Emotional intelligence (EI) in organisations has grown immensely over the past two decades. Considerable research regarding this concept and the advantages it poses for the individual as well as the organisation has been conducted; however, one aspect that has not been explored sufficiently is the extent to which EI can be viewed as a culturally relevant concept. The presumption that emotions can be explained in the same way across different culture cannot be made; therefore measuring EI across cultures becomes important and challenging. Language can be viewed as a vehicle of culture, and emotions are shaped by the language spoken in the specific culture. A quantitative research design was used in this study. The sample consisted of mid-level miners from the Gauteng and North West Province (N = 357). Stratified sampling was used to include the West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans; n = 158) and Sotho group (North Sotho, South Sotho, and Setswana; n = 199). Questionnaires were distributed amongst the participants from the different mines, were completed within a set time, and collected immediately afterwards. The first objective of the study was to determine whether the Greek Emotional Intelligence Scale (GEIS) is a reliable test when measuring West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans) and Sotho (Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, and Setswana) languages. A four-factor model on the combined sample as well as the two language groups was tested. The four factor model of the West-Germanic group showed poor alphas. (Expression and Recognition of Emotions = 0.66; Caring and Empathy = 0.63; Control of Emotions = 0.80 and Use of Emotions to Facilitate Thinking = 0.62.) Several items from the expression and recognition scale cross-loaded on the other three factors, and it was decided to test a three-factor model. The three factor model indicated the best goodness-of-fit indices and showed acceptable alpha coefficients (Use of Emotion to Facilitate Thinking = 0.83; Caring and Empathy = 0.83 and Control of Emotions = 0.77). The second objective was to determine if the Greek Emotional Intelligence Scale is an equivalent measuring instrument when measuring the West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans) and Sotho (Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, and Setswana) languages. Goodness-of-fit was tested on the total population as well as the two language family groups. The four factors are Expression and Recognition of Emotions, Caring and Empathy, Control of Emotions and Use of Emotions. The model indices (GFI, CFI and RMSEA) were satisfactory on the total population as well as the Sotho groups, but there were problems noted when testing the goodness-of-fit for the West- Germanic language group. It was therefore decided to test a three factor model (Use of Emotions, Caring and Empathy and Control of Emotions). These problems could possibly be explained by the cultural differences between the two language groups. The final research objective was to investigate whether the items of the Greek Emotional Intelligence Scale are unbiased when measuring West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans) and Sotho (Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, and Setswana) languages. Firstly, ANOVAS were produced to determine the mean differences between the groups. There weren’t many differences, indicating none or little biasness between the groups. Then, the uniform and non-uniform biasness was tested by means of Ordinal Logistic Regression to asses Differential Item Functioning. The majority of the items did not have both uniform and non-uniform biasness. The few that did however, (41, 37, 36, 14 and 18) can be explained by the different ways in which cultures interpret emotions as proven in the literature. Recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (MCom (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Emotional intelligence (EI) in organisations has grown immensely over the past two decades. Considerable research regarding this concept and the advantages it poses for the individual as well as the organisation has been conducted; however, one aspect that has not been explored sufficiently is the extent to which EI can be viewed as a culturally relevant concept. The presumption that emotions can be explained in the same way across different culture cannot be made; therefore measuring EI across cultures becomes important and challenging. Language can be viewed as a vehicle of culture, and emotions are shaped by the language spoken in the specific culture. A quantitative research design was used in this study. The sample consisted of mid-level miners from the Gauteng and North West Province (N = 357). Stratified sampling was used to include the West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans; n = 158) and Sotho group (North Sotho, South Sotho, and Setswana; n = 199). Questionnaires were distributed amongst the participants from the different mines, were completed within a set time, and collected immediately afterwards. The first objective of the study was to determine whether the Greek Emotional Intelligence Scale (GEIS) is a reliable test when measuring West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans) and Sotho (Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, and Setswana) languages. A four-factor model on the combined sample as well as the two language groups was tested. The four factor model of the West-Germanic group showed poor alphas. (Expression and Recognition of Emotions = 0.66; Caring and Empathy = 0.63; Control of Emotions = 0.80 and Use of Emotions to Facilitate Thinking = 0.62.) Several items from the expression and recognition scale cross-loaded on the other three factors, and it was decided to test a three-factor model. The three factor model indicated the best goodness-of-fit indices and showed acceptable alpha coefficients (Use of Emotion to Facilitate Thinking = 0.83; Caring and Empathy = 0.83 and Control of Emotions = 0.77). The second objective was to determine if the Greek Emotional Intelligence Scale is an equivalent measuring instrument when measuring the West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans) and Sotho (Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, and Setswana) languages. Goodness-of-fit was tested on the total population as well as the two language family groups. The four factors are Expression and Recognition of Emotions, Caring and Empathy, Control of Emotions and Use of Emotions. The model indices (GFI, CFI and RMSEA) were satisfactory on the total population as well as the Sotho groups, but there were problems noted when testing the goodness-of-fit for the West- Germanic language group. It was therefore decided to test a three factor model (Use of Emotions, Caring and Empathy and Control of Emotions). These problems could possibly be explained by the cultural differences between the two language groups. The final research objective was to investigate whether the items of the Greek Emotional Intelligence Scale are unbiased when