Assessment recent issues

Brooding and Pondering: Isolating the Active Ingredients of Depressive Rumination With Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:40 PST

Depressive rumination, as assessed by Nolen-Hoeksema’s Response Styles Questionnaire (RSQ), predicts the onset, chronicity, and duration of depressed mood. However, some RSQ items contain depressive content and result in a heterogeneous factor structure. After the a priori elimination of items potentially confounded with depressed item content, Treynor, Gonzalez, and Nolen-Hoeksema identified two factors within the remaining RSQ rumination sub-scale that were differentially related to depression: brooding and pondering. However, Treynor et al. used a nonstandard form and administration of the RSQ. The present study sought to address these methodological idiosyncrasies and replicate the factor structure of Treynor et al. through exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings support the brooding and pondering solution and demonstrate that brooding relates more strongly to depression and anxiety than does pondering.

A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the California Verbal Learning Test--Second Edition (CVLT-II) in a Traumatic Brain Injury Sample

DeJong, J., Donders, J. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

The latent structure of the California Verbal Learning Test—Second Edition (CVLT-II) was examined in a clinical sample of 223 persons with traumatic brain injury that had been screened to remove individuals with complicating premorbid (e.g., psychiatric) or comorbid (e.g., financial compensation seeking) histories. Analyses incorporated the z scores from 12 CVLT-II variables. Maximum-likelihood confirmatory analyses were performed to test the fit and parsimony of four hypothetical models. A four-factor model, consisting of Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory, and Inaccurate Memory, met all the a priori specified criteria for model fit and parsimony. This model was consistent with that identified previously in a confirmatory factor analysis of the CVLT-II standardization sample. The results support the construct validity of the CVLT-II in individuals with traumatic brain injury and indicate that a multifactorial interpretation is appropriate for clinical practice.

A Psychometric Examination of Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity (MIBI) Scores

Vandiver, B. J., Worrell, F. C., Delgado-Romero, E. A. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

The factor structure of the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity (MIBI) was assessed in a sample of 272 African American college students using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. The fit indices from the confirmatory analyses did not support the seven-factor first-order model or two alternative higher-order models suggested by the developers, but yielded numerous recommendations for modifications. A post hoc exploratory factor analysis indicated that MIBI items were best represented by a five-factor structure.

A Brief Assessment of the Interpersonal Circumplex: The IPIP-IPC

Markey, P. M., Markey, C. N. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

Three studies are presented that demonstrate the psychometric properties and initial validation of the International Personality Item Pool—Interpersonal Circumplex (IPIP-IPC). The IPIP-IPC is a brief 32-item assessment of the interpersonal cirucmplex designed to be used when time is limited or when participants have difficulty understanding the adjective items used in more traditional assessments of the interpersonal circumplex. In Study 1, 501 participants were examined to develop the IPIP-IPC and demonstrate the circular structure of the IPIP-IPC scales and their relation to the five-factor model of personality. Study 2 included 274 participants to reconfirm the circular structure of the IPIP-IPC scales. Finally, in Study 3, 100 participants again reconfirm the circular structure of the IPIP-IPC scales and demonstrate the overlap of the IPIP-IPC with a commonly used assessment of the circumplex: the 64-item Interpersonal Adjective Scale. Overall, the results suggest that the IPIP-IPC provides a relatively short, quick, and valid assessment of the interpersonal circumplex while maintaining many of the psychometric properties of longer assessment tools.

Contemplating the Presence of Third Party Observers and Facilitators in Psychological Evaluations

Otto, R. K., Krauss, D. A. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

Significant controversy surrounds how psychologists should balance competing interests when considering whether and under what conditions third parties should be permitted to be present during psychological evaluations. This is especially true in forensic contexts where much is often at stake for those being assessed. Unfortunately, existing professional statements on this issue provide limited guidance to practitioners on how to think about this issue. In this article, the authors (a) distinguish between different types of third party participants, (b) highlight the competing interests that underlie third party presence decisions, and (c) offer a framework for psychologists to employ when considering third party presence.

