Showing papers in "Journal of Personality Assessment in 2018"
TL;DR: This article briefly reviews methodological studies in minimal technical detail and provides a demonstration to easily quantify the large influence measurement quality has on fit index values and how greatly the cutoffs would change if they were derived under an alternative level of measurement quality.
Abstract: Latent variable modeling is a popular and flexible statistical framework. Concomitant with fitting latent variable models is assessment of how well the theoretical model fits the observed data. Alt...
170 citations
TL;DR: The LPFS–BF 2.0 is a psychometrically satisfactory instrument that generally captures theoretically expected self–other features of personality dysfunctioning, in particular lack of healthy functioning and fulfillment but to a lesser degree overcompensatory and antagonistic features.
Abstract: This study examined the utility of the Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF 2.0) in measuring features corresponding to self-other impairment of personality functioning as defined in the new general diagnostic guidelines for Personality Disorder in DSM-5 Section III and ICD-11. A mixed clinical sample (N = 228) composed of 121 psychiatric outpatients and 107 incarcerated addicts was administered the LPFS-BF 2.0, World Health Organization Wellbeing Index (WHO-5), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5), and the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI). The LPFS-BF 2.0 yielded two latent components that correspond to an interpretation of self- and interpersonal functioning, and showed relevant associations with severity indexes, well-being, dysfunctional schema modes, and lack of healthy functioning modes. The LPFS-BF 2.0 also demonstrated incremental prediction of reduced healthy adult functioning, fulfillment, and well-being over and above the total PID-5 trait score, although this did not apply to dysregulated anger and overcompensatory coping. Taken together, the LPFS-BF 2.0 is a psychometrically satisfactory instrument that generally captures theoretically expected self-other features of personality dysfunctioning, in particular lack of healthy functioning and fulfillment but to a lesser degree overcompensatory and antagonistic features. Findings warrant replication in different clinical and forensic populations.
73 citations
TL;DR: The structure, reliability, and validity of the Levels of Personality Functioning Scale–Self Report (LPFS–SR) are examined, highlighting important issues in assessing personality pathology, and point toward novel avenues for research on personality disorder classification.
Abstract: In this study we examined the structure, reliability, and validity of the Levels of Personality Functioning Scale-Self Report (LPFS-SR) in 3 large community samples. The LPFS-SR is a questionnaire with content that corresponds directly to the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders, Criterion A. We found that the LPFS-SR was highly reliable across a brief retest interval. LPFS-SR scores correlated substantially with a wide range of maladaptive personality traits, personality disorder constructs, and interpersonal problems. The LPFS-SR did not correlate as strongly with aspects of personality with less clear relations to distress and dysfunction. Data further support that identity, self-direction, intimacy, and empathy components of the LPFS-SR can be characterized by a single factor and have similar correlations with criterion variables, consistent with the hypothesis that DSM-5 Criterion A is a relatively homogeneous construct. Overall, these results support the validity of the LPFS-SR, highlight important issues in assessing personality pathology, and point toward novel avenues for research on personality disorder classification.
58 citations
TL;DR: The proposed Mentalization Scale (MentS) is deemed suitable for quick, yet meaningful, assessments of mentalization in both individual differences research and clinical contexts.
Abstract: The psychometric properties of a new 28-item self-report measure of mentalization, the Mentalization Scale (MentS), were examined in 2 studies: with a sample of employed adults and university students (N1 = 288 + 278) and with a sample of persons with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and matched controls (N2 = 62 + 62). Besides the MentS, both studies employed measures of attachment and the Big Five; Study 1 also included assessments of empathy and emotional intelligence. MentS whole-scale internal consistency was good in the community and acceptable in the clinical sample (α = .84 and .75, respectively). A principal components analysis of Study 1 data yielded 3 interpretable factors, or subscales: Self-Related Mentalization (MentS-S), Other-Related Mentalization (MentS-O), and Motivation to Mentalize (MentS-M). These showed acceptable reliabilities (α = .74-.79), except for MentS-M in the clinical sample (α = .60). MentS scores further exhibited a coherent pattern of correlations with cognate constructs and the Big Five, relating positively to empathy, trait and ability emotional intelligence, openness, extraversion, and conscientiousness, and negatively to attachment avoidance and anxiety, and neuroticism. Persons with BPD scored significantly lower on MentS total and MentS-S. The proposed scale is thus deemed suitable for quick, yet meaningful, assessments of mentalization in both individual differences research and clinical contexts.