measuring West-Germanic (English and Afrikaans) and Sotho (Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, and Setswana) languages. Firstly, ANOVAS were produced to determine the mean differences between the groups. There weren’t many differences, indicating none or little biasness between the groups. Then, the uniform and non-uniform biasness was tested by means of Ordinal Logistic Regression to asses Differential Item Functioning. The majority of the items did not have both uniform and non-uniform biasness. The few that did however, (41, 37, 36, 14 and 18) can be explained by the different ways in which cultures interpret emotions as proven in the literature. Recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (MCom (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Although the debate regarding the nature and structure of psychological well-being is ongoing (see Compton, 2001; Forgeard, Jayawickreme, Kern & Seligman, 2011; Kashdan, Biswas-Diener & King, 2008; Keyes, 2002; Kopperud & Vitterso, 2008; Lent, 2004; Linley, Maltby, Wood, Osborne & Hurling, 2009; Ryan & Deci, 2001; Ryff & Singer, 1998; Wissing & Temane, 2008; Wissing & Van Eeden, 2002), there has been sufficient support for more holistic, complex and inclusive models to explain and measure psychological well-being. The intertwined experience of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being as well as overlapping intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being experience (Keyes, 2002; Wissing & Temane, 2008) is captured by some contemporary models. The General Psychological Well-being (GPW; Wissing & Temane, 2008; Wissing & Van Eeden, 2002) and the Mental Health Continuum (MHC; Keyes, 2002, 2005a, 2005b, 2007; Keyes et al., 2008) models are of particular interest in this study especially as they both represent the essence of holistic psychological well-being. Previous research has seen the proliferation of multiple constructs and sub-constructs in the study of psychological well-being in the field of positive psychology. However, little is known about the manifestation and measurement of holistic psychological well-being particularly in an African context. The present thesis intended to explore the GPW and MHC models and their measures namely, the General Psychological Well-being Scale (GPWS) and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF; Keyes, 2002, 2005a) in an African Setswana-speaking group. Through this effort, research issues pertaining to theoretical conceptualisation, measurement and socio-demographic interaction were explored. The thesis comprises three sub-studies reported in three manuscripts. All data were collected in cross-sectional surveys. The scale development phase of the first sub-study utilised secondary data analyses, while primary data were collected and analysed by the researcher for the second and third sub-studies. The aim of the first manuscript was to develop and validate a self-report instrument to measure general psychological well-being within an African context. This study took place over three phases and comprised data sets with a cumulative sample of 2760 participants. The phases were 1) scale development (n=2005), 2) pilot study (n=296), and 3) scale validation (n=459). The intention was that the scale should be shorter than the previous batteries of scales used in the initial identification of the General Psychological Well-being factor (GPW) by Wissing and Van Eeden (2002). The results yielded a reliable and valid 20 item scale. A Cronbach alpha of .89 among this sample attests to its reliability. Construct and criterion-related validity were supported by confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses and inter-scale correlations. According to Noar (2003), the development of reliable and valid measures contributes to the advancement of quality research. It is envisaged that the GPWS will be of value in epidemiological and multi-disciplinary studies as well as in evaluation of the impact of interventions to enhance positive health (cf. Seligman, 2008). The aim of the second study was to explore the influence of socio-demographic variables, namely gender, age, marital status, employment status, educational level and environmental setting on holistic psychological well-being in an African sample. Keyes and Waterman (2003) included these factors among the determinants of well-being and mental health. A community sample (n=459) consisting of male (n=141) and female (n=318) Setswana-speaking adults from rural (n=210) and urban (n=249) settings participated in the study. Findings indicate that whether a person lives in an urban or rural area has the most robust influence on their psychological well-being. Furthermore, psychological well-being was found to be positively influenced by being married, having a higher educational status and being employed. Gender and age did not have any differential influence on well-being. The insights gained from these findings could help enhance understanding of the various patterns in the manifestation of psychological well-being in a (South) African context. This will allow for better targeted interventions towards the enhancement of general psychological well-being in African communities. In this case, it is apparent that rural communities are in particular need of positive development intervention. According to Farid and Lazarus (2008) intervention efforts towards the improvement of lives need to be encouraged from the level of policy development. Government and business should take interest in people’s levels of well-being in guiding policy decisions (Diener, Kesebir & Lucas, 2008). The aim of the third study was to undertake a psychometric comparison of the General Psychological Well-being Scale (GPWS) and Mental Health Continuum Short-Form (MHC-SF) in an African context. The study comprised 459 Setswana-speaking participants. The study employed three main statistical approaches, namely, classical test theory (CTT) (cf. Clark & Watson, 1995; John & Benet-Martínez, 2000; Panounen & Ashton, 1998) structural equation modelling (SEM) (Byrne, 2001; Kline, 2011), and the Rasch model (De Bruin, 2004; Linacre, 2002, 2003; Rasch, 1960) of item response theory (IRT) in comparing the two scales. Firstly the theoretical basis of the scales and their development routes were explored. Secondly results from CTT (descriptive statistics, reliability, construct and criterion-related validity), SEM (measurement model fit indices) and IRT (item fit statistics, difficulty parameters, and response scale thresholds) analyses are reported. The main finding is that the GPWS and the MHC-SF are comparable measures of holistic psychological well-being in an African context. Although the MHC-SF appeared to be marginally superior, no model and measure emerged as clearly better than the other. The findings of the three sub-studies in this thesis contribute to the study of well-being and the field of positive psychology in at least three ways. Firstly, a new self-report instrument to measure general psychological well-being was developed and validated for use in an African context. Secondly, the study highlighted the significant influence of socio-demographic variables on individuals’ psychological well-being. Thirdly, in psychometrically comparing two scales, the study not only employed CTT and SEM methods as has been previously done, but has also reported IRT’s Rasch model’s results. The thesis is a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the two holistic psychological well-being models and their measures in an African context. Qualitative studies towards the further clarification and contextualisation of the understanding of well-being in an African context are suggested. This may serve to triangulate, contradict or pose further hypotheses regarding the findings of the present study. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

