Search Results (1,228)

The Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale (STARS) is a 51-item scale commonly used to measure college students’ anxiety regarding statistics. To date, however, limited empirical research exists that examines statistics anxiety among ethnically diverse or first-generation graduate students. We examined the factor structure and reliability of STARS scores in a diverse sample of students enrolled in graduate courses at a Minority-Serving Institution (n = 194). To provide guidance on assessing dimensionality in small college samples, we compared the performance of best-practice factor analysis techniques: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), and Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM). We found modest support for the original six-factor structure using CFA, but ESEM and BSEM analyses suggested that a four-factor model best captures the dimensions of the STARS instrument within the context of graduate-level statistics courses. To enhance scale efficiency and reduce respondent fatigue, we also tested and found support for a reduced 25-item version of the four-factor STARS scale. The four-factor STARS scale produced constructs representing task and process anxiety, social support avoidance, perceived lack of utility, and mathematical self-efficacy. These findings extend the validity and reliability evidence of the STARS inventory to include diverse graduate student populations. Accordingly, our findings contribute to the advancement of data science education and provide recommendations for measuring statistics anxiety at the graduate level and for assessing construct validity of psychometric instruments in small or hard-to-survey populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The social importance of health literacy (HL) is widely understood, and its measurement is the subject of various studies. Due to the recent pandemic, several instruments for measuring HL about COVID-19 have been proposed in different countries, including the HLS-COVID-Q22 questionnaire. The diversity of cultures and languages necessitates the cross-cultural adaptation of this instrument. Thus, the present study translates, adapts, and validates the psychometric properties of the HLS-COVID-Q22 questionnaire to provide its cross-cultural adaptation from English to Spanish (Peru). Methods: As part of ensuring that the final questionnaire accommodates the cultural nuances and idiosyncrasies of the target language, the following activities were carried out: (a) a survey of 40 respondents; and (b) a focus group with 10 participants, followed by expert approval. In addition, the validity and reliability of the health instrument have been ascertained through a further pilot test administered to 490 people in the city of Tacna in southern Peru. Results: The resulting questionnaire helps measure HL in Peru, aiding better-informed decision-making for individual health choices. Conclusions: The presence of such a tool is advantageous in case of similar global health emergencies, when the questionnaire can be made readily available to support a promotion of strategies towards better self-care. Moreover, it encourages other Latin American stakeholders to adjust the instrument to their own cultural, language, and socio-economic contexts, thus invigorating the regional and global expansion of the HL study network. Full article

Research concerning green marketing has predominantly focused on consumer behavior. However, aspects such as the extent to which Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) embrace green marketing values, their ability to implement the green marketing mix, and the integration of green marketing into their business culture are critically important. This research aims to provide the 4P (product, price, place, and promotion)-focused green marketing literature with a measurement tool to assess how SMEs implement green marketing practices. The study employed a descriptive design and possesses an exploratory nature. Scale development involved two stages: First, analyses were conducted on a pre-test sample of 159 individuals, revealing the initial scale structure. Second, these analyses were repeated on a larger group of 387 participants. The scale was finalized by confirming the consistency of results across both analyses. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 24 were utilized for descriptive statistics and the scale development process. The final validated 12-item scale demonstrates a robust three-factor structure (“Environmental Promotion”, ”Green Packaging”, and ”Green Distribution”), explaining 62.6% of the total variance. The scale exhibits excellent psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.912), strong model fit from Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and both convergent and discriminant validity, as indicated by an Average Variance Extracted (AVE) value of 0.605. The scale is deemed applicable to larger populations. Full article

The growing disconnection between humans and nature—particularly in urban environments—has been associated with declining well-being and lower engagement in pro-environmental behavior. Although the Connectedness with Nature Scale (CNS) has been widely used internationally to measure this relationship, there is a lack of evidence on its validity and reliability in Latin American contexts, especially in urban and rural settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the CNS in a sample of 956 Colombian participants. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we tested two versions of the scale (14-item and 12-item models), both showing good fit and high internal consistency (α > 0.90). Convergent validity was confirmed through strong correlations with the Environmental Identity and Pro-environmental Behavior Scales. These findings support the CNS as a valid and reliable tool to assess the human–nature connection in Colombia and highlight its potential for informing urban sustainability initiatives, environmental education, and public policy in diverse sociocultural contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Social worry may appear in preadolescence, causing it to persist in the future, such that adolescents become more avoidant of situations in which they are evaluated by others. Many previous studies have shown that approximately 4% of preadolescent children suffer from high levels of social worry, which may lead to other problems in the future. It is important to take necessary precautions to explore this worry and take the necessary measures to address it. This study aimed to do so by extracting the psychometric properties of the Social Worries Questionnaire (SWQ) for preadolescence in Arab countries. Methods: The sample consisted of 269 children aged 8–12 years. The SWQ, Spence Child Anxiety Scale (SCAS), Child Abuse Self-Reporting Scale (CASRS-12), and Arabic version of the Children’s Depression Inventory (AVCDI) were administered via various social media. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis was used, and the one-factor model showed that the scale consists of 14 items. The results also indicated evidence of discriminant validity, and that the internal consistency was acceptable. For reliability, the test–retest results showed that the value was appropriate. Conclusions: This scale could be valuable in detecting worry in preadolescent children and providing them with therapeutic and psychological services. Full article