50 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that the LoPF–Q 12–18 questionnaire is a clinically useful instrument to assess personality pathology in young people and that the concept of personality functioning is useful in detecting and describing central impairments of PD pathology at an early stage of development.
Abstract: The classification of personality disorders (PDs) is in transition. The shortcomings of the categorical PD diagnoses led to the development of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorder...
46 citations
TL;DR: The Lifespan Self-Esteem Scale (LSE) as discussed by the authors is a short measure of global self-esteem suitable for populations drawn from across the lifespan, which is a 4-item measure with a 5-point response format using items inspired by established selfesteem scales.
Abstract: This article introduces the Lifespan Self-Esteem Scale (LSE), a short measure of global self-esteem suitable for populations drawn from across the lifespan. Many existing measures of global self-esteem cannot be used across multiple developmental periods due to changes in item content, response formats, and other scale characteristics. This creates a need for a new lifespan scale so that changes in global self-esteem over time can be studied without confounding maturational changes with alterations in the measure. The LSE is a 4-item measure with a 5-point response format using items inspired by established self-esteem scales. The scale is essentially unidimensional and internally consistent, and it converges with existing self-esteem measures across ages 5 to 93 (N = 2,714). Thus, the LSE appears to be a useful measure of global self-esteem suitable for use across the lifespan as well as contexts where a short measure is desirable, such as populations with short attention spans or large projects assessing multiple constructs. Moreover, the LSE is one of the first global self-esteem scales to be validated for children younger than age 8, which provides the opportunity to broaden the field to include research on early formation and development of global self-esteem, an area that has previously been limited.
40 citations
TL;DR: A practical and actionable process for factor analysis is demonstrated through an overview of six statistical and psychometric issues and approaches to be aware of, investigate, and report when engaging in factor structure validation, along with a flowchart for recommended procedures to understand latent factor structures.
Abstract: Despite the broad literature base on factor analysis best practices, research seeking to evaluate a measure's psychometric properties frequently fails to consider or follow these recommendations. T...
40 citations
TL;DR: The TRAP–18 appears to advance the domain recommendations of Monahan (2012, 2016) for the risk assessment of the individual terrorist and is further discussed as a threat assessment instrument for mental health clinicians.
Abstract: The Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP-18) is a structured professional judgment instrument for threat assessment of the individual terrorist. It is a rationally derived theoretical model comprising eight proximal warning behaviors and 10 distal characteristics. Empirical research on the TRAP-18 is reviewed, including both nomothetic and idiographic studies of individual terrorists in both the United States and Europe. Mean interrater reliability is 0.895 (Cohen's kappa), ranging from 0.69 to 1.0. Evidence of criterion validity has been demonstrated, including usefulness of the instrument across various extremist ideologies (jihadism, ethnic nationalism, and single-issue), and its ability to discriminate between thwarted and successful attackers. The instrument appears to advance the domain recommendations of Monahan (2012, 2016) for the risk assessment of the individual terrorist. The TRAP-18 is further discussed as a threat assessment instrument for mental health clinicians. The limitations of the current research provide direction for further studies to assess its reliability and construct, discriminant, and predictive validity.
38 citations
TL;DR: Overall the level of personality functioning was measured with a sufficient degree of IRR when assessed by the SCID–5–AMPD I, and the test–retest study revealed questionable reliability estimates for some subdomains.