Although the debate regarding the nature and structure of psychological well-being is ongoing (see Compton, 2001; Forgeard, Jayawickreme, Kern & Seligman, 2011; Kashdan, Biswas-Diener & King, 2008; Keyes, 2002; Kopperud & Vitterso, 2008; Lent, 2004; Linley, Maltby, Wood, Osborne & Hurling, 2009; Ryan & Deci, 2001; Ryff & Singer, 1998; Wissing & Temane, 2008; Wissing & Van Eeden, 2002), there has been sufficient support for more holistic, complex and inclusive models to explain and measure psychological well-being. The intertwined experience of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being as well as overlapping intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being experience (Keyes, 2002; Wissing & Temane, 2008) is captured by some contemporary models. The General Psychological Well-being (GPW; Wissing & Temane, 2008; Wissing & Van Eeden, 2002) and the Mental Health Continuum (MHC; Keyes, 2002, 2005a, 2005b, 2007; Keyes et al., 2008) models are of particular interest in this study especially as they both represent the essence of holistic psychological well-being. Previous research has seen the proliferation of multiple constructs and sub-constructs in the study of psychological well-being in the field of positive psychology. However, little is known about the manifestation and measurement of holistic psychological well-being particularly in an African context. The present thesis intended to explore the GPW and MHC models and their measures namely, the General Psychological Well-being Scale (GPWS) and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF; Keyes, 2002, 2005a) in an African Setswana-speaking group. Through this effort, research issues pertaining to theoretical conceptualisation, measurement and socio-demographic interaction were explored. The thesis comprises three sub-studies reported in three manuscripts. All data were collected in cross-sectional surveys. The scale development phase of the first sub-study utilised secondary data analyses, while primary data were collected and analysed by the researcher for the second and third sub-studies. The aim of the first manuscript was to develop and validate a self-report instrument to measure general psychological well-being within an African context. This study took place over three phases and comprised data sets with a cumulative sample of 2760 participants. The phases were 1) scale development (n=2005), 2) pilot study (n=296), and 3) scale validation (n=459). The intention was that the scale should be shorter than the previous batteries of scales used in the initial identification of the General Psychological Well-being factor (GPW) by Wissing and Van Eeden (2002). The results yielded a reliable and valid 20 item scale. A Cronbach alpha of .89 among this sample attests to its reliability. Construct and criterion-related validity were supported by confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses and inter-scale correlations. According to Noar (2003), the development of reliable and valid measures contributes to the advancement of quality research. It is envisaged that the GPWS will be of value in epidemiological and multi-disciplinary studies as well as in evaluation of the impact of interventions to enhance positive health (cf. Seligman, 2008). The aim of the second study was to explore the influence of socio-demographic variables, namely gender, age, marital status, employment status, educational level and environmental setting on holistic psychological well-being in an African sample. Keyes and Waterman (2003) included these factors among the determinants of well-being and mental health. A community sample (n=459) consisting of male (n=141) and female (n=318) Setswana-speaking adults from rural (n=210) and urban (n=249) settings participated in the study. Findings indicate that whether a person lives in an urban or rural area has the most robust influence on their psychological well-being. Furthermore, psychological well-being was found to be positively influenced by being married, having a higher educational status and being employed. Gender and age did not have any differential influence on well-being. The insights gained from these findings could help enhance understanding of the various patterns in the manifestation of psychological well-being in a (South) African context. This will allow for better targeted interventions towards the enhancement of general psychological well-being in African communities. In this case, it is apparent that rural communities are in particular need of positive development intervention. According to Farid and Lazarus (2008) intervention efforts towards the improvement of lives need to be encouraged from the level of policy development. Government and business should take interest in people’s levels of well-being in guiding policy decisions (Diener, Kesebir & Lucas, 2008). The aim of the third study was to undertake a psychometric comparison of the General Psychological Well-being Scale (GPWS) and Mental Health Continuum Short-Form (MHC-SF) in an African context. The study comprised 459 Setswana-speaking participants. The study employed three main statistical approaches, namely, classical test theory (CTT) (cf. Clark & Watson, 1995; John & Benet-Martínez, 2000; Panounen & Ashton, 1998) structural equation modelling (SEM) (Byrne, 2001; Kline, 2011), and the Rasch model (De Bruin, 2004; Linacre, 2002, 2003; Rasch, 1960) of item response theory (IRT) in comparing the two scales. Firstly the theoretical basis of the scales and their development routes were explored. Secondly results from CTT (descriptive statistics, reliability, construct and criterion-related validity), SEM (measurement model fit indices) and IRT (item fit statistics, difficulty parameters, and response scale thresholds) analyses are reported. The main finding is that the GPWS and the MHC-SF are comparable measures of holistic psychological well-being in an African context. Although the MHC-SF appeared to be marginally superior, no model and measure emerged as clearly better than the other. The findings of the three sub-studies in this thesis contribute to the study of well-being and the field of positive psychology in at least three ways. Firstly, a new self-report instrument to measure general psychological well-being was developed and validated for use in an African context. Secondly, the study highlighted the significant influence of socio-demographic variables on individuals’ psychological well-being. Thirdly, in psychometrically comparing two scales, the study not only employed CTT and SEM methods as has been previously done, but has also reported IRT’s Rasch model’s results. The thesis is a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the two holistic psychological well-being models and their measures in an African context. Qualitative studies towards the further clarification and contextualisation of the understanding of well-being in an African context are suggested. This may serve to triangulate, contradict or pose further hypotheses regarding the findings of the present study. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

