Development of a Revised Version of the Statistical Anxiety Scale / Desarrollo de una Versión Revisada de la Escala de Ansiedad Estadística

Background: Statistics anxiety is a common problem in students taking statistics courses in the social sciences. It is most widely measured by the statistical anxiety scale. The various adaptations of this instrument have shown certain problems in the replication of its factorial structure and do not have a system to control possible response bias effects. The objective of our study was to propose a short test to measure statistical anxiety that also includes a scale to control social desirability bias. Method: We developed a revised version of the statistical anxiety scale using procedures for controlling response biases and examined its factorial structure using exploratory and confirmatory analysis in a sample of 531 students. Results: The revised version showed a clear four-factor structure in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with the expected three content factors plus one social desirability factor. The scales showed no acquiescence effects and moderate social desirability effects, and had a clear relationship with academic success. Conclusions: The revised version of the statistical anxiety scale improves on the psychometric properties of the original version and may overcome the problems detected in some adaptations of the previous version.(AU)

Antecedentes: La ansiedad estadística es un problema habitual en los estudiantes que cursan materias relacionadas con la estadística en las ciencias sociales. Una de las escalas más utilizadas en su evaluación es la Escala de Ansiedad Estadística. En algunas adaptaciones se han detectado problemas en la replicación de su estructura factorial y no controlan los sesgos de respuesta. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue proponer un test para la evaluación de la ansiedad estadística incluyendo una escala para el control de la deseabilidad social. Método: Se desarrolló una versión revisada de la escala utilizando procedimientos para el control de la deseabilidad social analizándose su estructura factorial en una muestra de 531 estudiantes. Resultados: La versión revisada mostró un ajuste adecuado tanto a nivel exploratorio como confirmatorio a una estructura de cuatro factores; los tres de contenido esperados y un factor de deseabilidad social. Las escalas no mostraron efectos de la aquiescencia y un moderado efecto de la deseabilidad social, además las escalas de contenido mostraron una clara relación con el rendimiento académico. Conclusiones: La versión revisada de la escala mejora las propiedades de la versión precedente y puede solventar los problemas detectados en algunas adaptaciones de la misma.(AU)

Multidimensional scale of perceived social support (mspss) in cancer patients: psychometric properties and measurement invariance / Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido (MSPSS) en pacientes con cáncer: propiedades psicométricas e invariancia de medida

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties, convergent validity, and factorial invariance of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in cancer patients. METHOD: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to explore the scale's dimensionality and test for strong measurement invariance across sex and age in a cross-sectional, multicenter, prospective study. Patients completed the MSPSS and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). RESULTS: A total of 925 consecutive patients were recruited in 13 hospitals between July 2015 and December 2018. The CFA indicated that the original three-factor model was replicated in patients with cancer. The results of the multi-group CFA revealed a strong invariance according to sex and age. The Spanish version of the MSPSS had high estimated reliability with values exceeding .90. The simple sum of the items of each scale was a good indicator of oncology patients' perceived social support. The three MSPSS subscales correlated significantly with the SWLS. Women scored higher on social support by friends than men. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the MSPSS proved to be a valid, reliable instrument to assess perceived social support in cancer patients

ANTECEDENTES: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas, la validez convergente y la invariancia factorial de la Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido (MSPSS) en pacientes con cáncer. MÉTODO: el análisis factorial confirmatorio (CFA) se realizó para explorar la dimensionalidad de la escala y la invariancia de medición por sexo y edad en un estudio prospectivo, transversal y multicéntrico. Los pacientes completaron el MSPSS y la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS). RESULTADOS: un total de 925 pacientes consecutivos fueron reclutados en 13 hospitales entre julio de 2015 y diciembre de 2018. El CFA indicó que el modelo original de tres factores fue replicado en pacientes con cáncer. Los resultados del CFA multigrupo revelaron invariancia fuerte según el sexo y la edad. La versión en español del MSPSS tenía una alta fiabilidad estimada, con valores superiores a 0,90. La suma simple de los ítems de cada escala fue un buen indicador del apoyo social percibido de los pacientes oncológicos. Las tres subescalas MSPSS se correlacionaron significativamente con el SWLS. CONCLUSIÓN: la versión en español del MSPSS demostró ser un instrumento válido y confiable para evaluar el apoyo social percibido en pacientes con cáncer

Psychometric properties of Spanish version of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale / Propiedades psicométricas de la versión Española de la escala Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC)