Abstract: The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) presents an alternative model for personality disorders in which severity of personality pathology is evaluated by the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS). The Structured Interview for the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, Module I (SCID-5-AMPD I) is a new tool for LPFS assessment, but its interrater reliability (IRR) has not yet been tested. Here we examined the reliability of the Norwegian translation of the SCID-5-AMPD I, applying two different designs: IRR assessment based on ratings of 17 video-recorded SCID-5-AMPD I interviews by five raters; and test-retest IRR based on interviews of 33 patients administered by two different raters within a short interval. For the video-based investigation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ranged from .77 to .94 for subdomains, .89 to .95 for domains, and .96 for total LPFS. For the test-retest investigation, ICC ranged from .24 to .72 for subdomains, .59 to .90 for domains, and .75 for total LPFS. The test-retest study revealed questionable reliability estimates for some subdomains. However, overall the level of personality functioning was measured with a sufficient degree of IRR when assessed by the SCID-5-AMPD I.
37 citations
TL;DR: Results showed that student clinicians can learn Criterion A of the AMPD to a high level of interrater reliability and agreement with expert ratings, and the model, including the LPF, is very learnable.
Abstract: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. [DSM–5]; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) Section III Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) represents a novel...
34 citations
TL;DR: Both interviews have good interrater reliability and are coherent with the alternative model for personality disorder diagnosis proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), Section III.
Abstract: This article demonstrates the utility of a theory-guided psychodynamic approach to the assessment of personality and personality pathology based on the object relations model developed by Kernberg (1984). We describe a clinical interview, the Structural Interview (SI; Kernberg, 1984), and also a semistructured approach, the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO; Clarkin, Caligor, Stern, & Kernberg, 2004) based on this theoretical model. Both interviews focus on the assessment of consolidated identity versus identity disturbance, the use of adaptive versus lower level defensive operations, and intact versus loss of reality testing. In the context of a more clinically oriented assessment, the SI makes use of tactful confrontation of discrepancies and contradictions in the patient's narrative, and also takes into account transference and countertransference phenomena, whereas the more structured approach of the STIPO incorporates clinical judgment informed by clinical theory into a well-guided interaction with the patient. Both interviews have good interrater reliability and are coherent with the alternative model for personality disorder diagnosis proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), Section III. Finally, they provide the clinician with specific implications for prognosis and treatment planning and can rationally guide clinical decision making.
TL;DR: Evidence of suicidal motives and life indifference, perceived victimization, and desires for attention or fame are reviewed, and a list of specific warning signs is provided, and recommendations for future research are offered.
Abstract: In the United States and Europe, the distinction between public mass shooters and suicide terrorists no longer seems particularly meaningful. A number of public mass shooters have considered using bombs and claimed to be sacrificing themselves for an ideological cause, and many suicide terrorists have attacked without organizational support, using firearms, for what appear to be largely personal reasons. Previous research has also documented several common factors in these offenders' lives, including (a) suicidal motives and life indifference, (b) perceived victimization, and (c) desires for attention or fame. These factors are not always easy for observers to recognize in advance, so mental health professionals, the public, and law enforcement officials might need help from experts to more successfully identify at-risk individuals. This article reviews the evidence of each factor, provides a list of specific warning signs, and offers recommendations for future research. Ultimately, an evidence-based approach to prevention could help save both the lives of many potential victims and the lives of the would-be attackers themselves.
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that a version of the NPI that employs a Likert format can justifiably be used in place of the original, and similar construct validity to the original forced-choice format is found.
Abstract: The Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) is one of the most popular measures of narcissism. However, its use of a forced-choice response set might negatively affect some of its psychometric properties. The purpose of this research was to compare a Likert version of the NPI, in which only the narcissistic response of each pair was given, to the original NPI, in 3 samples of participants (N = 1,109). To this end, we compared the nomological networks of the forced-choice and Likert formats of the NPI in relation to alternative measures of narcissism, narcissistic personality disorder, entitlement, self-esteem, general personality traits (reported by self and informants), interpersonal styles, and general pathological traits included in the DSM–5. The Likert format NPI—total and subscales—manifested similar construct validity to the original forced-choice format across all criteria with only minor differences that seem to be due mainly to the increased reliability and variability found in the Like...
TL;DR: The article synthesizes the existing evidence base regarding the relationship between mental disorders and personality traits and (a) attitudinal affinities with violent causes and a number of violent behaviors (including mass murder and terrorism).