Food addiction is characterized by compulsive consumption and impaired control over highly palatable foods, with neurobiological mechanisms analogous to substance use disorders. The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is the most widely used instrument to assess these symptoms; however, its psychometric properties have not been validated in Mexican adults. This study aimed to perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the YFAS 2.0 and validate its psychometric properties for the identification of food addiction in the Mexican adult population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 Mexican adults aged 20 years or older. Participants completed the cross-culturally adapted YFAS 2.0. Exploratory and hierarchical factor analyses were conducted. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and omega coefficients, and model fit was evaluated through global fit indices. The scale showed high internal consistency (α = 0.88; ωt = 0.87; ωh = 0.89). The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin index was 0.815 and Bartlett’s test was significant (χ² = 4367.88; df = 595; p < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure, with the first factor explaining 21.3% of the total variance. In the hierarchical model, all items loaded substantially onto the general factor. Fit indices indicated excellent model fit (CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.001; RMR = 0.004). The YFAS 2.0 is a valid and reliable instrument for identifying food addiction symptoms in Mexican adults. It may be useful in clinical practice and research on eating disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sunk cost bias—continuing failing endeavours due to prior investments—is among the most studied decision-making biases. Despite decades of vignette-based research, these measures lack systematic psychometric validation. We examined whether widely-used sunk cost scenarios reliably measure the same psychological construct. Methods: Across two experiments (N = 395), we tested established sunk cost vignettes, including classic scenarios from Arkes and Blumer (1985). English-speaking participants from Prolific Academic completed vignettes alongside cognitive reflection and social desirability measures. We assessed internal consistency and intercorrelations between scenarios. Results: Internal consistency was consistently poor (ω = 0.14–0.57) with weak intercorrelations between scenarios. Even highly similar vignettes correlated only moderately. External validity was problematic, showing inconsistent relationships with cognitive reflection and social desirability across vignettes. Conclusions: These measurement failures have critical implications for neuroimaging research, where unreliable behavioural measures may be mistaken for genuine neural differences. The field needs systematic categorization of scenarios to identify which vignettes engage specific psychological processes and neural circuits, enabling more targeted theoretical development. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to validate a new parent-reported scale for tracking Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). PANS is a condition characterized by a sudden and severe onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. To meet diagnostic criteria, an individual must present with either obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) or severely restricted food intake, accompanied by at least two additional cognitive, behavioral, or emotional symptoms. These may include anxiety, emotional instability, depression, irritability, aggression, oppositional behaviors, developmental or behavioral regression, a decline in academic skills such as handwriting or math, sensory abnormalities, frequent urination, and enuresis. The onset of symptoms is usually triggered by an infection or an abnormal immune/inflammatory response. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is a subtype of PANS specifically linked to strep infections. Methods: We developed a 101-item PANS/PANDAS and Related Inflammatory Brain Disorders Treatment Evaluation Checklist (PTEC) designed to assess changes to a patient’s symptoms over time along 10 subscales: Behavior/Mood, OCD, Anxiety, Food intake, Tics, Cognitive/Developmental, Sensory, Other, Sleep, and Health. The psychometric quality of PTEC was tested with 225 participants. Results: The internal reliability of the PTEC was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). PTEC exhibited adequate test–retest reliability (r = 0.6) and excellent construct validity, supported by a strong correlation with the Health subscale of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (r = 0.8). Conclusions: We hope that PTEC will assist parents and clinicians in the monitoring and treatment of PANS. The PTEC questionnaire is freely available at neuroimmune.org/PTEC. Full article