Background/Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC) in a large sample of patients with non-metastatic, resected cancer.Methods: Prospective, observational, multicenter study for which 914 patients were recruited from 15 Spanish hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, validity and reliability analyses were conducted.Results: Factor-analytic results indicated a 4-factor structure of the Spanish version of the Mini-MAC. Three subscales have psychometric properties similar to those of Helplessness, Anxious preoccupation, and Cognitive avoidance of the original the Mini-MAC. The Fighting spirit and the Fatalism subscales were combined on the Positive attitude scale. The four factor-derived scale scores exhibited acceptable accuracy for individual measurement purposes, as well as stability over time in test-retest assessments at 6 months. Validity assessments found meaningful relations between the derived scale scores, and Brief Symptom Inventory depression and anxiety scores and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy spiritual well-being scores.Conclusions: The Spanish version of the Mini-MAC provides reliable and valid measures for patients with non-metastatic, resected cancer, and results corroborate the instrument’s cross-cultural validity. (AU)

Antecedentes/Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión Española del Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC) en pacientes con cáncer resecado, no metastásico.Método: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo y observacional con 914 pacientes reclutados en 15 hospitales de España. Se llevaron a cabo análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, así como análisis de la validez y fiabilidad de las puntuaciones de la escala.Resultados: Los resultados de los análisis factoriales sugieren que la estructura más apropiada para la versión española del Mini-MAC es la de cuatro factores. Tres subescalas derivadas de esta estructura tienen propiedades psicométricas similares a la escala original: Desesperanza, Preocupación ansiosa y Evitación cognitiva. Las subescalas Espíritu de lucha y Fatalismo se combinaron en la escala Actitud positiva. Las puntuaciones en las cuatro escalas mostraron una fiabilidad aceptable para su utilización en la evaluación individual, así como estabilidad a lo largo del tiempo en evaluaciones test-retest a los seis meses. Se obtuvieron evidencias de validez en forma de relaciones significativas con las escalas de ansiedad y depresión del BSI, y de bienestar espiritual del FACIT.Conclusiones: La versión Española del Mini-MAC proporciona puntuaciones fiables y válidas para evaluar las estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes con cáncer y los resultados añaden evidencia a favor de la validez transcultural del instrumento. (AU)

Psychometric properties of Spanish version of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC) in a large sample of patients with non-metastatic, resected cancer. METHODS: Prospective, observational, multicenter study for which 914 patients were recruited from 15 Spanish hospitals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, validity and reliability analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Factor-analytic results indicated a 4-factor structure of the Spanish version of the Mini-MAC. Three subscales have psychometric properties similar to those of Helplessness, Anxious preoccupation, and Cognitive avoidance of the original the Mini-MAC. The Fighting spirit and the Fatalism subscales were combined on the Positive attitude scale. The four factor-derived scale scores exhibited acceptable accuracy for individual measurement purposes, as well as stability over time in test-retest assessments at 6 months. Validity assessments found meaningful relations between the derived scale scores, and Brief Symptom Inventory depression and anxiety scores and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy spiritual well-being scores. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the Mini-MAC provides reliable and valid measures for patients with non-metastatic, resected cancer, and results corroborate the instrument's cross-cultural validity.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión Española del Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC) en pacientes con cáncer resecado, no metastásico. MÉTODO: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo y observacional con 914 pacientes reclutados en 15 hospitales de España. Se llevaron a cabo análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, así como análisis de la validez y fiabilidad de las puntuaciones de la escala. RESULTADOS: Los resultados de los análisis factoriales sugieren que la estructura más apropiada para la versión española del Mini-MAC es la de cuatro factores. Tres subescalas derivadas de esta estructura tienen propiedades psicométricas similares a la escala original: Desesperanza, Preocupación ansiosa y Evitación cognitiva. Las subescalas Espíritu de lucha y Fatalismo se combinaron en la escala Actitud positiva. Las puntuaciones en las cuatro escalas mostraron una fiabilidad aceptable para su utilización en la evaluación individual, así como estabilidad a lo largo del tiempo en evaluaciones test-retest a los seis meses. Se obtuvieron evidencias de validez en forma de relaciones significativas con las escalas de ansiedad y depresión del BSI, y de bienestar espiritual del FACIT. CONCLUSIONES: La versión Española del Mini-MAC proporciona puntuaciones fiables y válidas para evaluar las estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes con cáncer y los resultados añaden evidencia a favor de la validez transcultural del instrumento.

Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) in cancer patients / Estructura factorial e invarianza de medida del Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) en pacientes con cáncer

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess psychometric properties of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), evaluate the measurement invariance with respect to sex, age, and tumor location, and to analyze associations between social support and sociodemographic and clinical variables among individuals with resected, non-advanced cancer. METHOD: A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to explore the dimensionality of the scale and test invariance across sex, age, and tumor localization in a prospective, multicenter cohort of 877 patients who completed the BSI-18 and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS: The results show that 3-factor and 1-factor measurement models provided a good fit to the data; however, a three-factor, second-order model was deemed more appropriate and parsimonious in this population. Alpha coefficients ranged between .75 and .88. Test of measurement invariance showed strong invariance results for sex, age, and tumor location; strong invariance over time was likewise assumed. Less perceived social support appears to correlate with all BSI factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed the tridimensional structure of the BSI-18 and invariance across age, sex, and tumor localization. We recommend using this instrument to measure anxiety, depression, and somatization in epidemiological research and clinical practice

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), la invarianza con respecto al sexo, edad y localización del tumor, y analizar la asociación con el apoyo social y variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. MÉTODO: Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para explorar la dimensionalidad y se analizó la invarianza en función del sexo, edad y localización del tumor en una muestra prospectiva y multicéntrica de 877 pacientes que completaron el BSI-18 y la Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTADOS: Tanto el modelo unifactorial como el trifactorial proporcionaron un buen ajuste a los datos; sin embargo, un modelo de segundo orden de tres factores se consideró más apropiado en esta población. Los coeficientes alfa oscilaron entre 0,75 y 0,88. Se halló una invarianza fuerte para sexo, edad y localización del tumor, y una fuerte invarianza en el tiempo. El apoyo social percibido se correlacionó negativamente con todos los factores BSI. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio confirma la estructura tridimensional del BSI-18 y la invarianza en sexo, edad y localización del tumor. El instrumento puede recomendarse para evaluar la ansiedad, depresión y somatización en investigación epidemiológica y en la práctica clínica

Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) in cancer patients.

Background/Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess psychometric properties of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), evaluate the measurement invariance with respect to sex, age, and tumor location, and to analyze associations between social support and sociodemographic and clinical variables among individuals with resected, non-advanced cancer. Method: A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to explore the dimensionality of the scale and test invariance across sex, age, and tumor localization in a prospective, multicenter cohort of 877 patients who completed the BSI-18 and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The results show that 3-factor and 1-factor measurement models provided a good fit to the data; however, a three-factor, second-order model was deemed more appropriate and parsimonious in this population. Alpha coefficients ranged between .75 and .88. Test of measurement invariance showed strong invariance results for sex, age, and tumor location; strong invariance over time was likewise assumed. Less perceived social support appears to correlate with all BSI factors. Conclusions: The study confirmed the tridimensional structure of the BSI-18 and invariance across age, sex, and tumor localization. We recommend using this instrument to measure anxiety, depression, and somatization in epidemiological research and clinical practice.

Antecedentes/Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), la invarianza con respecto al sexo, edad y localización del tumor, y analizar la asociación con el apoyo social y variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Método: Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para explorar la dimensionalidad y se analizó la invarianza en función del sexo, edad y localización del tumor en una muestra prospectiva y multicéntrica de 877 pacientes que completaron el BSI-18 y la Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Resultados: Tanto el modelo unifactorial como el trifactorial proporcionaron un buen ajuste a los datos; sin embargo, un modelo de segundo orden de tres factores se consideró más apropiado en esta población. Los coeficientes alfa oscilaron entre 0,75 y 0,88. Se halló una invarianza fuerte para sexo, edad y localización del tumor, y una fuerte invarianza en el tiempo. El apoyo social percibido se correlacionó negativamente con todos los factores BSI. Conclusiones: El estudio confirma la estructura tridimensional del BSI-18 y la invarianza en sexo, edad y localización del tumor. El instrumento puede recomendarse para evaluar la ansiedad, depresión y somatización en investigación epidemiológica y en la práctica clínica.

An External Validity Approach for Assessing Essential Unidimensionality in Correlated-Factor Models.

Many psychometric measures yield data that are compatible with (a) an essentially unidimensional factor analysis solution and (b) a correlated-factor solution. Deciding which of these structures is the most appropriate and useful is of considerable importance, and various procedures have been proposed to help in this decision. The only fully developed procedures available to date, however, are internal, and they use only the information contained in the item scores. In contrast, this article proposes an external auxiliary procedure in which primary factor scores and general factor scores are related to relevant external variables. Our proposal consists of two groups of procedures. The procedures in the first group (differential validity procedures) assess the extent to which the primary factor scores relate differentially to the external variables. Procedures in the second group (incremental validity procedures) assess the extent to which the primary factor scores yield predictive validity increments with respect to the single general factor scores. Both groups of procedures are based on a second-order structural model with latent variables from which new methodological results are obtained. The functioning of the proposal is assessed by means of a simulation study, and its usefulness is illustrated with a real-data example in the personality domain.