An Item-Level Psychometric Analysis of the Personality Assessment Inventory: Clinical Scales in a Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Siefert, C. J., Sinclair, S. J., Kehl-Fie, K. A., Blais, M. A. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

Multi-item multiscale self-report measures are increasingly used in inpatient assessments. When considering a measure for this setting, it is important to evaluate the psychometric properties of the clinical scales and items to ensure that they are functioning as intended in a highly distressed clinical population. The present study examines scale properties for a self-report measure frequently employed in inpatient assessments, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). In addition to examining internal consistency statistics, this study extends prior PAI research by considering key issues related to inpatient assessment (e.g., scale distinctiveness, ceiling effects). Coefficient alphas, interitem correlations, and item— scale relationships suggest that the PAI clinical scales and subscales are internally consistent. Items for respective clinical scales generally showed significantly higher item—scale correlations with their intended scale (as compared with their item—scale correlation with scales they were not intended to measure). In addition, scales’ coefficient alpha scores were higher than their interscale correlations. Taken as a whole, these results support the hypothesis that PAI scales were measuring relatively distinct constructs in this inpatient sample. Findings are discussed with regard to the implications for scale interpretation in inpatient assessment, functioning of individual scales and subscales, and functioning of specific items. Limitations of the present study and directions for future research are discussed.

A Review of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--Adolescent (MMPI-A) and the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) With an Emphasis on Juvenile Justice Samples

Baum, L. J., Archer, R. P., Forbey, J. D., Handel, R. W. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent (MMPI-A) and Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) are frequently used objective personality self-report measures. Given their widespread use, the purpose of the current study was to examine and compare the literature base for the two instruments. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted between the years 1992 and 2007 using the PsycINFO Database. Results indicate the publication of 277 articles, books, book chapters, monographs, and dissertation abstracts on the MMPI-A. This was compared with the results of a comparable search for the MACI, which yielded 84 citations. The literature was further explored by determining the content of the topic areas addressed for both instruments. A particular focus was placed on the utility of the instruments with juvenile justice populations; scale means, standard deviations, and effect sizes calculated from this literature were examined. Results indicate that the use of the MMPI-A is supported by a substantial literature and a growing research base is also available for the MACI. Both instruments appear to provide useful results in juvenile justice settings.

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--III and Malingering in Traumatic Brain Injury: Classification Accuracy in Known Groups

Curtis, K. L., Greve, K. W., Bianchini, K. J. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

A known-groups design was used to determine the classification accuracy of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—III (WAIS-III) variables in detecting malingered neurocognitive dysfunction (MND) in traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI patients were classified into the following groups: (a) mild TBI not-MND (n = 26), (b) mild TBI MND (n = 31), and (c) moderate/severe (M/S) TBI not-MND (n = 26). A sample of 80 general clinical patients was used for comparison. Verbal IQ, Verbal Comprehension Index, and Working Memory Index detected approximately 25% of malingerers with a false positive (FP) error rate of approximately 5% in the mild TBI group. Comparable FP rates were obtained in M/S TBI. FP rates for Performance IQ, Perceptual Organization Index, and Processing Speed Index were acceptable in mild TBI but too high in M/S TBI. Previously studied specialized indicators (Vocabulary minus Digit Span and the Mittenberg formula) failed to differentiate malingerers from nonmalingerers. The clinical application of these findings is discussed.

Sex Differences in Sum Scores May Be Hard to Interpret: The Importance of Measurement Invariance

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:14:41 PST

In most assessment instruments, distinct items are designed to measure a trait, and the sum score of these items serves as an approximation of an individual’s trait score. In interpreting group differences with respect to sum scores, the instrument should measure the same underlying trait across groups (e.g., male/female, young/old). Differences with respect to the sum score should accurately reflect differences in the latent trait of interest. A necessary condition for this is that the instrument is measurement invariant. In the current study, the authors illustrate a stepwise approach for testing measurement invariance with respect to sex in a four-item instrument designed to assess disordered eating behavior in a large epidemiological sample (1,195 men and 1,507 women). This approach can be applied to other phenotypes for which group differences are expected. Any analysis of such variables may be subject to measurement bias if a lack of measurement invariance between grouping variables goes undetected.