This study introduces the Skeptical Optimism Scale (SkO) and presents preliminary evidence of its content, construct, and criterion validity. Skeptical optimism refers to dispositional tendencies of having general positive expectations about the future, conditional on critical analysis and in-depth exploration of (potential negative) outcomes. We developed an initial pool of 31 items that explore positive expectations in three main life domains (finding solutions to difficult problems, mastering novel and challenging tasks, and effectively dealing with general life challenges) that were subject to content analysis by eight independent raters. The remaining items were tested for criterion and predictive validity in two samples (N = 198 and N = 417 participants). Factor analyses supported a three-factor structure and the refined 17-item version of the scale showed good reliability and validity. To support applications in settings requiring brief instruments, we also developed a 9-item version, preserving the factorial structure and psychometric qualities of the original scale. The results show that the 17 as well as 9-item SkO scales have a good criterion validity as they positively and significantly correlate with the core self-evaluation scale, critical thinking disposition, and grit. Moreover, our results show that the SkO has good predictive validity as it is the only significant predictor of the creativity quotient in our sample. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to explore the acute neurophysiological effects of a single oral dose of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on EEG-measured brain oscillations and cognitive-relevant spectral markers in healthy young adults. Methods: Twenty healthy adults (8 females, 12 males; mean age: $23.4\pm 2.1$) underwent eyes-closed resting-state EEG recordings before and approximately 90 min after oral intake of 150 mg AS-IV. EEG data were collected using a 21-channel 10–20 system and cleaned via Artifact Subspace Reconstruction and Independent Component Analysis. Data quality was confirmed using a signal-to-noise ratio and 1/f spectral slope. Absolute and relative power values, band ratios, and frontal alpha asymmetry were computed. Statistical comparisons were made using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Absolute power decreased in delta, theta, beta, and gamma bands (p < 0.05) but remained stable for alpha. Relative alpha power increased significantly (p = 0.002), with rises in relative beta, theta, and delta and a drop in relative gamma (p = 0.003). Alpha/beta and theta/beta ratios increased, while delta/alpha decreased. Frontal alpha asymmetry was unchanged. Sex differences were examined in all measures that showed significant changes; however, no sex-dependent effects were found. Conclusions: A single AS-IV dose may acutely modulate brain oscillations, supporting its potential neuroactive properties. Larger placebo-controlled trials, including concurrent psychometric assessments, are needed to verify and contextualize these findings. A single AS-IV dose may acutely modulate brain oscillations, supporting its potential neuroactive properties. Full article

Alexithymia is a trait-like deficit in the cognitive processing of emotions, characterized by difficulty identifying and describing feelings, externally oriented thinking, and limited imaginal capacity. It reflects a deficit in emotional intelligence, specifically in the intrapersonal ability to understand and manage one’s own emotional states and to similarly recognize how others might view them. Emotional intelligence has been conceptualized as a distinct form of intelligence that involves emotion-related mental abilities and meets standard psychometric criteria for inclusion within the broader taxonomy of human intelligences. Increasingly, alexithymia is also understood as a failure of affect-focused mentalization, or the ability to perceive emotions in oneself and others as intentional states. This study examined alexithymia using a multi-informant approach to assess intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional awareness. A sample of 211 university students and their informants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), an informant version (TAS-20-IF), and a novel meta-perception version (TAS-20-Meta). Two hypotheses were tested and supported: (1) participants underestimated their alexithymia traits relative to informant ratings and (2) self- and meta-perception ratings were more strongly correlated than either was with informant ratings. These findings support the view that alexithymia reflects deficits in both affective mentalization and a specific domain of human intelligence. Full article