Psychometric properties and factorial analysis of invariance of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), evaluate the measurement invariance with respect to sex, age, and tumor location, as well as analyze associations between life satisfaction and socio-demographic and clinical variables among individuals with resected, non-advanced cancer. METHODS: A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to explore the dimensionality of the scale and test invariance across gender, age, and tumor localization in a prospective, multicenter cohort of 713 patients who completed the following scales: SWLS, Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18). RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the SWLS is an essentially unidimensional instrument, providing accurate scores: both McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha estimates were 0.91. Strong measurement invariance was found to hold across gender, age, and tumor localization. Low satisfaction with life was associated with psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, and somatization), and decreased quality of life (malfunction, symptoms, poor global QoL). CONCLUSION: The SWLS is a reliable, valid satisfaction with life measurement among people with cancer and should be recommended as an indicator of psychological adjustment in oncological patients.

Validity and Reliability of the Decision Regret Scale in Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Decisional regret is an indicator of satisfaction with the treatment decision and can help to identify those patients who need more support and evaluate the efficacy of decision support interventions. The objectives of this study are, 1) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Decision Regret Scale and 2) to analyze the moderating effect of psychological distress on functional status and regret in patients with cancer following adjuvancy. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort of 403 patients who completed the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), Health-Related Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The evaluation was conducted six months after receiving adjuvant treatment in patients with resected cancer. RESULTS: After treatment, most participants (51.9%) experienced no decision regret; 33.7% felt mild regret, and 14.4% exhibited high levels of regret. The Spanish version of the DRS demonstrated satisfactory properties: it had a strong, clear unidimensional factorial structure with substantial loadings. Decisional regret was related with lower scores on functional, symptom, and quality of life scales, and higher levels of psychological distress (all P = 0.001). Psychological distress was found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between functional state and decision regret. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the DRS is a reliable, valid tool to evaluate regret and post-decisional quality in clinical practice and further highlights the potential clinical implications of psychological distress for the relation between physical status and regret.

Psychometric properties of the Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) in oncology practice.

Background/Objective: This study sought to assess the psychometric properties of the 9-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) in patients with resected, non-metastatic cancer and eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy. Method: A total of 568 patients were recruited from a multi-institutional, prospective, transversal study. Patients answered the SDM-Q-9 after visiting their medical oncologist who, in turn, completed the SDM-Q-Physician version. Reliability, factorial structures [exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)], and convergent validity of the SDM-Q-9 scores were explored. Results: SDM-Q-9 showed a clear factorial structure, compatible with a strong and replicable general factor and a secondary group factor, in patients with resected, non-metastatic cancer. Total sum scores derived from the general factor showed good reliability in terms of omega coefficient: .90. The association between patient and physician perception of SDM was weak and failed to reach statistical significance. Males and patients over 60 years of age displayed the greatest satisfaction with SDM. Conclusions: SDM-Q-9 can aid in evaluating SDM from the cancer patients' perspective. SDM-Q-9 is helpful in studies examining patient perspectives of SDM and as an indicator of the degree of quality and satisfaction with health care and patient-physician relationship.

Antecedentes/Objetivo: Este estudio analiza las propiedades psicométricas del Questionnaire Shared Decision-Making (SDM-Q-9) en pacientes con cáncer resecado, no metastásico y elegible para quimioterapia adyuvante. Métodos: Un total de 568 pacientes fueron reclutados en un estudio multi-institucional, prospectivo, transversal. Los pacientes respondieron al SDM-Q-9 después de visitar a su oncólogo que, a su vez, completó el SDM-Q-versión médico. Se estudiaron la fiabilidad, la estructura factorial (análisis factorial exploratorio y análisis factorial confirmatorio) y la validez convergente de las puntuaciones del SDM-Q-9. Resultados: La escala SDM-Q-9 mostró una estructura factorial clara, compatible con un factor general fuerte y replicable y un factor de grupo secundario, en pacientes con cáncer resecado y no metastásico. La puntuación del factor general mostró una buena fiabilidad en términos de coeficiente omega: 0,90. La asociación entre la percepción del médico y del paciente en la SDM fue débil y no logró alcanzar significación estadística. Los hombres y los pacientes mayores de 60 años mostraron mayor satisfacción con la toma de decisión compartida. Conclusiones: SDM-Q-9 puede ayudar en la evaluación de la toma de decisión compartida desde la perspectiva de los pacientes de cáncer y como indicador del grado de calidad y satisfacción en el cuidado de la salud en la relación médico-paciente.