The Test Validation Summary

Frederick, R. I., Bowden, S. C. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:47 PDT

Common rates employed in classificatory testing are the true positive rate (TPR), false positive rate (FPR), positive predictive power (PPP), and negative predictive power (NPP). FPR and TPR are estimated from research samples representing populations to be distinguished by classificatory testing. PPP and NPP are used by clinicians to classify test takers into populations. PPP and NPP depend on the base rate (BR) of population members in the clinician's sample. The authors introduce the test validation summary (TVS) as a means to report within a single graph the FPR and TPR and the ranges of PPP and NPP across all potential sample BRs for any chosen cut score. The authors investigate how the TVS has other applications, including the estimation of local BR for the condition of interest and the estimation of standard errors for FPR and TPR when estimated across multiple independent validation studies of the classificatory test.

Are the Original and Second Edition of the California Verbal Learning Test Equally Accurate in Detecting Malingering?

Greve, K. W., Curtis, K. L., Bianchini, K. J., Ord, J. S. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:47 PDT

This two-part study sought to determine the equivalence of the California Verbal Learning Tests (CVLT-1 and CVLT-2) in the detection of malingering in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chronic pain. Part 1 compared a variety of scores from the two versions in carefully matched patient groups. Part 2 used criterion groups (known-groups) methodology to examine the relative rates of false positive (FP) errors across the two versions. Participants were 442 TBI (CVLT-1 = 310; CVLT-2 = 132) and 378 chronic pain patients (CVLT-1 = 250; CVLT-2 = 128). Overall, the CVLT-2 was more difficult than the CVLT-1, with the chronic pain patients showing larger version effects than the TBI patients. The two versions of the CVLT were equally accurate in detecting malingering in TBI and chronic pain. However, they were not interchangeable. The use of CVLT-1 cutoffs with the CVLT-2 may result in an increased risk of FP error. Appropriate cutoff adjustment in clinical practice is recommended.

An Investigation of the ECST-R in Male Pretrial Patients: Evaluating the Effects of Feigning on Competency Evaluations

Vitacco, M. J., Rogers, R., Gabel, J. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:47 PDT

Forensic clinicians have the option of employing well-validated structured interviews when conducting competency to stand trial (CST) evaluations to ensure adequate coverage of the three prongs delineated in Dusky v. United States. This study evaluates the effects of feigning on the Evaluation of Competency to Stand Trial—Revised (ECST-R) in a sample of 100 male defendants undergoing CST evaluations. The ECST-R competency scales are reliable, with good alpha coefficients and interrater reliabilities, and differentiate patients found competent from those found not competent. The current study suggests that feigning may bridge both psychopathology and cognitive abilities and that clinicians should consider each when conducting CST evaluations. These results are discussed in the context of conducting comprehensive evaluations integrating response style assessments in CST evaluations.

Evaluating the Invariance and Validity of the Structure of Dysfunctional Attitudes in an Adolescent Population

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:47 PDT

Form A of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS-A), a self-report measure of depressive beliefs, is widely used to test Beck's cognitive model of depression. The present study is the first to evaluate the DAS-A factor structure in an adolescent population of 542 high school juniors and the first to examine a hierarchical model. Findings support the existence of a hierarchical structure consisting of two conceptually meaningful group factors (Dysfunctional Attitudes About Achievement and Dysfunctional Attitudes About Needing Approval), a method factor consisting of reverse-worded items, and a general factor, which accounts for 65% of the variance in total scores. The general factor is related to sociotropy, autonomy, and neuroticism, whereas the Dysfunctional Attitudes About Achievement and Dysfunctional Attitudes About Needing Approval factors demonstrate convergent and discriminant validity with respect to autonomy and sociotropy. The structure displays partial metric invariance in female and male students as well as in Caucasian and Non-Caucasian students.

