The measurement of reliable and valid indicators of early child development is necessary for assessing phenomena and is useful in the monitoring of ongoing efforts to eradicate inequalities in the social determinants of health. There is an increasing awareness of the contextual, cultural, and developmental influences on constructs used in early child development (ECD) research. Using a measurement perspective, this dissertation examined the issue of measurement invariance and psychometric validity in early child development research. A construct violates the principle of invariance when two persons from different populations who are theoretically identical on the construct being measured have different scores on it. This dissertation consists of three journal-style manuscripts (published or under review) that were used as examples to address the importance of the issue of measurement invariance and psychometric validity in ECD research using data from two unique areas: autism and executive functioning. The three data sets were collected on pre-school children with parents and or teachers as informants and were chosen to represent different levels of data collection – clinical, community, and population. These data sets allowed for the examination of measurement invariance by type of informant, sex, and age of child. The results from the three studies illustrate the importance of assessing measurement invariance in ECD and whether or not the instruments examined can be used to assess sub-group differences with confidence. A lack of measurement invariance found for two of the studies, suggests that observed group differences in latent constructs could be attributed, in part, to measurement bias. More importantly, bias in the measurement of the constructs of severity of social impairment symptoms in autism, and executive functioning across groups could have an impact on services such as patient treatment. These biases could also influence public policy development, particularly when there may be an underlying need for a cross-group approach where belief systems may affect the meaning and structure of constructs. In summary, measurement invariance should be a prerequisite for making any meaningful comparisons across groups. A requirement of establishing measurement invariance should be included in the guidelines for comparative research studies as a necessary first step before an instrument is adopted for use.

Dans le cadre d’une réflexion sur la mobilité internationale, nous nous intéressons dans cette thèse aux motivations des cadres français dans leur intention d’accepter une affectation internationale. Notre étude nous permet de soutenir que cette intention ne dépend pas uniquement des attitudes. Le contrôle comportemental perçu contribue également à la détermination de cette intention. Ce travail s’appuie sur la Théorie du Comportement Planifié (TCP). L’apport théorique de notre recherche est d’appliquer le modèle de la TCP auprès des cadres français pour savoir dans quelle mesure ils ont l’intention d’accepter une affectation internationale. L’apport managérial est de proposer aux entreprises des clés de compréhension leur permettant d’améliorer leurs pratiques de mobilité en identifiant les motivations des cadres pour une affectation internationale. L’apport méthodologique est la proposition de scénarios en fonction du pays de destination pour mettre en évidence la contribution des trois déterminants de cette intention en termes d’attitudes, de normes sociales et de contrôle perçu. / In the context of international mobility, we aim to explore in this thesis the motivations of the French executives regarding their intentions to accept an international assignment.Our study is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and enabled us to conclude that the intentions to accept international assignment does not depend solely on the attitudes. The perceived behavioral control also contribute to the determination of this intention. The theoretical contribution of our research is to apply the model of TPB on the French executives who have the intention to accept an international assignment. The managerial contribution is to offer the firms some key guidelines to broaden their understanding pertaining to the improvement in their practices of mobility by identifying the motivations of the executives for an international assignment.The methodological contribution is the proposition of scenarios based on country of destination for exhibiting the contribution of three determinants of this intention in terms of attitudes, social norms and perceived control.

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Personalidad Resistente (EPR) en estudiantes pertenecientes a universidades privadas de Lima. La muestra quedó compuesta por 300 alumnos (52% mujeres y 48% hombres) con edades entre 18 y 28 años. Se aplicaron los instrumentos EPR, para medir la personalidad resistente, y la Escala de Percepción Global del Estrés (EPGE), que mide la percepción ante situaciones estresantes, con el fin de realizar un análisis convergente y divergente. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio, que demostró que la escala puede ser explicada como tres factores relacionados y como un factor con tres dimensiones. En cuanto a la confiabilidad, el EPR muestra una alta consistencia interna al identificarse un Coeficiente de Omega mayor a .90. Así, en base a los resultados, se concluye que el EPR evidencia propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para ser aplicado a estudiantes de universidades privadas de Lima. / This research aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Hardy Personality Scale (HPS) in students belonging to private universities in Lima. The sample is made up of 300 students (52% women and 48% men) with ages between 18 and 28 years. The HPS, to measure hardy personality, and Global Stress Perception Scale (GSPS), that measures the perception of stressful situations, in order perform a convergent and divergent analysis, were the instruments applied. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed as part of the internal structure analysis, which showed that the scale can be explained as a three related factors and as a factor with three dimensions. Regarding reliability, the HPS shows high internal consistency since it has an Omega Coefficient greater than .90. Thus, based on the results, it is concluded that the HPS evidences adequate psychometric properties to be applied to students of private universities in Lima. / Tesis

