A practical illustration of multidimensional diagnostic skills profiling: Comparing results from confirmatory factor analysis and diagnostic classification models

This article focuses on dimensions of national ethos among educated youths in Malaysia by developing a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model. The main objective is to evaluate national ethos dimensions and develop a CFA model of the national ethos formation. These objectives are achieved by applying four main dimensions to confirm the formation of national ethos: values, feelings and spirit, beliefs and identity dimensions. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach through survey techniques involving 431 students of Universiti Putra Malaysia, comprising 241 Malay and 190 Chinese youth groups. The data analysis used the SEM-AMOS approach to develop a CFA model of the national ethos. The results confirm national ethos of educated youth is formed through the four main dimensions measured. The CFA model has achieved a good level of compatibility based on the set indicators (CMIN = 600.947, DF = 115, CMIN / DF = 5.226, p = 0.000, SRMR = 0.0937, RMSEA = 0.099, CFI = 0.927 and PNFI = 0.771). This study implies a CFA model as a new approach in national ethos formation among educated youths in Malaysia. A future evaluation of a non-educated youth group should also be implemented to assure that this model becomes a holistic model.

Due to the competitiveness of banking industry and increasing bargaining power of customers, evaluation of the banks’ performance is crucial to better serve the classified customers in a universal system .In this paper, with consideration of segmenting the customers into personal and business ones, methods such as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) have been used in selecting appropriate variables of the network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) model based on network slacks-based measure and consideration of the undesirable variables and shared resources. The SEM model has been used to establish a proper connection between the different dimension of the NDEA model and CFA model has been used to identify the importance of each dimension. Also, the proposed model has been used to measure the Operational and decomposed universal efficiency of one of the Iranian bank branches (Day Bank). The results show that the extracted model provides managers with a suitable perspective in adopting appropriate policies to promote their performance in the different sectors, including deposit attraction, financial serving personal and business banking customers, and profit generation, and also in comparing them in the different dimensions of the model.

There has recently been an increased emphasis on patient empowerment and collaboration within their healthcare. However, there is widely a lack of clarity to the concept of empowerment and existing measurement tools lack uniformity, covering diverse domains and related concepts. This study aims to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version of the Empowerment Scale- Making Decisions, focusing on its structural validity and reliability in assessing patient empowerment. This includes a detailed examination of the factor structure across two different contexts, psychiatric care (n = 211) and primary care (n = 210). We will compare several confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models proposed in previous research to identify the best fit. If no models provide a good fit, we intend to suggest a new scale for further evaluation. The dimensionality of the scale was tested by comparing four CFA models, together with a one-factor solution, to identify the best fit for the two samples. Reliability measures were determined by coefficient Omega (ω) as well as Cronbach's alpha (α). There was limited support for the one-factor solution in both samples, challenging the scale's assumed unidimensionality (primary care sample: x2(350) = 1074, p <.001, CFI = 0.58, TLI = 0.54, RMSEA = 0.10 (90% CI: 0.09 - 0.11), SRMR = 0.11; psychiatric care sample: (x2(350) = 1307, p = < 0.001, CFI = 0.66, TLI = 0.63, RMSEA = 0.11 (90% CI:0.11;0.12), SRMR = 0.10). None of the previously suggested factor solutions demonstrated satisfactory fit. However, a three factor-solution entailed the less complexity and best model fit (primary care sample: (x2(270) = 503, p = < 0.001),CFI = 0.85, TLI = 0.84, RMSEA = 0.06 (90% CI 0.06;0.07), SRMR = 0.07; psychiatric care sample: (x2(270) = 622, p <.001), CFI = 0.87, TLI = 0.86, RMSEA = 0.08 (90% CI 0.07;0.09), SRMR = 0.07). Based on this, we continued with exploratory refinements of this solution and arrived at two adjusted three-factor models based on each sample. These two adjusted models displayed only slight differences, and in a last step we removed the items that differed between the samples to arrive at one solution appropriate for use in health care settings in general. As a result, an improved and shortened adaptation of the scale was put forward that included 18 items targeting the subscales Self-Esteem, Powerlessness and Activism. This solution remained relatively clear to the previously proposed solutions (primary care sample:(x2(131) = 240, p <.001), CFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.06 (90% CI 0.05;0.08), SRMR = 0.07; psychiatric care sample: (x2(131) = 379, p <.001), CFI = 0.88, TLI = 0.86, RMSEA = 0.09 (90% CI 0.08;0.10), SRMR = 0.07; combined sample: (x2(131) = 432, p <.001), CFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.07 (90% CI 0.07;0.08), SRMR = 0.06). The results reinforce the difficulties in measuring empowerment given the complexity of this concept. The improved and shortened adaptation of the scale could potentially be used within health care settings to measure empowerment, but further research is needed to conceptualize and measure empowerment in patients with mental health problems. Given scarce support for the scale's unidimensionallity, future research should explore using multiple instruments targeting different constructs to measure patient empowerment more comprehensively.