Psychometric properties of the Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) in oncology practice / Propiedades psicométricas del Questionnaire Shared Decision-Making (SDM-Q-9) en oncología

Background/Objective: This study sought to assess the psychometric properties of the 9-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) in patients with resected, non-metastatic cancer and eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy. Method: A total of 568 patients were recruited from a multi-institutional, prospective, transversal study. Patients answered the SDM-Q-9 after visiting their medical oncologist who, in turn, completed the SDM-Q-Physician version. Reliability, factorial structures [exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)], and convergent validity of the SDM-Q-9 scores were explored. Results: SDM-Q-9 showed a clear factorial structure, compatible with a strong and replicable general factor and a secondary group factor, in patients with resected, non-metastatic cancer. Total sum scores derived from the general factor showed good reliability in terms of omega coefficient: .90. The association between patient and physician perception of SDM was weak and failed to reach statistical significance. Males and patients over 60 years of age displayed the greatest satisfaction with SDM. Conclusions: SDM-Q-9 can aid in evaluating SDM from the cancer patients' perspective. SDM-Q-9 is helpful in studies examining patient perspectives of SDM and as an indicator of the degree of quality and satisfaction with health care and patient-physician relationship

Antecedentes/Objetivo: Este estudio analiza las propiedades psicométricas del Questionnaire Shared Decision-Making (SDM-Q-9) en pacientes con cáncer resecado, no metastásico y elegible para quimioterapia adyuvante. Métodos: Un total de 568 pacientes fueron reclutados en un estudio multi-institucional, prospectivo, transversal. Los pacientes respondieron al SDM-Q-9 después de visitar a su oncólogo que, a su vez, completó el SDM-Q-versión médico. Se estudiaron la fiabilidad, la estructura factorial (análisis factorial exploratorio y análisis factorial confirmatorio) y la validez convergente de las puntuaciones del SDM-Q-9. Resultados: La escala SDM-Q-9 mostró una estructura factorial clara, compatible con un factor general fuerte y replicable y un factor de grupo secundario, en pacientes con cáncer resecado y no metastásico. La puntuación del factor general mostró una buena fiabilidad en términos de coeficiente omega: 0,90. La asociación entre la percepción del médico y del paciente en la SDM fue débil y no logró alcanzar significación estadística. Los hombres y los pacientes mayores de 60 años mostraron mayor satisfacción con la toma de decisión compartida. Conclusiones: SDM-Q-9 puede ayudar en la evaluación de la toma de decisión compartida desde la perspectiva de los pacientes de cáncer y como indicador del grado de calidad y satisfacción en el cuidado de la salud en la relación médico-paciente

The mediating role of spirituality (meaning, peace, faith) between psychological distress and mental adjustment in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were (a) to determine the psychometric properties of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) scale and (b) to provide that FACIT scores behave one-dimensional to establish the mediating role of spiritual well-being in psychological distress and mental adjustment in a sample of patients with non-metastatic, resected cancer. METHOD: A total of 504 consecutive patients completed the FACIT-Sp, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scales. The dimensionality and structure of the scale were assessed by semi-confirmatory factor analysis; the reliability of the derived scale scores was evaluated using the omega coefficient, and regression analysis appraised the FACIT-Sp's mediating role between psychological distress and mental adjustment. RESULTS: A clear and theoretically interpretable solution in two factors that agreed generally with solutions reported in other languages was obtained for the FACIT item scores and omega reliabilities of the derived Meaning/Peace (0.85) and Faith (0.86) scales were acceptable. The oblique solution in two factors was compatible with an essentially unidimensional solution of general well-being and associated strongly with psychological distress and mental adjustment. Spiritual well-being acted as a partial mediator between psychological distress and mental adjustment strategies, such as fighting spirit, hope, and cognitive avoidance. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the FACIT-Sp scale is a reliable and valid clinical evaluation tool, and further highlights the potential clinical implications of spirituality for improving quality of life and adjustment to cancer.