Background and Objectives: Congenital heart defects (CHD) affect around 1% of the population, making them the most common congenital disease worldwide. Thanks to advances in treatment, over 90% of affected children are able to reach adulthood, shifting focus to long-term outcomes such as disease-specific quality of life (DsQoL). To date, there has been no validated, standardized instrument for assessing DsQoL in young German CHD patients. This study introduces the Congenital Heart Disease Specific Inventory (CHDSI), the first freely available German-language instrument for measuring DsQoL in children and adolescents with CHD. Materials and Methods: The CHDSI was developed at the German Heart Center Munich in collaboration with affected children and adolescents and validated nationwide via the National Register for Congenital Heart Defects (NRCHD) with 1201 participants (46 kindergarten children, 530 children, 625 adolescents). Two age-specific versions (36/37 items) and a 31-item preschool version were created, alongside a 6-item short form (CHDSI-SF) for rapid screening. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and split-half methods; construct validity via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using DWLS; and score interpretation through standardized stanine scales. The small sample size of kindergarten children precluded a model test for this group. The standard values given for this subsample should therefore be interpreted with caution. Results: The CHDSI showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.856 to 0.900) and high split-half reliability (>0.95). CFA confirmed a robust six-factor structure with excellent model fit (CFI and TLI ≥ 0.991, RMSEA ≤ 0.05). Subscales showed strong discriminant validity, and significant differences were found by CHD severity and sex. Conclusions: The CHDSI is a psychometrically valid, age-appropriate, and freely available instrument for assessing DsQoL in children and adolescents with CHD. It provides valuable support for clinical decision-making and research. Further studies should explore international validation and cultural adaptation. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and attitudes (OSAKA) questionnaire among dental professionals in Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Manizales, Colombia, between January and June 2024. A total of 120 dental professionals, including general dentists, specialists, residents, and academic clinicians, were selected through stratified random sampling. Participants completed the Spanish-adapted OSAKA questionnaire and a structured sociodemographic survey. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α) and McDonald’s Omega (Ω). Construct validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), with Kaiser Meyer Olkin (KMO) values and Bartlett’s test. Results: The knowledge subscale (18 items) showed good reliability (α = 0.83; Ω = 0.83), while the attitude subscale (5 items) showed near-acceptable reliability (α = 0.68; Ω = 0.59). KMO values were 0.79 for knowledge and 0.57 for attitudes; Bartlett’s test was significant in both cases (p ≤ 0.001). EFA supported structural validity: six components with eigenvalues >1 explained 61.66% of the variance for knowledge, and two components explained 79.49% for attitudes. Significant differences in attitude scores were found among professional groups (p ≤ 0.001, η² = 0.13), with specialists scoring highest ($\overline{X}$ = 17.66) and general dentists lowest ($\overline{X}$ = 14.62). Knowledge scores did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.47). Conclusions: The Spanish OSAKA questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to assess knowledge and attitudes toward obstructive sleep apnea in Colombian dental professionals. Its use may support improved education, screening, and interdisciplinary collaboration in dental settings. Full article

Background and Objective: Obesity is currently one of the major challenges in medicine. Research indicates that assessing eating habits can contribute significantly to the development of more effective treatment. This study aims to validate the Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (EBA-O) in a sample of Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 384 participants. To evaluate the structure, reliability, and measurement invariance of the Spanish EBA-O, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), calculated McDonald’s omega for reliability, and carried out a hierarchical sequence of multigroup CFAs. Two-way MANOVA was used to assess the effects of sex and body mass index (BMI) categories on EBA-O scores. Results: CFA supported a second-order five-factor structure for the EBA-O, demonstrating excellent fit indices. It respected the configural, metric, and scalar invariance. The Spanish version of the EBA-O exhibited significant correlations with measures of binge eating, food addiction, and eating disorder psychopathology. Internal consistency was high (ω = 0.80). Significant effects of sex and BMI were observed across EBA-O subscales. Conclusions: The EBA-O appears to be a valid, reliable, and easy-to-use instrument for assessing eating behaviors among Spanish-speaking individuals with overweight or obesity. Its strong psychometric properties support its use in both clinical settings and research, enhancing the development of tailored interventions for this population. Full article

Background: The Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF™ 1.3) is widely used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, no prior validation had been conducted in Kazakhstan, where both Kazakh and Russian are commonly spoken. This study aimed to validate the Kazakh and Russian versions of the KDQOL-SF™ 1.3 and to identify predictors of HRQoL among hemodialysis patients in Kazakhstan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 217 adult hemodialysis patients from February to April 2025 using a mixed-methods approach (in-person interviews and online data collection). Psychometric testing included Cronbach’s alpha, floor and ceiling effect analysis, and Pearson correlations with self-rated overall health. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of the Kidney Disease Component Summary (KDCS), Physical Component Summary (PCS), and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Results: Both language versions demonstrated acceptable to excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.692–0.939). Most subscales were significantly correlated with self-rated health, supporting construct validity. Regression analyses revealed that greater satisfaction with care, better economic well-being, and more positive dialysis experiences were significant predictors of higher KDCS and MCS scores. Lower PCS scores were associated with female gender, comorbidities, and financial burden. Importantly, financial hardship and access challenges emerged as strong negative influences on HRQoL, underscoring the role of socioeconomic and care-related factors in patient well-being. Conclusions: The KDQOL-SF™ 1.3 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing quality of life among Kazakh- and Russian-speaking hemodialysis patients in Kazakhstan. Integrating this instrument into routine clinical practice may facilitate more personalized, patient-centered care and help monitor outcomes beyond traditional clinical indicators. Addressing economic and access-related barriers has the potential to significantly improve both physical and mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article