Development and Initial Validation of the Disinhibition Inventory: A Multifaceted Measure of Disinhibition

Dindo, L., McDade-Montez, E., Sharma, L., Watson, D., Clark, L. A. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:47 PDT

The broad personality trait of disinhibition reflects the tendency to behave in an underconstrained versus overconstrained manner and is associated with externalizing psychopathology and risk-taking behaviors. This article describes the development and initial validation of the Disinhibition Inventory (DIS-I), a multifaceted measure of disinhibition that helps explicate the nature of this important higher-order dimension more fully. Factor analyses of an initial item pool resulted in five content-distinct, yet correlated scales measuring both high (Manipulativeness, Distractibility, Risk Taking) and low (Prosociality, Orderliness) levels of disinhibition that cross-validated in an independent sample. Evidence for the construct validity of the DIS-I is presented, including convergent and discriminant relations with Big-Three and Big-Five/five-factor model measures of personality. Results indicate that the DIS-I scales are associated most strongly with other measures of disinhibition, but that the DIS-I additionally contains content absent in extant adult measures of disinhibition that may prove useful in the assessment of externalizing psychopathology.

Factor Structure of the Norwegian Version of the WAIS-III in a Clinical Sample: The Arithmetic Problem

Egeland, J., Bosnes, O., Johansen, H. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:47 PDT

Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—III (WAIS-III) lend partial support to the four-factor model proposed in the test manual. However, the Arithmetic subtest has been especially difficult to allocate to one factor. Using the new Norwegian WAIS-III version, we tested factor models differing in the number of factors and in the placement of the Arithmetic subtest in a mixed clinical sample (n = 272). Only the four-factor solutions had adequate goodness-of-fit values. Allowing Arithmetic to load on both the Verbal Comprehension and Working Memory factors provided a more parsimonious solution compared to considering the subtest only as a measure of Working Memory. Effects of education were particularly high for both the Verbal Comprehension tests and Arithmetic.

Assessing the Universal Structure of Personality in Early Adolescence: The NEO-PI-R and NEO-PI-3 in 24 Cultures

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:58:47 PDT

The structure and psychometric characteristics of the NEO Personality Inventory—3 (NEO-PI-3), a more readable version of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R), are examined and compared with NEO-PI-R characteristics using data from college student observer ratings of 5,109 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from 24 cultures. Replacement items in the PI-3 showed on average stronger item—total correlations and slightly improved facet reliabilities compared with the NEO-PI-R in both English- and non-English-speaking samples. NEO-PI-3 replacement items did not substantially affect scale means compared with the original scales. Analyses across and within cultures confirmed the intended factor structure of both versions when used to describe young adolescents. The authors discuss implications of these cross-cultural findings for the advancement of studies in adolescence and personality development across the lifespan.

A Taxometric Investigation of DSM-IV Major Depression in a Large Outpatient Sample: Interpretable Structural Results Depend on the Mode of Assessment

Ruscio, J., Brown, T. A., Meron Ruscio, A. — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:29:42 PDT

Most taxometric studies of depressive constructs have drawn indicators from self-report instruments that do not bear directly on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) diagnostic construct of major depressive disorder (MDD). The present study examined the latent structure of MDD using indicator sets constructed from a semistructured clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, and a combination of the two. Taxometric analyses were performed in a large sample of outpatients with primary mood or anxiety disorders. For clinical rating data, results were more consistent with taxonic than dimensional structure, an interpretation supported by additional data obtained from 27 independent raters and objective indices of curve fit. Questionnaire indicators yielded inconclusive results, and combined rating— questionnaire indicators yielded results suggestive of taxonic structure. The findings highlight the importance of assessment in the study of a construct's latent structure and extend recent findings suggesting that MDD may be taxonic.

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire Across the Adult Life Span

Rast, P., Zimprich, D., Van Boxtel, M., Jolles, J. — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:29:42 PDT

The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) is designed to assess a person's proneness to committing cognitive slips and errors in the completion of everyday tasks. Although the CFQ is a widely used instrument, its factor structure remains an issue of scientific debate. The present study used data of a representative sample (N = 1,303, 24-83 years of age) from the Maastricht Aging Study (MAAS) to test and compare factor solutions for the CFQ previously reported in the literature by means of confirmatory factor analysis of ordered categorical variables. A three-factor model of the CFQ from an exploratory factor analysis was tested for increasing levels of measurement invariance across six age groups. Factor (co-)variances remained stable across the age groups, mean differences were observed for the factor Forgetfulness with higher means for older participants, and the factor Distractibility where participants older than 60 years of age had lower means.