Abstract: This article aims to move away from intuitive appeals that link mental disorder with violence such as terrorism, mass murder, and other targeted violence. The article synthesizes the existing evidence base regarding the relationship between mental disorders and personality traits and (a) attitudinal affinities with violent causes, and (b) a number of violent behaviors (including mass murder and terrorism). The evidence base is mixed and the research focus changed across time: from simple and unempirical assertions of causation to an almost complete rejection of their presence to a finer grained and disaggregated understanding. Empirical research examining mental disorder in crime and violence highlights that the commission of such events is a complex synthesis of psychopathology, personal circumstance, and environment. The article concludes with several suggestions regarding future research and practice.
TL;DR: The results suggested theLPFS OR could be reliably coded, and the LPFS OR and LPFS SRA were significantly associated with outcome variables across psychodynamic and interpersonal paradigms.
Abstract: The Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS) operationalizes Criterion A of the DSM-5 alternative model for personality disorders. Yet, research on this measure has been slow to accumulate and questions remain regarding its reliability and validity. This study examined the LPFS observer-rated (OR) and self-report (SRA) versions of Criterion A in a sample of 240 students who provided psychological life history data and a variety of self-report measures. The results suggested the LPFS OR could be reliably coded, and the LPFS OR and LPFS SRA were significantly associated with outcome variables across psychodynamic and interpersonal paradigms. We discuss the implications of assessing personality dysfunction using the LPFS and the importance of expanding the research base for the AMPD model.
TL;DR: A 3-dimensional cognitive-developmental framework is introduced that LEAS scores plausibly track, including the transition from focusing on external/physical to internal/psychological characteristics, greater conceptual complexity, and self–other differentiation.
Abstract: The Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) has received considerable support as a reliable and valid measure of individual differences in emotional awareness (EA) since the original report involving 40 participants (Lane, Quinlan, Schwartz, Walker, & Zeitlin, 1990 ). However, the hypothesized developmental nature of EA (conceptualized as a cognitive skill) has thus far only been examined in that 1 early study. Here we report multiple regression analyses on the entire sample of 94 participants who completed the LEAS as part of that original study, as well as the same developmental and affective measures used in the original report. We first observed that different developmental measures, including the Object Relations Inventory and the Sentence Completion Test of Ego Development, accounted for unique portions of the variance in LEAS scores. We also observed that higher LEAS scores were associated with greater within-category variance in the self-reported positive and guilt- and shame-related emotions people reported experiencing on a typical day. Based on these findings, we introduce a 3-dimensional cognitive-developmental framework that LEAS scores plausibly track, including (a) the transition from focusing on external/physical to internal/psychological characteristics, (b) greater conceptual complexity, and (c) self-other differentiation. We then discuss the implications of this framework for understanding the nature of EA and for future research.
TL;DR: Based on videotaped assessments of 30 psychotherapeutic in- and outpatients with both instruments, significant correlations between overall scores and domain scales of the two interviews were found and the ratings from both interviews showed high correlations with criteria of clinical severity.
Abstract: In Section III of DSM-5, the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS), a component of the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), offers a dimensional approach to the assessment of personality pathology. Similar to the psychoanalytic concept of personality organization developed by Kernberg ( 1984 ), personality disorders are assessed not only by categorical diagnoses, but also by measuring impairment of personality functioning. In this study we empirically investigate the convergence between two instruments examining personality functioning, the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Module I (SCID-AMPD) and the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO). For this goal, correlations between both the overall scores of the two instruments as well as between the corresponding domain scale scores were examined. In addition, the relationship between interview ratings and clinical criteria quantifying the severity of the disorder (suicide attempts, frequency of psychiatric hospitalization, ICD-10 diagnoses) were analyzed. Based on videotaped assessments of 30 psychotherapeutic in- and outpatients with both instruments, significant correlations between overall scores and domain scales of the two interviews were found. Moreover, the ratings from both interviews showed high correlations with criteria of clinical severity.
TL;DR: Self-report empathy, as assessed by the current simplified Chinese version of the Empathy Quotient, appeared to relate to participants' autistic and alexithymic traits but not sex.