Background Demands placed on individuals in occupational and social settings, as well as imbalances in personal traits and resources, can lead to chronic stress. The Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS) measures chronic stress while incorporating domain-specific aspects, and has been found to be a highly reliable and valid research tool. The aims of the present study were to confirm the German version TICS factorial structure in an English translation of the instrument (TICS-E) and to report its psychometric properties. Methods A random route sample of healthy participants (N = 483) aged 18–30 years completed the TICS-E. The robust maximum likelihood estimation with a mean-adjusted chi-square test statistic was applied due to the sample’s significant deviation from the multivariate normal distribution. Goodness of fit, absolute model fit, and relative model fit were assessed by means of the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and the Tucker Lewis Index (TLI). Results Reliability estimates (Cronbach’s α and adjusted split-half reliability) ranged from .84 to .92. Item-scale correlations ranged from .50 to .85. Measures of fit showed values of .052 for RMSEA (Cl = 0.50–.054) and .067 for SRMR for absolute model fit, and values of .846 (TLI) and .855 (CFI) for relative model-fit. Factor loadings ranged from .55 to .91. Conclusion The psychometric properties and factor structure of the TICS-E are comparable to the German version of the TICS. The instrument therefore meets quality standards for an adequate measurement of chronic stress.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evidenciar propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario de Autocontrol Breve (BSCS) en adultos de la provincia de Lima y Arequipa, Perú. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 280 adultos jóvenes entre las edades de 20 a 40 años de los cuales fueron de Lima (58%) de Arequipa (42%) de forma no probabilística del tipo intencional. Se aplicó el Cuestionario de Autocontrol breve (Tangney, Baumeister y Luzio, 2004) y el cuestionario de Agresividad (Matalinares, Yaringaño, Uceda, Fernández, Huari, Campos y Villavicencio, 2012). Se realizó un AFC, el cual dio como resultado 4 dimensiones con χ²/gl = 3.16(< 3), p < .001 el CFI = .95 (>.95), SRMR = .05, la RMSEA = 0.088 (0.068, 0.109) (<.08) y el TLI = .93 (>.95). Se calculó la consistencia interna omega que oscila entre .49 y 73. Se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica de Spearman para el análisis de validez discriminante. El análisis de correlaciones entre BSCS y el cuestionario de Agresividad dio como resultado que todas son negativas y significativas (p < .05), con magnitud entre moderada (rs > .62) y baja (rs >.18). Concluyen que el BSCS brinda evidencias suficientes para seguir siendo estudiado en la población. / The objective of this study was to demonstrate psychometric properties of the Brief Self-Control Questionnaire (BSCS) in adults from the province of Lima and Arequipa, Peru. The sample consisted of 280 young adults between the ages of 20 to 40 years of which were from Lima (58%) of Arequipa (42%) in a non-probabilistic way of the intentional type. The brief Self-Control Questionnaire (Tangney, Baumeister and Luzio, 2004) and the Aggression questionnaire (Matalinares, Yaringaño, Uceda, Fernández, Huari, Campos and Villavicencio, 2012) were applied. An AFC was performed, which resulted in 4 dimensions with χ² / gl = 3.16 (<3), p <.001 the CFI = .95 (> .95), SRMR = .05, the RMSEA = 0.088 (0.068, 0.109) (<.08) and the TLI = .93 (> .95). The omega internal consistency ranging between .49 and 73 was calculated. Spearman's non-parametric test was used for the discriminant validity analysis. The correlation analysis between BSCS and the Aggression questionnaire showed that all of them are negative and significant (p <.05), with a magnitude between moderate (rs> .62) and low (rs> .18). They conclude that the BSCS provides sufficient evidence to continue being studied in the population. / Tesis

No description available.