Comparison of MMPI-2 Validity Scales Among Compensation-Seeking Caucasian and Asian American Medical Patients

Tsushima, W. T., Tsushima, V. G. — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:29:42 PDT

Validity scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (MMPI-2) are widely used for the detection of exaggerated psychological complaints, although little is known about the results of these scales with racial or ethnic minority individuals. Five validity scales derived from the MMPI-2, including the F Scale, the Back Infrequency Scale, the Symptom Validity Scale, the Infrequency-Psychopathology Scale, and the Dissimulation Scale-MMPI-2, were evaluated in 157 medical patients—109 Caucasian Americans and 48 Asian Americans. All patients were involved in personal injury litigation or seeking compensation for alleged psychological conditions. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) conducted on the five validity scales revealed no significant group effects for race. The results were consistent with the limited available data on the MMPI-2 validity scales with minority group samples. Further research with other racial minorities, including relevant extra-test criteria for malingering, is encouraged.

The Anxiety Sensitivity Index--Revised: Confirmatory Factor Analyses, Structural Invariance in Caucasian and African American Samples, and Score Reliability and Validity

Arnau, R. C., Broman-Fulks, J. J., Green, B. A., Berman, M. E. — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:29:42 PDT

The most commonly used measure of anxiety sensitivity is the 36-item Anxiety Sensitivity Index—Revised (ASI-R). Exploratory factor analyses have produced several different factors structures for the ASI-R, but an acceptable fit using confirmatory factor analytic approaches has only been found for a 21-item version of the instrument. We evaluated the fit of all published factor models for the 36- and 21-item ASI-R, modified the hierarchical model using an approach that does not eliminate items, evaluated the invariance of the modified model across Caucasian and African-American subsamples, and compared the reliability and validity of the 36-item and 21-item versions. The 21-item version of the ASI-R fit a four factor model, as did the 36-item version after several meaningful model modifications. The modified 36-item model was replicable in independent cases and its structural properties were generally invariant across race. Scores from the 36-item version exhibited superior reliability and criterion-related validity.

Psychometric Properties of the Aggression Questionnaire in Dutch Violent Forensic Psychiatric Patients and Secondary Vocational Students

Hornsveld, R. H. J., Muris, P., Kraaimaat, F. W., Meesters, C. — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:29:42 PDT

The psychometric properties of a Dutch version of Buss and Perry's Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) were examined in a sample of violent forensic psychiatric inpatients and outpatients and a sample of secondary vocational students. The internal consistency, interitem correlations, and item—scale correlations of the subscales Physical Aggression, Anger, and Hostility were good but turned out to be unsatisfactory for the subscale Verbal Aggression. The four-factor structure of the AQ could not be confirmed, but the four-factor structure of a 12-item version (short form) of the AQ, the AQ-SF, produced an acceptable fit. The test—retest reliability of the AQ and AQ-SF total scores was good, although the test—retest reliability of the AQ-SF subscale Physical Aggression was not satisfactory. The validity of both the AQ and AQ-SF could be demonstrated by meaningful correlations with alternative measures of aggression and personality, but inpatients were not found to display higher scores on the AQ or AQ-SF than the students.

Psychometric Properties of Teacher SKAMP Ratings From a Community Sample

Fri, 08 May 2009 10:29:42 PDT

This study examines the basic psychometric properties of the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham Scale (SKAMP), a measure intended to assess functional impairment related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in a sample of 1,205 elementary students. Reliability, factor structure, and convergent, discriminant and predictive validity are evaluated. Results provide support for two separate but related subscales, Attention and Deportment, and provide evidence that the SKAMP predicts school functioning above and beyond symptoms alone. Boys, African American children, and children living in poverty are rated as having higher impairment scores than girls, Caucasian children, and more advantaged peers. Norm-referenced data are provided by gender, race, and parental concern level. This study supports the reliability and validity of the SKAMP in a large, diverse community sample and broadens its clinical utility.