Background: The WHOQOL-OLD is an instrument for the assessment of subjective quality of life in elderly people. It is based on the WHO definition of quality of life and is available in more than 20 languages. However, in most countries, the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-OLD have been assessed only on the basis of small local samples and not in representative studies. In this study, the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-OLD are evaluated based on a representative sample of Germany\'s elderly population. Methods: Face-to-face interviews with 1133 respondents from the German population aged 60 years and older were conducted. Quality of life was assessed by means of the WHOQOL-BREF, the WHOQOL-OLD and the SF12. Moreover, the GDS, the DemTect and the IADL were applied for the assessment of depressive symptoms, cognitive capacities and capacity for carrying out daily activities. Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-OLD were evaluated by means of classical and probabilistic test theory, confirmatory factor analysis and multivariate regression model.Results: Cronbach\'s alpha was found to be above 0.85 for four and above .75 for two of the six facets of the WHOQOL-OLD. IRT analyses indicated that all items of the WHOQOL-OLD contribute considerably to the measurement of the associated facets. While the six-facet structure of the WHOQOL-OLD was well supported by the results of the confirmatory factor analysis, a common latent factor for the WHOQOL-OLD total scale could not be identified. Correlations with other quality of life measures and multivariate regression models with GDS, IADL and the DemTect indicate a good criterion validity of all six WHOQOL-OLD facets.Conclusions: Study results confirm that the good psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-OLD that have been found in international studies could be replicated in a representative study of the German population. These results suggest that the WHOQOL-OLD is an instrument that is well suited to identify the needs and the wishes of an aging population.

The aim of the present thesis was to examine the effectiveness of the Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) program for teaching clients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to better manage their illness and to promote recovery. This was accomplished through an examination of the program’s effects on psychosocial functioning and psychopathology, the evaluation of general and specific impact of neurocognition on learning the fundamentals of illness self-management, and the impact of symptom severity on outcome of the IMR program. The utility of the illness management and recovery scale to evaluate illness self-management of clients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder was also investigated. The effects of the IMR program were evaluated in a randomized controlled trial that compared participants in the program to participants receiving treatment as usual. 41 participants were recruited at six psychiatric outpatient rehabilitation centers in Uppsala, Sweden, and were randomly assigned to IMR groups for approximately 40 sessions or to a treatment as usual control condition. The IMR program participants demonstrated greater improvement compared to participants in treatment as usual in illness self-management, reduced psychiatric symptoms, improved coping skills, and decreases in suicidal ideation. The findings suggest that the IMR program is effective in improving the ability of individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder to better manage their illness. Possible association between neurocognitive functioning and the acquisition of illness self-management skills was investigated in a total of 53 participants who completed the IMR program. Speed of processing was related to client reported illness self-management skills acquisition, before and after controlling for psychiatric symptoms and medication, but neurocognitive functioning did not predict improvement in clinician ratings of client illness self-management skills. The findings suggest that compromised neurocognitive functioning does not reduce response to training in illness self-management. The impact of symptom severity on outcome of the IMR program was explored in 52 participants who completed the program. The results suggest that significantly more participants met the severity criterion of remission at post-treatment, and it appears that participants not reaching the severity criterion at post-treatment, also benefited from the IMR program, as indicated by the similar effect sizes of the two subgroups (meeting versus not meeting the severity criterion at post-treatment). The psychometric properties of the Illness Management and Recovery Scale (IMRS) were evaluated in 107 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. And an item-by-item investigation was conducted in order to establish their utility in monitoring the clients' progress in the IMR program. Both the client and clinician version of the IMRS demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, large test-retest reliability, and convergent validity with conceptually related measures of psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and perception of recovery. The findings support the utility of the IMRS as a measure of illness self-management and recovery in clients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The general findings of this thesis support the IMR program to be effective in improving the ability of the participants to manage their disorder. The impact of neurocognitive dysfunction on the participants’ ability to learn the fundamentals of illness self-management seems to be limited, and symptom severity did not limit the benefits of the IMR program. Support for the utility of the IMRS to monitor the participants’ progress in the program was also found, providing a brief and economical method for assessing outcome of the IMR program. / Syftet med föreliggande avhandlingsarbete var att undersöka Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) programmets effekter av att lära klienter att bättre hantera negativa konsekvenser av schizofreni eller schizoaffektiv sjukdom och att främja återhämtning. Detta åstadkoms genom en utvärdering av IMR programmets inverkan