Program factor at 10: origins, developent and future directions / 10 años del programa FACTOR: una revisión crítica de sus orígenes, desarrollo y líneas futuras

BACKGROUND: We aim to provide a conceptual view of the origins, development and future directions of FACTOR, a popular free program for fitting the factor analysis (FA) model. METHOD: The study is organized into three parts. In the first part we discuss FACTOR in its initial period (2006-2012) as a traditional FA program with many new and cutting-edge features. The second part discusses the present period (2013-2016) in which FACTOR has developed into a comprehensive program embedded in the framework of structural equation modelling and item response theory. The third part discusses expected future developments. RESULTS: at present FACTOR has attained a degree of technical development comparable to commercial software, and offers options not available elsewhere. DISCUSSION: We discuss several shortcomings as well as points that require changes or improvements. We also discuss the functioning of FACTOR within its community of users

ANTECEDENTES: se pretende dar una visión conceptual del origen, desarrollos y futuras líneas de investigación de FACTOR, un popular programa no comercial de análisis factorial (AF). MÉTODO: el estudio se organiza en tres partes. En la primera se discute FACTOR en su etapa inicial (2006-2012) como un programa AF tradicional con opciones novedosas. En la segunda se discute la etapa actual (2013-2016) en la que FACTOR se presenta ya como un programa general enmarcado tanto en los modelos de ecuaciones estructurales como en la teoría de respuesta a los ítems. En la tercera parte, finalmente se discute la esperada evolución futura del programa. RESULTADOS: en la actualidad FACTOR ha alcanzado un grado de desarrollo técnico comparable al software comercial, ofreciendo opciones no disponibles en otros programas. DISCUSIÓN: se discuten algunas limitaciones, así como varios puntos que requieren cambios o mejoras. Se discute también el funcionamiento del programa dentro de la comunidad de usuarios

Validation of the Child Feeding Questionnaire in Spanish Parents of Schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability and factorial validity of the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) within a Spanish sample. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: All schools in a Spanish Mediterranean city of about 100,000 inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS: From a potential population of 1,623 children (mean age, 8.5 years), 960 parents (459 fathers and 501 mothers) of 515 children participated (32% response). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Spanish version of the CFQ was completed by both parents. Body mass index of the children was obtained from measured heights and weights. Parents reported their anthropometric and employment data. ANALYSIS: Reliability was assessed using Cronbach α. Factorial validity was examined by Procrustes semi-confirmatory factor and confirmatory factor analyses. RESULTS: Seven major factors with loadings similar to those in the original questionnaire were found: perceived responsibility, perceived parent weight, perceived child weight, concern about child weight (CN), pressure to eat (PE), monitoring, and restriction. Reliability was adequate for each factor and overall CFQ (α = .86). Goodness of fit indexes for confirmatory factor analysis solutions was acceptable. Item loadings ranged from 0.30 to 0.92. The factor of CN was associated with restriction [multivariate coefficient (R(2)) = 0.14; P < .001] and PE (R(2) = 0.36; P< .001). Child's body mass index showed a negative association with PE (R(2) = 0.11; P < .001) and a positive association with CN (R(2) = 0.25; P < .001) and factors related to feeding control (monitoring and restriction, R(2) = 0.04 and R(2) = 0.09, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Results support the reliability and validity of the CFQ for a Spanish population, allowing for comparisons across cultures. The CFQ may be useful to identify parental feeding attitudes that can contribute to preventing risky eating behaviors in their children.

Controlling social desirability may attenuate faking effects: a study with aggression measures / Controlar la deseabilidad social puede atenuar los efectos del falseamiento: un estudio con medidas de agresividad

Background: Several studies have been conducted to better understand what happens with personality scores when faking occurs, but very few use socially undesirable trait measures such as aggression. The aim of the present research is twofold: (a) we aim to apply a General Factorial-Analytic procedure to aggression scales and determine whether it can correct for faking effects; (b) we aim to test the impact that individual differences can have on change scores due to faking. Method: Participants were 371 undergraduate students. Of these, 215 answered the questionnaires twice, under neutral conditions and under faking-motivating conditions. 156 were the control group who answered the questionnaires twice, both times under neutral conditions. Results: The mean comparison tests as well as the repeated measures ANOVA showed significant results. Individual differences played an important role in all the scales except in physical aggression. Conclusions: The results showed that the procedure does correct for faking effects and that individual differences have an important impact on the change scores due to faking, except in the most undesirable Physical aggression measure, which was hardly affected (AU)