Les jeunes contrevenants présentent une forte prévalence de troubles mentaux en comparaison des adolescents de la population générale. Il semble qu’une large partie d’entre eux ne reçoivent pas les services et traitements appropriés à leurs conditions mentales, souvent faute de dépistage. Un outil de dépistage semble s’imposer comme un incontournable aux États-Unis et à travers le monde auprès des jeunes contrevenants : le Massachussets Youth Screening Instrument – second version (MAYSI-2). Une version adaptée pour les francophones du Québec est en usage clinique depuis 2016 mais n’a fait l’objet d’aucune étude de validation jusqu’à présent. L’objectif de notre étude est de valider la structure factorielle de la version francophone pour le Québec du MAYSI-2 à partir des données recueillies au sein d’un échantillon d’adolescents québécois hébergés dans des unités pour jeunes contrevenants (N=962). Pour ce faire nous avons analysé la consistance interne de l’instrument et de ses différentes sous-échelles. Nous avons ensuite procédé à une analyse factorielle confirmatoire afin de tester la structure des dimensions et une analyse factorielle confirmatoire multigroupes afin de tester la robustesse des solutions en fonction du genre (garçon : N= 880 -fille : N= 82) et du statut légal (Loi du système de justice pénale pour adolescents, N = 741 et placement en encadrement intensif, N= 207). Nos résultats indiquent que la consistance interne des échelles est bonne pour cinq des sept échelles (Alpha entre 0,704 et 0,805), satisfaisantes pour l’échelle des expériences traumatiques (Alpha de 0,603) et sous les standards pour l’échelle des troubles de la pensée (Alpha de 0,480). Les résultats de l’analyse factorielle confirmatoire indiquent que l’adéquation du modèle factoriel à sept facteurs est au-delà des critères de satisfaction (erreur type de l’approximation (RMSEA) = 0,041, indice de Tucker et Lewis (TLI) = 0,911 et indice d’ajustement comparatif (CFI) = 0,905). Nos mesures de l’invariance de la structure factorielle entre les sous-groupes nous indiquent que le modèle à sept facteurs est une solution satisfaisante pour l’ensemble des sous-groupes de notre étude. Pris dans leur ensemble, nos résultats confirment la validité factorielle de la version francophone pour le Québec du MAYSI-2. Ces résultats soutiennent la pertinence d’implanter plus largement au Québec l’outil MAYSI-2 comme outil de dépistage à utiliser systématiquement auprès des jeunes contrevenants. / Youth offenders have a high prevalence of mental disorders compared to adolescents in the general population. It seems that a large proportion of them do not receive the appropriate services and treatments for their mental conditions, often due to a lack of screening. The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument – second version (MAYSI-2) appears to be a key screening tool for youth offenders in the United States and around the world. A version adapted for Francophones in Quebec has been in clinical use since 2016 but has not been the subject of any validation so far. The objective of our study is to validate the factorial structure of the French- version of the MAYSI-2 for French speaking adolescent in Quebec based on data collected from a sample of adolescent housed in units for youth offenders (N=962). To do this, we analysed the internal consistency of the instrument and its various sub-scales. We then carried out a confirmatory factor analysis to test the structure of the dimensions and a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis to examine the robustness of the solutions according to gender (boy: N= 880 -girl: N= 82) and legal status (LSJPA, N = 741 and Intensive Supervision, N = 207). Our results indicate that the internal consistency of the scales is reliable for five of the seven scales (Alpha between 0.704 and 0.805), satisfactory for the scale of traumatic experiences (Alpha of 0,603) and below the standards for the scale of thought disturbance (Alpha of 0,480). Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the fit of the seven-factor model is beyond the satisfaction criteria (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.041, Tucker and Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.911 and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0,905). Our measures of the invariance of the factor structure between subgroups indicates that the seven-factor model is a satisfactory solution for all subgroups in our study. Taken as a whole, our results confirm the factorial validity of the French-version of the MAYSI-2 for French speaking adolescent in Quebec. These results support the relevance of implementing the French version of the MAYSI-2 tool more widely as a screening tool to be used systematically with French speaking young offenders in Quebec.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala para medir el Clima Emocional (CD – 24) en estudiantes de universidades e institutos privados en Lima Metropolitana. Se evaluó a una muestra de 250 participantes, 53.90 % mujeres y 46.10 % hombres, con edades entre los 18 y 30 años (M = 24 años, DE = 2.44). Se les aplicó, además de la CD-24, la Escala de Clima Socioemocional (ECSE). Como evidencias de validez basada en la estructura interna, se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC), para evaluar el ajuste de la estructura de cinco factores (Miedo, Desesperanza-inseguridad, Seguridad, Confianza social y Rabia) con los 24 ítems de la escala. Como resultado del AFC, se obtuvieron índices de ajuste dentro de lo aceptable en su gran mayoría (χ² = 382.32, gl = 125, CFI = .94, TLI = .93, RMSEA = .090, SRMR = .071). En relación a la validez externa de tipo convergente, se obtuvieron correlaciones significativas de magnitudes débiles y fuertes (entre .20 y .64) con la variable clima socio emocional. Los coeficientes Omega de los factores de la CD - 24 oscilaron entre .64 y .80. Se concluye que la CD-24 y sus puntuaciones derivadas han evidenciado propiedades psicométricas parcialmente adecuadas, por ello es recomendable seguir realizando estudios a fin de continuar con la revisión de sus evidencias psicométricas. / The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Scale to measure Emotional Climate (CD - 24) in students of universities and private institutes in Metropolitan Lima. A sample of 250 participants, 53.90% women and 46.10% men, aged between 18 and 30 years (M = 24 years, SD = 2.44) was evaluated. In addition to the CD-24, the Socio-Emotional Climate Scale (ECSE) was applied to them. As evidence of validity based on the internal structure, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out to evaluate the adjustment of the structure of five factors (Fear, Hopelessness-insecurity, Security, Social trust and Anger) with the 24 items of the scale. As a result of the CFA, fit indices were obtained within what was mostly acceptable (χ² = 382.32, gl = 125, CFI = .94, TLI = .93, RMSEA = .090, SRMR = .071). In relation to the external validity of the convergent type, significant correlations of weak and strong magnitudes (between .20 and .64) were obtained with the variable socio-emotional climate. The Omega coefficients of the CD-24 factors ranged from .64 to .80. It is concluded that the CD-24 and its derived scores have shown partially adequate psychometric properties, therefore it is advisable to continue carrying out studies in order to continue with the review of its psychometric evidence. / Tesis