This study addresses the manner in which trait and rater variance combine in multitrait-multirater (MTMR) performance appraisal data. The Confirmatory Factor Analytic (CFA) model assumes trait and rater variance combine additively, whereas the Composite Direct Product (CDP) model assumes a multiplicative relationship. Implications of these models are explicated for MTMR data, and empirical differences are examined using four data sets. Results indicated that the fit of the CDP model was superior to that of the CFA model in all four data sets. Discussion centered on strengths and weaknesses of the CDP and CFA models, assumptions regarding trait/rater relationships and conflict between conceptual simplicity and realistic representation of relationships. Guidelines for applying the CDP method were provided.

Fundamental movement skills are very important and have an impact on children’s development. This research aims to explore and analyze articles related to fundamental movement skills in elementary schools over the last decade through a bibliometric study in order to explore a research roadmap regarding fundamental movement skills in elementary schools. This bibliometric study takes four stages, namely: (1) searching for articles; (2) classifying articles; (3) checking and completing article metadata; and (4) carrying out bibliometric analysis. This study explores seven findings related to (1) publication trends in fundamental movement skills in elementary schools in 2014-2023; (2) citation trends for fundamental movement skills in elementary schools in 2014-2023; (3) author collaboration that has the strongest link to publications on fundamental movement skills in elementary schools in 2014-2023; (4) Development of author keywords in publications onfundamental movement skills in elementary schools in 2014-2023; (5) Development of abstracts on publications on fundamental movement skills in elementary schools in 2014-2023; (6) institutional collaboration on the publication of fundamental movement skills in elementary schools in 2014-2023; and (7) Distribution of countries that contributed to the publication of fundamental movement skills in elementary schools in 2014-2023. Based on these seven findings, it can be concluded that there is a lack of attention from academics and researchers to fundamental movement skills in elementary schools. This can be seen from the very minimal number of publications in the last decade

The purpose of this study was to validate an original and innovative survey focused on both teens' personal beliefs and how they perceived their peers' beliefs regarding relationship abuse with four research questions: What are the measured constructs in this survey? Is the hypothesized factor structure of the five types of relationship abuse confirmed? Does the validity of constructs vary among racial/ethnic groups and genders? Are there differences between teens' own beliefs on relationship abuse and their perceptions of peers' beliefs? To address these questions, two confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models were examined with 591 high school students' responses. The first CFA model was created based on the exploratory factor analysis results and the second CFA model was created based on the theoretically hypothesized model of five types of relationship abuse. The results indicate that the 5-factor, 11-item model based on the theoretical hypothesis is the best fit to the data. The multiple group model analysis demonstrated that the identified CFA measurement model was invariant across different gender and racial/ethnic groups. The validated instrument of Teen Beliefs on Relationship Abuse Measure is a reliable and valid way to measure both teens' personal beliefs and their perceptions of peers' beliefs on five types of relationship abuse including emotional, physical, sexual, stalking, and digital abuses. With the validated model, t-test results indicate that teens' own beliefs are significantly more positive than their perceptions of their peers' beliefs for all the five factors. The measure is useful for researchers, educators, and parents to measure and understand teen perceptions of themselves and their peers on different types of relationship abuses to better support them develop healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships.

Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (r-RST) of personality is a major neuropsychological theory of motivation, emotion and personality. This paper presents the results of a study examining: (1) the factor structure of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM); and (2) the relationships of the r-RST constructs in the RST-PQ with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom groups of inattention (IA) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI). A total of 572 (Sample 1) and 309 (Sample 2) adults completed the RST-PQ. Participants in Sample 2 also completed a questionnaire measuring ADHD symptoms. Results revealed more support for the ESEM model with six factors than the CFA model. For both the ESEM and CFA models, both IA and HI symptom groups were associated positively with the RST-PQ constructs of behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral approach system (BAS) Impulsivity, with IA also associated negatively with the BAS-Goal-Drive Persistence. The theoretical implications of these findings for understanding the factor structure of the RST-PQ, and for ADHD (IA and HI) in terms of r-RST, are discussed.

Previous research on the construct validity of assessment center (AC) ratings has usually struggled to find support for dimension factors as an underlying source of variance of these ratings. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) remains the most widely used method to specify and validate the internal structure of AC ratings. However, the research support for dimension effects in AC ratings remains mixed. In addition, competing CFA models (e.g., correlated dimensions-correlated exercises models) are often plagued by non-convergence and estimation problems. Recently, it has been proposed that increasing the number of indicators per dimension and exercise combination might help to find support for dimension factors, in addition to exercise factors, in CFAs of AC ratings. Furthermore, it was also suggested that the increased ratio of indicators to dimensions may also solve some of the methodological problems associated with CFA models used to model AC ratings. However, in this research it remained unclear whether the support for dimension factors was solely due to the use of a larger indicator-dimension ratio or due to parceling that combines several behavioral indicators per dimension and exercise combination into more reliable measures of the targeted dimension. These are important empirical questions that have been left unanswered in the literature but can be potentially meaningful in seeking more balanced support for dimension effects in AC research. Using data from N = 213 participants from a 1-day AC, we aimed to investigate the impact of using different indicator-dimension ratios when specifying CFA models of AC ratings. Therefore, we investigated the impact of using different indicator-dimension ratios in the form of item parcels with data from an operational AC. On average, using three parcels eventually led to support for dimension factors in CFAs. However, exercise-based CFA models still performed better than dimension-based models. Thus, the present results point out potential limits concerning the generalizability of recent results that provided support for dimension factors in ACs.

Universalidad del constructo del Maslach Burnout Inventory en un contexto latinoamericano

Assessing fear and anxiety regarding COVID-19 viral infection is essential for investigating mental health during this epidemic. We have developed and validated a Japanese-language version of The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) based on a large, nationwide residential sample (n = 6,750) recruited through news and social media responding to an online version of the questionnaire. Data was collected from August 4–25, 2020. Results correlated with K6, GAD-7 and IES-R psychological scales, and T-tests and analysis of variance identified associated factors. All indices indicated the two-factor model emotional fear reactions and symptomatic expressions of fear a better fit for our data than a single-factor model in Confirmatory Factor Analysis (χ2 = 164.16, p<0.001, CFI 0.991, TLI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.043). Socio-demographic factors identified as disaster vulnerabilities such as female sex, sexual minority, elderly, unemployment, and present psychiatric history associated with higher scores. However, respondent or family member experience of infection risk, or work/school interference from confinement, had greatest impact. Results suggest necessity of mental health support during this pandemic similar to other disasters.