Antecedentes: varios estudios han intentado entender qué sucede con las puntuaciones de las medidas de personalidad cuando se produce falseamiento, pero pocos han utilizado medidas socialmente indeseables como la agresividad. El presente estudio tiene dos objetivos principales: (a) se quiere aplicar el método Analítico Factorial General a las escalas de agresividad para determinar si el método puede corregir los efectos del falseamiento; (b) se quiere comprobar el impacto de las diferencias individuales en las puntuaciones de cambio debido a falseamiento. Método: 371 estudiantes universitarios participaron en el estudio. De ellos, 215 respondieron el cuestionario dos veces, bajo condiciones neutras y bajo condición de falseamiento. 156 participantes formaron el grupo control, contestando dos veces el cuestionario bajo condiciones neutras. Resultados: tanto las pruebas de comparación de medias como el ANOVA de medidas repetidas obtuvieron resultados significativos. Las diferencias individuales tuvieron un papel importante en todas las escalas excepto en la de agresividad física. Conclusiones: los resultados muestran que el método corrige los efectos del falseamiento y que las diferencias individuales tienen un papel importante en las puntuaciones de cambio debido a falseamiento, con la excepción de la medida de agresividad más indeseable, la agresividad física, que casi no se ve afectada (AU)

Controlling social desirability may attenuate faking effects: a study with aggression measures.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been conducted to better understand what happens with personality scores when faking occurs, but very few use socially undesirable trait measures such as aggression. The aim of the present research is twofold: (a) we aim to apply a General Factorial-Analytic procedure to aggression scales and determine whether it can correct for faking effects; (b) we aim to test the impact that individual differences can have on change scores due to faking. METHOD: Participants were 371 undergraduate students. Of these, 215 answered the questionnaires twice, under neutral conditions and under faking-motivating conditions. 156 were the control group who answered the questionnaires twice, both times under neutral conditions. RESULTS: The mean comparison tests as well as the repeated measures ANOVA showed significant results. Individual differences played an important role in all the scales except in physical aggression. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the procedure does correct for faking effects and that individual differences have an important impact on the change scores due to faking, except in the most undesirable Physical aggression measure, which was hardly affected.

Evaluación TRI de la escala I-E de Rotter: un nuevo enfoque y algunas consideraciones / An IRT assessment of Rotter’s I-E scale: a new approach and some considerations

Se evalúa el funcionamiento y propiedades de medida de la versión española de la escala de Locus de Control de Rotter; dicha evaluación utiliza un nuevo enfoque basado en la teoría de respuesta al ítem. Nuestro procedimiento permite: (a) detectar el impacto de los sesgos de respuesta (aquiescencia y deseabilidad social); (b) evaluar de forma clara la dimensionalidad y estructura del test; (c) evaluar las posibles causas del deficiente funcionamiento de algunos ítems; y (d) incrementar la precisión de la medida. Globalmente, los resultados no contradicen lo obtenido en estudios previos, pero permiten matizar algunas de las críticas que ha recibido la escala. Se proponen algunas recomendaciones para su uso (AU)

This study assessed the functioning and measurement properties of Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale in its Spanish version by using a new approach based on Item Response Theory. Our procedure allows us: (a) to detect the impact of response biases (acquiescence and social desirability); (b) to evaluate clearly the test dimensionality and structure; (c) to evaluate and understand the causes of some items’ inefficiency; and (d) to increase measurement precision. Globally, the results do not contradict those obtained in previous research, but allow some of the criticisms the scale had received to be qualified. Some recommendations for use are proposed (AU)

[Aging without seeing: evaluation of the adjustment to loss of sight during old age]. / Envejecer sin ver: evaluación del ajuste a la pérdida visual sobrevenida en la vejez.

INTRODUCTION: The adjustment process to visual impairment can be approached by using theoretical models. The key variables in these models are usually measured by using psychometric instruments. The measurements can be taken from those already existing for the general population or be specifically designed for the visually impaired population. If the chosen measurements are reasonably valid and behave as the model predicts, they can be further used for designing programs that improve the process of adjusting. We describe the identification, adaptation and validation of some theses measurements. METHOD: We selected the psychometrics instruments to be used in the research: the Age-Related Vision Loss Scale (AVL) by Horowitz and Reinhardt; the Nottingham Adjustment Scale (NAS) by Dodds, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) by Brink and Yesavage. The AVL and NAS were adapted for use in Spain. The referred measurements were applied to a sample of 335 respondents together with the Scale of Subjective Wellbeing (EBS), and their psychometric properties were assessed. RESULTS: The estimated reliabilities were: AVL (0.80), NASA2 (0.87), NASB (0.81), NASC (0.75), NASE (0.87), GDS (0.90). The relationships between the measurements were all in the expected direction, and the magnitude of the convergent-validity coefficients was considered as acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggests that the available measurements discussed above are appropriate for assessing the adjustment process, and are useful tools for individual assessment, as well as for designing intervention programs. All the measurements are available in computerized form in www.proyectotarragona.es.