Abstract: This research aimed to validate a simplified Chinese version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ; 60 items) for use with Mainland Chinese people The original English version of the EQ was translated into simplified Chinese Through an online survey, 588 Mainland Chinese participants completed the EQ and 3 other questionnaires: the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS–20) Thirty-five participants completed retesting of the EQ 3 to 4 weeks later Sex differences on the EQ scores and psychometric properties of the EQ items were examined Confirmatory factor analysis suggested that an EQ 15-item structural model fitted the data quite well Self-report empathy, as assessed by the current simplified Chinese version of the EQ, appeared to relate to participants' autistic and alexithymic traits but not sex
TL;DR: The findings support that the PRQ is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the patients’ relational patterns emerging in clinical practice in a clinically coherent and psychometrically robust way.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure and the psychometric properties of the Psychotherapy Relationship Questionnaire (PRQ; Bradley, Heim, & Westen, 2005), a clinician report instrument that measures a wide spectrum of thoughts, feelings, motives, conflicts, and behaviors expressed by patients toward their therapists in psychotherapy. A national sample of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists (N = 314) of different theoretical orientations completed the PRQ, as well as the Shedler–Westen Assessment Procedure–200 (SWAP–200; Westen & Shedler, 1999a, 1999b) to assess the personality of a patient in their care. Factor-analytic procedures identified 6 transference dimensions that showed excellent internal consistencies: (a) hostile, (b) positive/working alliance, (c) special/entitled, (d) anxious/preoccupied, (e) avoidant/dismissing attachment, and (f) sexualized. Factor scores were significantly related to patients’ personality characteristics and psychological functioning, re...
TL;DR: It is illustrated how generalizability theory (G-theory) can extend traditional assessment methods for designing, improving, and evaluating results from both objectively and subjectively scored measures of individual differences.
Abstract: In this article, we illustrate how generalizability theory (G-theory) can extend traditional assessment methods for designing, improving, and evaluating results from both objectively and subjectively scored measures of individual differences. Our illustrations include quantification of multiple sources of measurement error, derivation of unique indexes of consistency for norm- and criterion-referenced interpretations of scores, estimation of score consistency when changing a measurement procedure, and disattenuation of correlation coefficients for measurement error. We also expand G-theory analyses beyond the item level to include parcels and split measures and highlight linkages among G-theory, classical test theory, and structural equation modeling. Computer code and sample data are provided in online supplements to help readers apply the demonstrated techniques to their own assessments.
TL;DR: The degree to which the personality constructs identified by McAdams and Pals and the paradigms of personality assessment described by Wiggins are represented within the AMPD are examined, highlighting that PD nosology rests on personality theory and suggests implications for integrative PD assessment.
Abstract: The DSM-5 Section III alternative model for personality disorders (AMPD) is a personality disorder (PD) nosology based on severity of personality dysfunction and pathological traits. We examined the degree to which the personality constructs identified by McAdams and Pals (2006; dispositional traits, characteristic adaptations, narrative identity) and the paradigms of personality assessment described by Wiggins (2003; psychodynamic, interpersonal, personological, multivariate, empirical) are represented within the AMPD. Nine raters expert with the AMPD and personality evaluated elements of Criterion A and the 25 trait facets of Criterion B for presence of type and degree of personality constructs and paradigms, as well as level of inference. Criterion B showed higher rater agreement compared to Criterion A. Criteria A and B reflect different configurations of construct, paradigm, and level of inference. The characteristic adaptation construct and interpersonal paradigm were strongly reflected in both Criteria A and B. The psychodynamic and personological paradigms and the narrative identity construct were highly correlated, and the multivariate, empirical, and dispositional traits variables were highly correlated. Results illustrate differential conceptual emphases as well as areas of overlap with Criteria A and B. This characterization highlights that PD nosology rests on personality theory and suggests implications for integrative PD assessment.
TL;DR: The proposed Implicit Psychological Capital Questionnaire demonstrated acceptable structural validity that was consistent with and added to prior theorizing, was resistant to response distortion, and predicted work outcomes above and beyond the widely used self-report PCQ and Big Five personality traits.