In this paper, we have presented our proposal for reconceptualization and operationalization of Type C (cancer-prone) personality. Based on theoretical analyses, taking into account both the literature on Type C and models of personality structure, we have proposed a two-facet structure of Type C, comprising Submissiveness (the interpersonal aspect) and Restricted Affectivity (the intrapersonal aspect). The study devoted to the validation of the measure of Type C involved 232 participants aged 18–70 (M = 29.35, SD = 8.93; 54% male). We used (a) our proposed measure of Type C personality and (b) the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits Questionnaire (CPM-Q-SF; Strus and Cieciuch, 2017), assessing personality metatraits. The measure of Type C proved to have acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85 for Submissiveness and 0.78 for Restricted Affectivity). The measurement model in confirmatory factor analysis with two latent variables proved to be well-fitted to the data. We have also confirmed the hypothesis concerning the location of the two facets of Type C personality close to each other in the theoretically predicted area between the Delta-Plus/Self-Restraint and Beta-Minus/Passiveness metatraits (in the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits). The clinical value of the theoretically refined Type C can be tested in the next step in research on patients with cancer.

BackgroundWell-being is an important issue in workplace. One of these assessment tools of well-being, Workplace PERMA Profiler, is based on Seligman’s five dimensions well-being. Prolonged fatigue may last for a long time, leading a great impact on both employees and enterprises. However, rare studies about the association between well-being and fatigue had been investigated. Our aim is to establish the Chinese version Profiler, and to discovery the association between workplace well-being and fatigue.MethodsThe Chinese version was established according to International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) task force guidelines. In the study, researchers employed simple random sampling by approaching individuals undergoing health checkups or receiving workplace health services, inviting them to participate in a questionnaire-based interview. Prolonged Fatigue was evaluated by Checklist Individual Strength (CIS). The reliability was evaluated by Cronbach’s alphas, Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), and measurement errors. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis and correlational analyses were assessed for the validity.ResultsThe analyses included 312 Chinese workers. Cronbach’s alphas of the Chinese version ranged from 0.69 to 0.93, while the ICC ranged from 0.70 to 0.92. The 5-factor model of confirmatory factor analysis revealed a nearly appropriate fit (χ2 (82) = 346.560, Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.887, Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.855, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.114, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual [SRMR] = 0.060). Moreover, the CIS and its four dimensions were significantly and negatively associated with the Positive Emotion, while they are positively associated with Engagement dimension except CIS-Motivation dimension.ConclusionThe Chinese version Workplace PERMA-Profiler indicate nice reliability and validity. Furthermore, all CIS dimensions were negatively influenced by Positive Emotion, while commonly positively associated with Engagement.

Validation of the Malay version of the recovery-stress questionnaire for athletes: Application of confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling

A new model of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data sets is presented. It is shown that this model can be defined by only three assumptions in the framework of classical psychometric test theory (CTT). All other properties of the model, particularly the uncorrelatedness of the trait with the method factors are logical consequences of the definition of the model. In the model proposed there are as many trait factors as different traits considered, but the number of method factors is one fewer than the number of methods included in an MTMM study. The covariance structure implied by this model is derived, and it is shown that this model is identified even under conditions under which other CFA-MTMM models are not. The model is illustrated by two empirical applications. Furthermore, its advantages and limitations are discussed with respect to previously developed CFA models for MTMM data.

Background: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the 9-Item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) and the 9-Item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire–Physician version (SDM-Q-Doc) using comprehensive and thorough psychometric methods in an oncology setting. Methods: Cancer survivors (n=1783; 928 [52.05%] males) and physicians (n=154; 121[78.58%] males) participated in this study. Each cancer survivor completed the SDM-Q-9. Physicians completed the SDM-Q-Doc for each of their cancer patient. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch model were used to test the psychometric properties of SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc. Results: SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc demonstrated unidimensional structure in CFA and Rasch model. In addition, the measurement invariance was supported for both SDM-Q-9 and SDM-QDoc across sex using the multigroup CFA. Rash analysis indicates no differential item functioning(DIF)across sex for all the SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc items. SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc were moderately correlated (r=0.41; P<0.001). Conclusion: SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc are valid instruments to assess shared decision making in the oncology setting.