Factor Structure of the Condoms Barriers Scale With a Sample of Men at High Risk for HIV

Doyle, S. R., Calsyn, D. A., Ball, S. A. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

This study assesses the psychometric properties of the Condom Barriers Scale (CBS), an instrument originally designed to measure women's perceptions and attitudes regarding male condom use, with a sample of men at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants include 590 male patients in drug abuse treatment involved in a gender-specific HIV prevention intervention for teaching safer sex skills. Second-order confirmatory factor analysis generally supported the underlying four-factor subscale structure of the CBS. However, exploratory factor analysis revealed a few specific discrepancies in the factor structure between men and women. Internal consistency and test—retest reliability estimates were moderate to high in value. CBS scores correlated with use of condoms for men with high-risk sexual partners, supporting criterion-related validity. Overall, the analysis indicates that the CBS is a potentially valid and reliable instrument and has utility for assessing barriers to condom use with men, but may need some item content modifications to allow appropriate assessment of gender differences and comparisons across studies.

A Scenario-Based Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale: The DIET-SE

Stich, C., Knauper, B., Tint, A. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

The article discusses a scenario-based dieting self-efficacy scale, the DIET-SE, developed from dieter's inventory of eating temptations (DIET). The DIET-SE consists of items that describe scenarios of eating temptations for a range of dieting situations, including high-caloric food temptations. Four studies assessed the psychometric properties of the 11-item DIET-SE. Exploratory factor analysis (N = 392) and confirmatory factors analysis (N = 124) revealed three internally consistent and reliable factors representing challenges to adhere to a diet (high-caloric food temptations [HCF], social and internal factors [SIF], negative emotional events [NEE]). Convergent validity is established with other measures of dieting self-efficacy, as well as measures of eating disinhibition, susceptibility to hunger, and weight loss competency. Criterion-related validity is provided through the assessment of goal adherence, and predictive validity is established for dieters' actual food intake (N = 68). The DIET-SE represents a short, reliable, and valid scenario-based measure of dieting self-efficacy.

Testing the Feasibility of Developmental Asset Measures on College Students to Guide Health Promotion Efforts

Zullig, K. J., Ward, R. M., King, K. A., Patton, J. M., Murray, K. A. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the reliability and validity of eight developmental asset measures among a stratified, random sample (N = 540) of college students to guide health promotion efforts. The sample was randomly split to produce exploratory and confirmatory samples for factor analysis using principal axis factoring and varimax rotation and structural equation modeling techniques. Items were retained on factors if they had high loadings greater than .40 and were not complex. Concurrent validity was examined among substance use (including alcohol and tobacco) and sexual risk-taking variables. Exploratory and confirmatory samples did not differ on demographics. Parallel analysis confirmed the eight theorized constructs. Exploratory factor loadings were greater than .40. Concurrently, validity analyses were in the predicted direction. Cronbach alphas were .70 or greater with the exception of the Future Aspirations asset. Preliminary analyses support the reliability and validity of measuring developmental assets among emerging adults. Implications and potential uses are discussed.

Measuring Depression at the End of Life: Is the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale a Valid Instrument?

Olden, M., Rosenfeld, B., Pessin, H., Breitbart, W. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

Depression at the end of life is a common mental health issue with serious implications for quality of life and decision making. This study investigated the reliability and validity of one of the most frequently used measures of depression, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) in 422 patients with terminal cancer admitted to a palliative care hospital. The HAM-D demonstrated high reliability and concurrent validity with depression diagnosis, based on Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, non-patient research version (SCID-I/NP Depression Module). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses generated an area under the curve of .91, indicating high sensitivity and specificity. The HAM-D strongly correlated with several measures of distress (e.g., hopelessness, desire for hastened death, and suicidal ideation). Factor analysis generated 4 factors (anxiety, depressed mood, insomnia, and somatic symptoms), accounting for 42% of the variance. Implications for assessing depression in this population are discussed.

Assigning Cases to Groups Using Taxometric Results: An Empirical Comparison of Classification Techniques

Ruscio, J. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

Determining whether individuals belong to different latent classes (taxa) or vary along one or more latent factors (dimensions) has implications for assessment. For example, no instrument can simultaneously maximize the efficiency of categorical and continuous measurement. Methods such as taxometric analysis can test the relative fit of taxonic and dimensional models, but it is not clear how best to assign individuals to groups using taxometric results. The present study compares the performance of two classification techniques—Bayes' theorem and a base-rate technique—across a wide range of data conditions. The base-rate technique achieves greater classification accuracy and a more even balance between sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the base-rate classification technique is easier to implement than Bayes' theorem and is more versatile in that it can be used when the context of assessment requires that cases be classified despite the absence of latent classes.