på psykosocial funktion och psykopatologi, en undersökning av specifik och generell påverkan av neurokognition avseende deltagarnas möjligheter att lära in grundläggande sjukdomshanteringsfärdigheter (illness self-management), samt en undersökning av huruvida schizofrenisymtomens svårighetsgrad inverkar på programutfallet. Vidare undersöktes Illness Management and Recovery Skalans (IMRS) användbarhet för att utvärdera sjukdomshantering och återhämtning (illness self-management and recovery) hos personer med schizofreni eller schizoaffektiv sjukdom. IMR programmets effekter utvärderades genom en randomiserad kontrollerad studie i vilken 41 programdeltagare jämfördes med deltagare i kontrollgrupp vilka fick enbart sedvanlig psykiatrisk behandling. Deltagarna rekryterades vid sex subspecialiserade psykiatriska öppenvårdsmottagningar och slumpades till att antingen delta i IMR programmet eller kontrollgrupp. IMR programmets deltagare uppvisade i jämförelse med kontrollgruppen förbättring i sjukdomshantering, minskade psykiatriska symtom, förbättrade coping-färdigheter samt minskade självmordsbeteenden. Resultaten stöder antagandet att IMR programmet är effektivt vad gäller att förbättra deltagarnas förmåga att hantera negativa effekter av schizofreni och schizoaffektiv sjukdom. Möjliga associationer mellan neurokognitiv funktion och förmågan att tillägna sig färdigheter för sjukdomshantering undersöktes hos 53 deltagare som genomförde IMR programmet. Resultaten pekar på att neurokognitiva svårigheter inte inverkar på deltagarnas möjligheter att lära sig sjukdomshantering enligt IMR modellen. Processhastighet var relaterad till klientrapporterad sjukdomshantering men inte till klinikerrapporterad sjukdomshantering. Processhastighet tycks vara relevant för klientens upplevelse av hur väl han eller hon tillägnat sig programmets strategier och färdigheter, snarare än sjukdomshantering per se. Huruvida schizofrenisymtomens svårighetsgrad inverkar på utfallet av IMR programmet undersöktes hos 52 deltagare som genomförde IMR programmet. Resultaten pekar på att signifikant fler deltagare uppfyllde svårighetsgradskriteriet för remission av schizofrenisymtom efter genomfört IMR program. Även deltagare som inte uppfyllde svårighetsgradskriteriet har nytta av IMR programmet något som indikeras av de båda gruppernas (uppfyllde jämfört med uppfyllde inte svårighetsgradskriteriet) likartade effektstorlekar. Illness Management and Recovery Skalans (IMRS) psykometriska egenskaper undersöktes för 107 deltagare med en schizofreni eller schizoaffektiv diagnos. Skalans enskilda frågor analyserades för att undersöka skalans användbarhet för att utvärdera deltagares progress och utfall i IMR programmet. Både klient och kliniker versionen av skalan uppvisade tillfredsställande intern konsistens, stor test-retest reliabilitet och konvergent validitet med konceptuellt relaterade instrument för psykiatriska symtom, livskvalité och återhämtning. Resultaten stöder antagandet att IMRS är ett användbart instrument för att utvärdera sjukdomskontroll och återhämtning för personer med schizofreni eller schizoaffektiv sjukdom. Avhandlingsarbetets resultat stöder antagandet att IMR programmet är effektivt vad gäller att förbättra deltagarnas förmåga att hantera de negativa konsekvenserna av schizofreni och schizoaffektiv sjukdom. Neurokognitiva svårigheter inverkar i begränsad utsträckning på deltagarnas möjligheter att lära sig sjukdomshantering och schizofrenisymtom tycks ha begränsad inverkan på programutfallet. Resultaten stöder även antagandet att IMRS är ett användbart instrument för att utvärdera sjukdomskontroll och återhämtning för personer med schizofreni eller schizoaffektiv sjukdom, vilket erbjuder en kortfattad och ekonomisk metod att utvärdera effekterna av IMR.

Background: There are innumerable diabetes studies that have investigated associations between risk factors, protective factors, and health outcomes; however, these individual predictors are part of a complex network of interacting forces. Moreover, there is little awareness about resilience or its importance in chronic disease in adulthood, especially diabetes. Thus, this is the first study to: (1) extensively investigate the relationships among a host of predictors and multiple adaptive outcomes; and (2) conceptualise a resilience model among people with diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was divided into two research studies. Study One was to translate two diabetes-specific instruments (Problem Areas In Diabetes, PAID; Diabetes Coping Measure, DCM) into a Chinese version and to examine their psychometric properties for use in Study Two in a convenience sample of 205 outpatients with type 2 diabetes. In Study Two, an integrated theoretical model is developed and evaluated using the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 345 people with type 2 diabetes from the endocrine outpatient departments of three hospitals in Taiwan. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed a one-factor structure of the PAID-C which was similar to the original version of the PAID. Strong content validity of the PAID-C was demonstrated. The PAID-C was associated with HbA1c and diabetes self-care behaviours, confirming satisfactory criterion validity. There was a moderate relationship between the PAID-C and the Perceived Stress Scale, supporting satisfactory convergent validity. The PAID-C also demonstrated satisfactory stability and high internal consistency. A four-factor structure and strong content validity of the DCM-C was confirmed. Criterion validity demonstrated that the DCM-C was significantly associated with HbA1c and diabetes self-care behaviours. There was a statistical correlation between the DCM-C and the Revised Ways of Coping Checklist, suggesting satisfactory convergent validity. Test-retest reliability demonstrated satisfactory stability of the DCM-C. The total scale of the DCM-C showed adequate internal consistency. Age, duration of diabetes, diabetes symptoms, diabetes distress, physical activity, coping strategies, and social support were the most consistent factors associated with adaptive outcomes in adults with diabetes. Resilience was positively associated with coping strategies, social support, health-related quality of life, and diabetes self-care behaviours. Results of the structural equation modelling revealed protective factors had a significant direct effect on adaptive outcomes; however, the construct of risk factors was not significantly related to adaptive outcomes. Moreover, resilience can moderate the relationships among protective factors and adaptive outcomes, but there were no interaction effects of risk factors and resilience on adaptive outcomes. Conclusion: This study contributes to an understanding of how risk factors and protective factors work together to influence adaptive outcomes in blood sugar control, health-related quality of life, and diabetes self-care behaviours. Additionally, resilience is a positive personality characteristic and may be importantly involved in the adjustment process among people living with type 2 diabetes.