[An IRT assessment of Rotter's I-E scale: a new approach and some considerations]. / Evaluación TRI de la escala I-E de Rotter: un nuevo enfoque y algunas consideraciones.

This study assessed the functioning and measurement properties of Rotter's Locus of Control Scale in its Spanish version by using a new approach based on Item Response Theory. Our procedure allows us: (a) to detect the impact of response biases (acquiescence and social desirability); (b) to evaluate clearly the test dimensionality and structure; (c) to evaluate and understand the causes of some items' inefficiency; and (d) to increase measurement precision. Globally, the results do not contradict those obtained in previous research, but allow some of the criticisms the scale had received to be qualified. Some recommendations for use are proposed.

Envejecer sin ver: evaluación del ajuste a la pérdida visual sobrevenida en la vejez / Aging without seeing: evaluation of the adjustment to loss of sight during old age

Introducción. El proceso de ajuste a la discapacidad visual puede aproximarse y describirse utilizando modelos teóricos que facilitan su comprensión. Estos modelos suelen evaluarse usando instrumentos de medida de las variables que los componen. Pueden proceder de los existentes para la población en general, o haber sido diseñados expresamente para la población con discapacidad visual. Introducción. La comprobación de la validez de los instrumentos de medida del proceso de ajuste a la discapacidad visual constituye un paso previo necesario para el diseño de programas de intervención inspirados en sus modelos teóricos de referencia. Introducción. En este artículo se exponen los resultados de la adaptación y la validación de las pruebas que permiten realizar una evaluación con suficientes garantías de fiabilidad y validez. Método. Se seleccionaron los instrumentos de medida a utilizar en la investigación: a) la escala Age related Vision Loss (AVL) de Horowitz y Reinhardt; b) la escala Nottingham de Ajuste (NAS) de Dodds, y c) la Escala Geriátrica de Depresión (GDS) de Brink y Yesavage. Las escalas AVL y NAS se adaptaron a la lengua y cultura españolas. Estos instrumentos, junto con la Escala de Bienestar Subjetivo (EBS), se administraron a una muestra de 335 personas. Se evaluaron la fiabilidad interna y la validez de las medidas. Resultados. Las fiabilidades estimadas fueron de: AVL (0,80), NASA2 (0,87), NASB (0,81), NASC (0,75), NASE (0,87) y GDS (0,90). Para la mayor parte de las relaciones entre las escalas los coeficientes de validez convergente se consideran apropiados. Conclusiones. Los instrumentos de evaluación analizados sirven para medir el proceso de ajuste a la discapacidad en personas mayores y de orientación al profesional de la psicología para el diseño y el seguimiento de programas de intervención. Las pruebas están disponibles para su descarga en http://www.proyectotarragona.es(AU)

Introduction. The adjustment process to visual impairment can be approached by using theoretical models. The key variables in these models are usually measured by using psychometric instruments. The measurements can be taken from those already existing for the general population or be specifically designed for the visually impaired population. If the chosen measurements are reasonably valid and behave as the model predicts, they can be further used for designing programs that improve the process of adjusting. Introduction. We describe the identification, adaptation and validation of some theses measurements. Method. We selected the psychometrics instruments to be used in the research: the Age-Related Vision Loss Scale (AVL) by Horowitz and Reinhardt; the Nottingham Adjustment Scale (NAS) by Dodds, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) by Brink and Yesavage. The AVL and NAS were adapted for use in Spain. The referred measurements were applied to a sample of 335 respondents together with the Scale of Subjective Wellbeing (EBS), and their psychometric properties were assessed. Results. The estimated reliabilities were: AVL (0.80), NASA2 (0.87), NASB (0.81), NASC (0.75), NASE (0.87), GDS (0.90). The relationships between the measurements were all in the expected direction, and the magnitude of the convergent-validity coefficients was considered as acceptable. Conclusions. Our results suggests that the available measurements discussed above are appropriate for assessing the adjustment process, and are useful tools for individual assessment, as well as for designing intervention programs. Conclusions. All the measurements are available in computerized form in www.proyectotarragona.es(AU)