Abstract: We propose the recently introduced implicit measure of psychological capital (PsyCap), the Implicit Psychological Capital Questionnaire (I-PCQ; Harms & Luthans, 2012), can provide a needed valid alternative to the self-report Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ). We explain the development of the I-PCQ items, assess the structural validity of the instrument, test its vulnerability to response distortion, and assess its capacity to predicting work attitudes and behaviors vis-a-vis the PCQ and Big Five personality facets. We found that the I-PCQ demonstrated acceptable structural validity that was consistent with and added to prior theorizing, was resistant to response distortion, and predicted work outcomes above and beyond the widely used self-report PCQ and Big Five personality traits. We conclude that the I-PCQ represents a valid, easily administered measure of psychological capital that minimizes problems associated with self-reports and is appropriate for use in work settings.
TL;DR: Three alternative IRT models were developed to address modeling problems associated with so-called quasi-continuous or unipolar constructs, which apply only to a subset of the population, or are meaningful at one end of the continuum only.
Abstract: It is generally assumed that the latent trait is normally distributed in the population when estimating logistic item response theory (IRT) model parameters. This assumption requires that the latent trait be fully continuous and the population homogenous (i.e., not a mixture). When this normality assumption is violated, models are misspecified, and item and person parameter estimates are inaccurate. When normality cannot be assumed, it might be appropriate to consider alternative modeling approaches: (a) a zero-inflated mixture, (b) a log-logistic, (c) a Ramsay curve, or (d) a heteroskedastic-skew model. The first 2 models were developed to address modeling problems associated with so-called quasi-continuous or unipolar constructs, which apply only to a subset of the population, or are meaningful at one end of the continuum only. The second 2 models were developed to address non-normal latent trait distributions and violations of homogeneity of error variance, respectively. To introduce these alternative IRT models and illustrate their strengths and weaknesses, we performed real data application comparing results to those from a graded response model. We review both statistical and theoretical challenges in applying these models and choosing among them. Future applications of these and other alternative models (e.g., unfolding, diffusion) are needed to advance understanding about model choice in particular situations.
TL;DR: Signs are drawn for the appropriate choice of personality assessments for use in individual and team development, and a new direction for scientific research are drawn.
Abstract: The acceptance and popularity of personality assessments in organizational contexts has grown enormously over the last 40 years. Although these are used across many applications, such as executive coaching, team building, and hiring and promotion decisions, the focus of most published research on the use of personality assessments at work is biased toward assessment for employee selection. Reviews have therefore tended to use criteria that are appropriate for selection, neglecting the additional and different criteria that are important in relation to employee development. An illustration of the often-discussed scientist-practitioner divide is that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is the most widely known and used personality assessment in organizations, despite harsh criticism by the academic community. This article reviews this debate, and draws implications for the appropriate choice of personality assessments for use in individual and team development, and a new direction for scientific research.
TL;DR: Correlations between personality domain scores and measures of self-esteem, depression, and positive and negative affect were all reduced significantly when the influence of evaluative content represented by the general and keying factors was removed.
Abstract: Exploratory bifactor models with keying factors were applied to item response data for the NEO-FFI-3 and HEXACO-PI-R questionnaires. Loadings on a general factor and positive and negative keying factors correlated with independent estimates of item valence, suggesting that item valence influences responses to these questionnaires. Correlations between personality domain scores and measures of self-esteem, depression, and positive and negative affect were all reduced significantly when the influence of evaluative content represented by the general and keying factors was removed. Findings support the need to model personality inventories in ways that capture reactions to evaluative item content.
TL;DR: Results suggest that AMPD–CAS self-impairments are related to problems of low communion and interpersonal distress and do not appear to tap expected interpersonal problems ofLow agency.
Abstract: Criterion A of the alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) involves the assessment of impairments in self and self in relation to other functioning and can be assessed using the Level of ...
TL;DR: The construction and validation of a comprehensive self-report measure of fantasy, which conceive fantasy as a trait with positive connotation, showed good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, discriminant and convergent construct validity, as well as incremental validity.