Thesis (MComm (Industrial Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this study is to determine whether the psychometric evaluation procedure, used by the South African Military Academy to make selection decisions, can validly predict academic performance of first year learners, whether this procedure is fair and whether the procedure is efficient. The sample used for this study consisted of three year groups (First Year Students of 2001, 2002 and 2003) enrolled at the Military Academy. In theory specific learning behaviours (learning competencies) are instrumental in attaining academic performance. These learning behaviours, in turn, depend on and are expressions of a complex nomological network of person-centered characteristics (learning competency potential). Differences in learning performance can be explained in terms of learning behaviours. Learning competencies are instrumental in achieving the learning outcomes for which the academic programme exists. Learning competencies, in turn, can be explained in terms of learner characteristics. In order to differentiate between candidates who have better or poorer training prospects in terms of a construct orientated approach to selection, a performance hypothesis on the person-centered drivers of the learning competencies is used. It is argued that the degree of competence in: (1) the core cognitive processes/competencies that constitute learning (transfer and automatization) and are necessary to create meaningful structure in novel learning material, (2) the intellectual drivers of these learning competencies (fluid intelligence and information processing capacity), (3) proficiency in English and (4) past academic performance, should discriminate between better or poorer academic performance of learners attending the academic programmes at the SA Military Academy. The grade point average of the first year first semester academic results is used as a measure of the criterion construct. Almost all of the results obtained in this study support the theory and propositions made by the performance hypothesis. Only one variable, accuracy of information processing, did not perform as predicted by the performance hypothesis. Prior learning explained the most variance in the criterion (r=0,4312). The inter-correlation amongst the predictors is used to infer the proportion of unique variance each predictor accounts for in the composite criterion. A regression of the composite criterion on the array of predictors (X2 – X12) revealed that only memory and understanding (X9) and prior learning (X12) uncovered relevant and unique information about determinants of performance on the criterion not conveyed by the remaining predictors in the model. The remaining predictors in the selection battery can consequently be considered redundant since they provide no new information not already conveyed by X9 and X12. When YGPA is regressed on the weighted combination of X9 and X12, only X12 significantly explains unique variance in YGPA when included in a regression model already containing X9. In the light of the reported findings there is no need to create a combined weighted linear predictor composite (Xcomp) which would form the basis of the actuarial mechanical decision rule that would guide selection decisions. Prior learning proved to be the only predictor that warrants inclusion in the actuarial mechanical prediction rule that will form the basis of selection decisions. In terms of the derived actuarial prediction rule the expected criterion performance of all applicants (E[Y|X12]) could consequently be estimated by inserting the measures obtained during selection of prior learning into the derived regression equation. The use of this equation could be regarded as permissible to the extent to which E[Y|X12] correlates significantly with YGPA. Since E[Y|X12] correlates 0,431 and statistically significantly (p<0,05) with YGPA, the predictions derived from this equation are valid. The findings of this research suggest that black and white students were sampled from the same population and therefore the use of the single, undifferentiated prediction rule would lead to fair selection decisions. To answer the question whether the selection procedure under investigation is adding any value to the organization, utility analysis is done based on the Taylor-Russell utility model as well as the Naylor-Shine interpretation of selection utility. A criterion-referenced norm table that expresses the risk of failure conditional on expected academic performance is derived from the use of only X12. Recommendations for further research are put forward. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om te bepaal of die psigometriese evaluasie-prosedure wat deur die Suid Afrikaanse Militêre Akademie gebruik word vir keuringsbesluite, akademiese prestasie van eerstejaar leerders geldig voorspel, en of hierdie prosedure regverdig en effektief is. Die steekproef vir hierdie studie bestaan uit drie jaargroepe (eerstejaar studente van 2001, 2002 en 2003) wat ingeskryf was by die Militêre Akademie. Teoreties is daar spesifieke leergedrag (leerbevoegdhede) wat instrumenteel is in die bereiking van akademiese prestasie. Hierdie leergedrag hang af van en is weer „n uitdrukking van „n komplekse nomologiese netwerk van persoongesentreerde eienskappe (leerbevoegdheidspotensiaal). Verskille in leerprestasie kan verklaar word in terme van leergedrag. Leerbevoegdhede is instrumenteel