The memory binding test in a longitudinal study of cognitive aging and preclinical disease.

OBJECTIVE: The Memory Binding Test (MBT) shows promise in detecting early cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study assesses the psychometric properties (i.e., construct and criterion validity, test-retest reliability) of the MBT and its sensitivity to incipient disease and incident cognitive impairment. METHOD: One hundred forty-nine cognitively unimpaired adults ages 45-85 completed the MBT and neuropsychological tests at baseline; 132 returned for 2-year follow-up. Based on neuroradiological ratings of amyloid positron emission tomography and MRI markers at baseline, they were categorized as healthy (n = 94) or having preclinical disease (n = 55, either on the AD continuum or having non-AD pathologic change). Construct validity was assessed by the associations between MBT scores, demographics, and neuropsychological scores within the healthy group. Criterion validity was assessed by testing how MBT scores correlate with AD biomarkers, differ and discriminate between groups at baseline, and predict incident cognitive impairment. RESULTS: MBT scores decreased with age and were strongly associated with memory and global cognition. MBT scores were largely not associated with amyloid, hippocampal volume, or AD signature cortical volume but related to white matter lesion volume in those with preclinical disease. The preclinical groups performed worse on MBT immediate free recall at baseline than the healthy group, but no scores predicted incident cognitive impairment at follow-up. Most scores demonstrated modest test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the MBT has adequate construct validity in cognitively unimpaired adults, moderate sensitivity to preclinical disease cross-sectionally, and limited prognostic utility. Careful consideration of demographic influences on score interpretation remains necessary. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring trainee perspectives on barriers and facilitators in serious mental illness doctoral training.

Although there have been momentous and critical advancements in serious mental illness (SMI) psychology doctoral training models and competencies, there is still much systemic change needed to increase access to evidence-based SMI training for psychologists. In the last decade, there has been little to no growth or expansion of SMI training opportunities in clinical psychology doctoral programs in the United States, and psychologists are underrepresented in serving clients with SMI. As trainees and trainers committed to careers in SMI, the contributors aimed to identify barriers and facilitators throughout each stage of the SMI doctoral training pathway, including pregraduate school, graduate school, and internship to reflect critically on systemic issues that have impeded trainees from accessing the appropriate tools for SMI training. This conceptual article reviews the existing literature on barriers and facilitators to accessing SMI training. In centering trainee perspectives, the contributors also reflect on their own experiences through brief narratives illustrating the barriers and facilitators they have faced across training stages with existing empirical research. Recommendations made by the contributors include increasing access to financial support and mechanisms, diversifying departments and practicum sites to include SMI-focused training, and people in positions of power advocating for and centering trainee voices in departmental training decisions and development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Arab American well-being and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Like other racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States, discrimination has contributed to health disparities for Arab Americans and placed them at increased risk for health concerns that have only persisted with the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the present study was to identify how the wellbeing of Arab Americans was impacted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. METHOD: Using a qualitative approach, we gathered responses from 604 Arab Americans to open-ended questions. Relying on coders and thematic analysis, common patterns were identified in the data. RESULTS: Themes and subthemes that focused on the impact of COVID-19 were identified in the data set. The themes of negative outcomes included depression, interpersonal loss, and anxiety. The theme of positive outcomes included time with family, heightened reflection, and strengthened faith. The theme of challenging adjustments included disrupted routine and change in plans. CONCLUSIONS: As Arab Americans in this study reported numerous mental health outcomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conclusion that this group warrants attention in the health disparities discourse was further reinforced. The themes discovered in this study can be used to develop culturally relevant health interventions for Arab Americans as a means of beginning to make health care more accessible for this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Association of positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy with cluster a, borderline, and avoidant personality disorders and traits.

The present study examined the associations of positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy dimensions assessed by the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale with 5 interview-rated personality disorder diagnoses and traits in 151 young adults. As hypothesized, all 3 schizotypy dimensions were associated with impaired functioning. Positive schizotypy was associated with schizotypal and borderline personality traits; negative schizotypy was associated with schizotypal, schizoid, paranoid, and avoidant personality traits; and disorganized schizotypy was associated with paranoid, borderline, and avoidant personality disorder traits. Negative schizotypy predicted broad diagnoses of Cluster A personality disorders. Both negative and disorganized schizotypy predicted the broad diagnosis of any of the 5 personality disorders. The study further examined the association of the schizotypy dimensions with the individual personality disorder criteria to better understand the overall associations. Given the common origins and high comorbidity, we examined whether the schizotypy dimensions explained the association of borderline and schizotypal personality disorder traits. Positive and disorganized schizotypy fully mediated the association between borderline and schizotypal traits. In summary, the study replicated and extended previous findings that the schizotypy dimensions are uniquely associated with personality disorders and traits, as well as impaired functioning, in young adults. The study also provided additional support for the construct validity of the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale and for the use of psychometric assessment of schizotypy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The association of multidimensional schizotypy with symptoms and impairment across racial groups.

The assessment of schizotypy and schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology has historically been adversely impacted by multiple forms of measurement bias, including racial bias. The Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS) was developed using modern scale construction methods to minimize measurement bias in the assessment of schizotypic traits. However, studies have not examined the validity of the measurement across different racial groups. The present study examined whether the associations of MSS positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy subscales with interview-assessed ratings of functioning, schizophrenia-spectrum personality traits, and depressive disorders were generally comparable across nonclinically ascertained samples of Black (n = 46), Asian (n = 87), and White (n = 116) young adults. Consistent with previous findings, all three schizotypy subscales were associated with impairment and schizotypal and paranoid traits. Negative schizotypy was associated with schizoid traits, and disorganized schizotypy was associated with depressive disorders. These associations were comparable across the racial groups, supporting the use of the MSS in these groups. Culturally and empirically valid assessments are essential for providing accurate assessments across racial/ethnic groups and reducing the risk of overpathologizing people of color. The present findings support the cross-cultural validity of the MSS; however, future studies should expand upon these findings by including more diverse samples and longitudinal designs.