrolled in three different behavioral weight loss trials who completed the WCSS prior to starting treatment. To evaluate construct validity, additional data on dietary intake, physical activity, treatment session attendance, and weight change were obtained from a subsample of participants before and after participation in a 48-week weight loss program. Results Principal components analysis with varimax rotation revealed a four-component solution for the WCSS, representing the following subscales: Dietary Choices, Self-monitoring Strategies, Physical Activity, and Psychological Coping (α from 0.79 to 0.89). Longitudinal analyses showed that WCSS subscale scores increased during treatment ( P < 0.01). In adjusted models, changes in WCSS total and subscale scores were associated with post-treatment weight loss ( P < 0.01). Additionally, changes in WCSS Dietary Choices and Physical Activity subscales were related to post-treatment changes in total daily kilocalorie consumption ( P = 0.019) and weekly kilocalorie expenditure through physical activity ( P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions Findings support the validity and reliability of the WCSS in a weight loss treatment-seeking sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The disinhibition scale of the Eating Inventory predicts weight loss outcome; however, it may include multiple factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of the disinhibition scale and determine how its factors independently relate to long-term weight loss outcomes.Research Methods and Procedures: Exploratory factor analysis of the disinhibition scale was conducted on 286 participants in a behavioral weight loss trial (TRIM), and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 3,345 members of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), a registry of successful weight loss maintainers. Multivariate regressions were used to examine the relationships between the disinhibition scale factors and weight over time in both samples.Results: Using baseline data from TRIM, two factors were extracted from the disinhibition scale: 1) an "internal" factor that described eating in response to internal cues, such as feelings and thoughts; and 2) an "external" factor that described eating in response to external cues, such as social events. This factor structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis in the NWCR. In TRIM, internal disinhibition significantly predicted weight loss at 6 months (p = 0.03) and marginally significantly predicted weight loss at 18 months (p = 0.06), with higher levels of internal disinhibition at baseline predicting less weight loss; external disinhibition did not predict weight loss at any time-point. In NWCR, internal disinhibition significantly predicted one-year weight change (p = 0.001), while external disinhibition did not.Discussion: These results suggest that it is the disinhibition of eating in response to internal cues that is associated with poorer long-term weight loss outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]