Factors of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory: Criterion-Related Validity and Relationship to the BIS/BAS and Five-Factor Models of Personality

Ross, S. R., Benning, S. D., Patrick, C. J., Thompson, A., Thurston, A. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

Psychopathy is a personality disorder that includes interpersonal-affective and antisocial deviance features. The Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) contains two underlying factors (fearless dominance and impulsive antisociality) that may differentially tap these two sets of features. In a mixed-gender sample of undergraduates and prisoners, we found that PPI fearless dominance was related to low Behavioral Inhibition System activity, high Behavioral Activation System (BAS) activity, expert prototype psychopathy scores, and primary psychopathy. Impulsive antisociality was related to high BAS activity and all psychopathy measures. High Extraversion and Openness and low Neuroticism and Agreeableness predicted fearless dominance, whereas high Neuroticism and low Agreeableness and Conscientiousness predicted impulsive antisociality. Although low levels of Agreeableness predicted both PPI factors, their differential relations with other five-factor model traits highlight differences in the way psychopathy manifests itself. Consistent with movements toward assessing personality disorder using the five-factor model, the authors report regression-based equations for the clinical assessment of these psychopathy dimensions using the NEO Personality Inventory—Revised (NEO-PI-R).

Reliability and Construct Validity of the Dutch Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version: Findings From a Sample of Male Adolescents in a Juvenile Justice Treatment Institution

Das, J., de Ruiter, C., Doreleijers, T., Hillege, S. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

The present study examines the reliability and construct validity of the Dutch version of the Psychopathy Check List: Youth Version (PCL:YV) in a sample of male adolescents admitted to a secure juvenile justice treatment institution (N = 98). Hare's four-factor model is used to examine reliability and validity of the separate dimensions of psychopathy. Interrater reliabilities are good to excellent for the PCL:YV total score and most factor scores, except for the affective factor. Several suggestions are offered for optimizing reliability of this factor. Finally, meaningful associations between PCL:YV scores and scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent and the Interpersonal Checklist—Revised support the construct validity of the PCL:YV total score as well as the four factors in the Dutch context.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Antisocial Process Screening Device With a Clinical Inpatient Population

Fite, P. J., Greening, L., Stoppelbein, L., Fabiano, G. A. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

Research linking psychopathic tendencies to childhood behavior problems is predicated on the assumption that the findings are based on using psychometrically sound measures of psychopathic tendencies. Although evaluated with community samples, the psychometric properties of such measures have not been evaluated with inpatient clinical populations thereby limiting conclusions. Hence, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the factor structure of a widely used measure—the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD)—with an inpatient population. Parents of 328 children (M age = 8.90 years) completed the APSD at the time of their child's admission for treatment. Although confirmatory factor analyses supported the three- and two-factor solutions proposed by the authors of the measure, the two-factor structure was more parsimonious. Factors of the two-factor model were also related to symptoms of childhood behavior disorders. The findings extend current research on the APSD's factor structure to an inpatient population.

The Utility of the MMPI-2 Malingering Discriminant Function Index in the Detection of Malingering: A Study of Criminal Defendants

Toomey, J. A., Kucharski, L. T., Duncan, S. — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:02 PST

This study examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2's (MMPI-2) malingering discriminant function index (M-DFI), recently developed by Bacchiochi and Bagby, in the detection of malingering in a forensic sample. Criminal defendants were divided into "malingering" and "not malingering" groups using the structured interview of reported symptoms (SIRS) criteria proposed by Rogers. Logistic regression analysis (LRA) revealed that the MMPI-2 infrequency (F) scale had the best predictive utility of the traditional infrequency scales. Although the M-DFI did significantly differentiate the malingering from the not malingering groups, it did not add significantly to the predictive utility of the MMPI-2 F scale. Receiver operating characteristics analyses demonstrated acceptable sensitivity and specificity for the MMPI-2 F scale, but poor sensitivity for the M-DFI scale. The results are discussed in terms of the utility of the M-DFI in detecting malingering and problems of extending the findings of simulation studies to the forensic context.