in die bereiking van die leeruikomste waarvoor die akademiese program bestaan. Leerbevoegdhede, op sy beurt, kan weer verklaar word in terme van leerdereienskappe. Ten einde „n onderskeid te kan tref tussen kandidate met beter of slegter opleidingsvooruitsigte, in terme van „n konstrukgeorienteerde benadering tot keuring, word „n prestasiehipotese gebruik wat gebaseer is op die persoongesentreerde drywers van die leerbevoegdhede. Dit word aangevoer dat die graad van bevoegdheid in: (1) die kern kognitiewe prosesse/bevoegdhede waaruit leer bestaan (oordrag en outomatisasie) en wat nodig is om sinvolle struktuur in nuwe leermateriaal te skep, (2) die intellektuele drywers van hierdie leerbevoegdhede (vloeibare intelligensie en informasieverwerkingskapasiteit), (3) bevoegdheid in Engels, en (4) vorige akademiese prestasie sal onderskei tussen beter of slegter akademiese prestasie van leerders wat akademiese programme by die SA Militêre Akademie bywoon. Die gemiddelde van eerstejaar eerste semester akademiese uitslae is gebruik as meting van die kriteriumkonstruk. Byna al die resultate wat in hierdie studie verkry is ondersteun die teorie en proposisies soos aangevoer deur die prestasiehipotese. Slegs een veranderlike, akkuraatheid van informasie-prosessering, het nie gereageer soos voorspel deur die prestasiehipotese nie. Vorige leer het die meeste variansie in die kriterium verklaar (r=0,4312). Die inter-korrelasie tussen die voorspellers is gebruik om die proporsie unieke variansie wat elke voorspeller in die saamgestelde kriterium verklaar te skat. „n Regressie van die saamgestelde kriterium op die reeks voorspellers (X2 – X12) toon aan dat slegs geheue en begip (X9) sowel as vorige leer (X12) relevante en unieke informasie in verband met die determinante van prestasie in die kriterium weergee wat nie reeds weergegee word deur die oorblywende voorspellers in die model nie. Die oorblywende voorspellers in die keuringsbattery kan gevolglik as oorbodig beskou word aangesien hulle geen nuwe informasie verskaf wat nie reeds deur X9 en X12 oorgedra word nie. Wanneer YGPA geregresseer word op die geweegde kombinasie van X9 en X12, verklaar slegs X12 unieke variasie in YGPA wanneer dit ingesluit word in „n regressiemodel wat alreeds X9 bevat. In die lig van die gerapporteerde bevindinge is dit onnodig om ‟n gekombineerde geweegde liniêre voorspellerkombinasie (Xcomp) te skep om as basis van „n aktuariële meganiese besluitnemingsreël te dien aan hand waarvan keuringsbesluite geneem sal word. Vorige leer blyk die enigste voorspeller te wees wat insluiting regverdig in die aktuariële meganiese besluitnemingsreël wat die basis van keuringsbesluite sal vorm. In terme van die afgeleide aktuariële besluitnemingsreël sal die verwagte kriteriumprestasie van alle toekomstige aansoekers (E[Y│X12]) geskat word deur die meting van vorige leer verkry tydens keuring in die afgeleide regressievergelyking in te stel. Die gebruik van hierdie vergelyking kan as toelaatbaar beskou word in die mate waartoe E[Y│X12] betekenisvol met YGPA korreleer. Aangesien E[Y│X12] statisties betekenisvol 0,431 (p<0,05) met YGPA korreleer, kan die voorspellings afgelei vanuit hierdie vergelyking as geldig beskou word. Die bevindinge van hierdie navorsing dui daarop dat swart en wit studente van hierdie steekproef uit dieselfde populasie geneem is en daarom sal die gebruik van „n enkele, ongedifferensieerde voorspellingsreël lei tot regverdige keuringsbesluite. Om „n antwoord te verkry op die vraag of hierdie keuringsprosedure enige waarde tot die organisasie toevoeg is „n nutanaliese gedoen wat gebaseer is op Taylor-Russell se nutmodel so wel as die Naylor-Shine interpretasie van keuringsnut. „n Kriteriumgerigde normtabel, wat die voorwaardelike risiko op mislukking gebaseer op akademiese prestasie uitdruk, is afgelei deur die gebruik van slegs X12. Aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing word voorgestel.

Strategic consensus is a group process that can be described as the agreement among team members on strategic matters for success at work. The psychometric evidences of the validity of an assessment scale measuring strategic consensus in pedagogic teams are analyzed. Participants were 140 school teachers in Quito (Ecuador). Statistical analyses of the applied scale containing 14 items revealed a uni-dimensional factor structure explaining 49.7% of the variance. The internal consistency of the scale was satisfactory (α = .92; r item-total = .66). Results show that the scale is an useful tool for the diagnosis of the existence of consent among members of pedagogic teams and contributes to a full understanding of the phenomenon. / Se estudia las evidencias psicométricas de validez de una escala de evaluación del consenso estratégico en equipos pedagógicos. El consenso estratégico es un proceso grupal descrito como la concordancia entre los miembros sobre asuntos estratégicos para el éxito del trabajo. Los participantes fueron 140 profesores de escuelas de Quito (Ecuador). La escala aplicadacuenta con 14 ítems y los análisis estadísticos realizados revelaron una estructura unifactorial que explica 49.72% de la variancia. La confiabilidad interna fue satisfactoria (α = 0.92; r ítem-total = 0.66). Los resultados revelan que la escala constituye una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico del consenso existente entre miembros de equipos pedagógicos y contribuye para la mejor comprensión del fenómeno.