Abstract: This paper reports the construction and validation of a comprehensive self-report measure of fantasy. Unlike previous measures of fantasy, which focus on psychopathology, we conceive fantasy as a trait with positive connotation. Principal component analysis (N = 318) and confirmatory factor analyses (N = 345) were conducted using two sociodemographically diverse samples. The results provided support for a two-factor conceptualization of the construct, with the dimensions Imaginative Fantasy and Creative Fantasy. Imaginative Fantasy refers to vivid imagination and absorption in these images and daydreams. Creative Fantasy refers to the activity of using fantasy to create new ideas. The trait measure showed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, discriminant and convergent construct validity, as well as incremental validity. Moreover, in three behavioral studies, we put fantasy scores in relationship with behavioral data in order to provide further proof of validity. A comprehensive measure of fantasy can contribute to our understanding of individual differences in inner experiences, creative processes, and problem solving.
TL;DR: It is argued that clinical information related to an object-relations model of personality pathology can be used by untrained and clinically inexperienced students to rate personality-disordered patients on the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS).
Abstract: We argue that clinical information related to an object-relations model of personality pathology can be used by untrained and clinically inexperienced students to rate personality-disordered patients on the Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS). To do so, 73 clinically inexperienced undergraduate students were asked to assess personality functioning of 10 female inpatients using the LPFS from audio recordings of the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO). LPFS ratings showed acceptable interrater reliability. Moreover, LPFS ratings were significantly associated with external measures of severity of personality pathology (number of DSM-IV-TR personality disorders) as assessed by experienced clinicians. Finally, the students' ratings were also associated with the level of personality organization as measured by experienced clinicians using the STIPO. Our findings confirm that untrained raters can reliably assess personality pathology by rating the LPFS based on material from the STIPO. Implications related to the use of the STIPO as a tool for the assessment of personality pathology according to the DSM-5 Alternative model are discussed.
TL;DR: Overall, results indicated that discrepancy items performed well, order items were adequate with some measurement adjustments, and standards items should be revisited for their cross-cultural utility.
Abstract: The Revised Almost Perfect Scale (APS–R; Slaney, Mobley, Trippi, Ashby, & Johnson, 1996) was designed to measure perfectionistic strivings (standards), perfectionistic concerns (discrepancy), and preferences for neatness and organization (order). In this study, English and Spanish (Arana, Keegan, & Rutsztein, 2009) versions of the APS–R were compared in samples of 283 college students in Argentina and 311 U.S. students. The results offered support for cross-national scalar invariance for discrepancy and order items but standards items, with a few exceptions, raised concerns about their cross-national comparability. Tests of latent means revealed no differences between the countries for discrepancy, but the order factor mean was higher in the U.S. sample. Age and gender had negligible effects on measurement models. Discrepancy was strongly related to depressive symptoms for both samples. Unlike in the U.S. sample, there was a significant association for the Argentina sample between standards and di...
TL;DR: A historical, conceptual, and empirical review of the main uses of the background white space of the Rorschach cards is provided, showing how SR and SI's unique response processes result in different interpretations, and that reviewing their literatures with these distinct interpretations in mind produces the expected patterns of convergent and discriminant validity.
Abstract: Recently, psychologists have emphasized the response process-that is, the psychological operations and behaviors that lead to test scores-when designing psychological tests, interpreting their results, and refining their validity. To illustrate the centrality of the response process in construct validity and test interpretation, we provide a historical, conceptual, and empirical review of the main uses of the background white space of the Rorschach cards, called space reversal (SR) and space integration (SI) in the Rorschach Performance Assessment System. We show how SR and SI's unique response processes result in different interpretations, and that reviewing their literatures with these distinct interpretations in mind produces the expected patterns of convergent and discriminant validity. That is, SR was uniquely related to measures of oppositionality; SI was uniquely related to measures of cognitive complexity; and both SR and SI were related to measures of creativity. Our review further suggests that the Comprehensive System use of a single space code for all uses of white space likely led to its lack of meta-analytic support as a measure of oppositionality (Mihura, Meyer, Dumitrascu, & Bombel, 2013 ). We close by discussing the use of the response process to improve test interpretation, develop better measures, and advance the design of research.