The present study examined the factor structure and measurement invariance of the revised version of the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI-28), following adjustment of the wording of items such that they were appropriate to assess Coping Skills in an educational setting. A sample of middle school students (n = 1,037) completed the revised inventory. An initial confirmatory factor analysis led to the hypothesis of a better fitting model with two items removed. Reliability of the subscales and the instrument as a whole was acceptable. Items were examined for sex invariance with differential item functioning (DIF) using item response theory, and five items were flagged for significant sex non-invariance. Following removal of these items, comparison of the mean differences between male and female coping scores revealed that there was no significant difference between the two groups. Further examination of the generalizability of the coping construct and the potential transfer of psychosocial skills between athletic and academic settings are warranted.

The current study takes an initial step toward deriving a method for empirically based, theory-driven treatment matching in a military population suffering from PTSD. Along with the more overt symptoms of PTSD (e.g., persistent hyperarousal), secondary cognitive symptoms have also been shown to be significantly associated with avoidance and intrusive symptoms, as well as contribute to functional impairment. Based on the factor analytic and treatment literature for PTSD, it appears that there are two central mechanisms associated with beneficial therapeutic change that underlies both CPT and PE treatments (i.e., habituation, changes in cognitions). Additionally, different traumatic events and peritraumatic responses may be associated with unique symptom profiles and may necessitate targeted treatment. The present study proposes a novel approach to treatment matching based on the factor structure of PTSD and underlying mechanisms of treatment response. More broadly, this paper provides evidence for a broader understanding of peritraumatic responses and the potential implications of these responses for symptom profiles and illness trajectories.