O objetivo do presente projeto foi traduzir e adaptar para o português do Brasil as escalas Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI) e Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento OCI-R, o qual avalia a gravidade dos sintomas obsessivo-compulsivos. O projeto foi desenvolvido em duas etapas: (1) a tradução, a adaptação transcultural e a retrotradução das escalas e (2) o estudo de confiabilidade e validade do questionário OCI-R em uma população clínica e em uma amostra não-clínica. Essas escalas têm como vantagem em relação as já existentes o fato de serem autorespondidas e de produzirem escores para categorias específicas de sintomas obsessivocompulsivos. Na primeira fase, a OCI e OCI-R, desenvolvidos no Centro para o Tratamento e Estudo de Ansiedade da Universidade da Pensilvânia, EUA foram traduzidas e a adaptadas para a língua portuguesa. As escalas foram inicialmente traduzidas para o português por dois psiquiatras bilíngües e retrotraduzidas por outros dois psiquiatras bilíngües de forma independente e em seguida, aplicadas em 15 portadores do Transtorno Obsessivo Compulsivo (TOC) com diferente escolaridade e intencionalmente selecionados para efetuar ajustes na linguagem. A versão final das escalas OCI e OCI-R foram aceitas pelo autor após o processo de retrotradução destas. As escalas mostraram-se de fácil compreensão e preenchimento pelos pacientes, podendo ser utilizadas em pacientes com TOC de diferentes classes econômicas e sociais. As escalas OCI e OCI-R, em suas versões adaptadas para o português do Brasil poderão auxiliar os profissionais de saúde no rastreamento de possíveis portadores de TOC e na avaliação da intensidade dos sintomas obsessivos compulsivos em pesquisa, e sua redução com diferentes métodos de tratamento. A tradução e a adaptação serão apresentadas no artigo nº. 1. A segunda etapa do projeto avaliou as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira da OCI-R em uma população clínica e em uma não clínica (controle). A validade e confiabilidade da versão para o Português do Brasil da escala Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) foram examinadas em uma amostra clínica de 64 pacientes com Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo (TOC), 33 pacientes com Fobia Social, 33 pacientes com Transtorno do Pânico e em uma amostra não clínica de 130 funcionários de um hospital geral. Foi verificado que as subescalas da OCI-R discriminam e avaliam a gravidade dos seis subtipos de sintomas de TOC. A confiabilidade teste-reteste foi examinada usando os dados dos 64 pacientes com TOC que completaram a OCI-R em dois diferentes momentos. Em cada amostra o escore total e os escores das subescalas demonstraram consistência interna de moderada a boa e boa validade concorrente e discriminante. Além disso, demonstrou ser sensível aos efeitos do tratamento cognitivo-comportamental em grupo. Nossos achados sugerem que a versão para o Português do Brasil da OCI-R mantêm as propriedades psicométricas da versão original. Os resultados foram comparados com os dados das versões da OCI-R em Espanhol e Alemão. Essa fase será apresentada no artigo nº. 2. A utilização da OCI-R em sua versão em português do Brasil poderá auxiliar os profissionais de saúde e os pacientes na triagem de pessoas com suspeita de TOC. Mais do que isto, seu uso poderá identificar os portadores de TOC clínico ou subclínico. Por se tratar de uma escala auto-respondida, facilita o conhecimento da doença mais cedo, o que é relevante, visto que os pacientes levam muitos anos para procurar tratamento para o TOC. Adicionalmente, ao empregarmos este instrumento, poderemos desenvolver e incrementar programas de prevenção e educação, assim como concentrar esforços nas ações de intervenção. / The aim of the present project was to translate and adapt the scales Obsessive- Compulsive Inventory (OCI) and Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the OCI-R, which measures the severity of the obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The project was developed in two stages: (1) the translation, transcultural adaptation and back-translation of the scales and (2) the study of reliability and validity of the questionnaire OCI-R in a clinical population and in a non-clinical sample (controls). The advantages of those scales, compared to the existent ones, are: (a) they are selfreported and (b) they produce scores for specific categories of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. In the first stage, the OCI and OCI-R, developed by the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania, EUA were translated and adapted to the Brazilian Portuguese language. The scales were initially translated into Brazilian Portuguese by two bilingual psychiatrists and then independently back-translated by other two bilingual psychiatrists. The scales were then applied to 15 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients, deliberately chosen from different educational levels, to make language adjustments. The author accepted the final version of the OCI and OCI-R scales after their back translation. Scales showed to be easy to understand and fill in by individuals and may be used with OCD patients of different socioeconomic levels. The OCI e OCI-R scales, in their version adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, can help health professionals in screening potential OCD patients assess the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the reduction of them through different treatments. The translation and the adaptation will be reported in the paper nº. 1. The second stage of the project evaluated the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the OCI-R in a clinical and in a non- clinical (controls) samples. The reliability and validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory – Revised (OCI-R) were examined in a clinical sample of 64 patients with Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD), 33 patients with Social Phobia and 33 patients with Panic Disorder plus a non-clinical sample of 130 employees of a general hospital. Results indicate that the OCI-R is a valid measure for identifying and assessing the severity of the six symptom subtypes of OCD. In each sample the overall and subscale scores demonstrated moderate to good internal consistency and good convergent and divergent validity. Furthermore, in patients with OCD, the inventory showed sensitivity to Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT). Our findings indicate that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the OCI-R retains the psychometric properties of its original version. These results were also compared with the results of validation of the Spanish and German OCI-R versions. That phase will be reported in the paper nº. 2. The OCI-R Brazilian Portuguese version can help health professionals and patients to screen potential people with OCD. More than this, its use can identify clinical or sub clinical OCD patients. As it is a self-report scale, it facilitates the early awareness of the disease, which is relevant because patients may take several years to seek treatment for OCD. Moreover, the use of this instrument can help to develop educational programs which could ameliorate prevention, as well as focus efforts in intervention actions.