The factor structure and concurrent validity of the Korean version of the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (K-MCQ-30).

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the factor structure of a Korean version of the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (K-MCQ-30) and to further evaluate its concurrent validity. METHOD: Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the data sets from two independent samples of Korean college students (n = 662; n = 664). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted on the cross-sectional data from another sample (n = 97). RESULTS: The 5-factor model of the K-MCQ-30 showed a good fit to the first sample after minor modification. The revised 5-factor model was replicated with the second sample. Five factors of the K-MCQ-30 had positive correlations with measures of emotional disorder symptoms and predicted each of the symptoms in different ways. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide general support for the 5-factor structure of the K-MCQ-30 and its good concurrent validity in nonclinical samples.

Preliminary study of Internet addiction and cognitive function in adolescents based on IQ tests.

The potential relationship between Internet addiction and certain cognitive function problems has been suggested by several studies. However, few or no studies have examined the differences in cognitive functioning between persons addicted to the Internet and persons not addicted using a standard neuropsychological test. This study screened 253 middle school students and 389 high school students for Internet addiction and compared 59 Internet-addicted students with 43 non-addicted students using an IQ test. The Internet-addicted group had comprehension sub-item scores that were significantly lower than those of the non-addicted group. As the comprehension item reflects ethical judgement and reality testing, there may be a relationship between Internet addiction and weak social intelligence. Earlier onset of Internet addiction and longer addiction duration were associated with lower participant performance in areas related to attention. As this study is a cross-sectional study, it is not clear whether the persons who display weak cognitive functioning are susceptible to Internet addiction or if Internet addiction causes cognitive problems. However, as brain development remains active during adolescence, the possibility that Internet addiction adversely affects the cognitive functioning of adolescents cannot be ruled out.

In vivo evidence for long-term CNS toxicity, associated with chronic binge use of methamphetamine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine disturbances in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) associated with methamphetamine abuse. METHODS: Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), rCBF was measured in 20 men who had previously injected methamphetamine intravenously for over 30 months and who were now abstinent for a minimum of 9 months and for an average of 2 years. Values were compared with those in 12 healthy men who had never injected methamphetamine. RESULTS: While rCBF was significantly and disproportionately reduced in subcortical and dorsal cortical brain regions, including the striatum, thalamus, cingulum, mesiodorsal prefrontal cortex, and pons (all t's>8.3 after global normalization, corrected p's<0.001), whole brain CBF was also significantly reduced in the former methamphetamine users. Binge use of methamphetamine is associated with long-term changes in both global and regional blood flows, likely representing severe and enduring neural toxicity of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems in the brain, producing a pattern of hypoperfusion that resembles patterns reported previously for persons with atypical Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that methamphetamine abusers may be possibly at increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases later in life.

Validation Study of Kim's Smoking Cessation Motivation Scale and Its Predictive Implications for Smoking Cessation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to measure motivation for smoking cessation. Motivation is known to be important for success of smoking cessation. The reliability of the scale was assessed and its predictive validity for smoking cessation was evaluated. METHODS: We recruited 333 men aged 20 to 70 that visited smoking cessation clinics at seven public health centers. The demographic characteristics were recorded and the Korean version of Stages of Readiness for Change and Eagerness for Treatment Scale for Smoking (K-SO-CRATES-S) performed. A smoking cessation motivation scale was developed with 10 questions based on the theory of motivation enhancement therapy. RESULTS: The motivation scale was composed of four subscales based on the factor analysis; each subscale had an adequate degree of internal consistency. In addition, the newly developed scale had a high degree of validity based on its significant correlation with the smoking version of SOCRATES. Moreover, the precontemplation level of motivation was found to significantly predict the success of smoking cessation. And one of the subscales of the Korean Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (K-NDSS), stereotypy which also significantly predicted the success of smoking cessation, significantly correlated with the preparation 1 and 2 level of motivation. CONCLUSION: The smoking cessation motivation scale with 10 questions that was developed in this study was a highly reliable and valid scale for the prediction of success for smoking cessation for those who wanted to stop smoking.