Assessing the inter-method reliability and correlational validity of the Body Type Dictionary (BTD)

The political negotiation, erection, and fall of national and cultural borders represent an issue that frequently occupies the media. Given the historical importance of boundaries as a marker of cultural identity, as well as their function to separate and unite people, the Body Type Dictionary (BTD; Wilson, 2006) represents a suitable computerized content analysis measure to analyse vocabulary qualified to measure body boundaries and their penetrability. Out of this context, this study aimed to assess the inter-method reliability of the BTD (Wilson, 2006) in relation to Fisher and Cleveland’s (1956, 1958) manual scoring system for high and low barrier personalities. The results indicated that Fisher and Cleveland’s manually coded barrier and penetration imagery scores showed an acceptable positive correlation with the computerized frequency counts of the BTD’s coded barrier and penetration imagery scores, thereby indicating an inter-method reliability. In addition, barrier and penetration imagery correlated positively with primordial thought language in the picture response test, and narratives of everyday and dream memories, thereby indicating correlational validity

Models of collaboration between psychologist and family doctor: a systematic review of primary care psychology

open2noThe prevalence of psychological suffering is greater than the actual request for clinical consultation in Europe (Alonso et al., 2004). In Italy, no more than 5.5% of the population requested psychological assistance during lifetime (Miglioretti et al., 2008). There are different obstacles that prevent the access to mental health services, such as economic restrictions (Mulder et al., 2011), cultural prejudice (Kim et al., 2010), and lack of knowledge about the service providers that can answer to the patient’s psychological needs (Molinari et al., 2012). Therefore, the psychologist is often consulted as a last resort, only after everything else has failed, when problems have become severe, and thus requiring longer, more intensive, and expensive treatments. The introduction of the Primary Care Psychologist, a professional who works together with the family doctor, allows to overcome the above-mentioned problems and intercept unexpressed needs for psychological assistance. This professional role is operating in many countries since several years. In this study, current literature concerning different models of collaboration between physician and psychologist, in Europe and in Italy, was reviewed. A systematic search of Web of Science (ISI), Pubmed, Scopus, and PsychINFO was conducted using the initial search terms Primary Care Psychologist, Family Doctor, Primary Care, Collaborative Practice, and several relevant papers were identified. The review has shown the improved quality of care when mental health care is integrated into primary. Analyzing how different programs are implemented, results indicated that the more efficacious models of Primary Care Psychology are those tailored on the environment’s needs.The results of our systematic review stress the importance of the Primary Care Psychologist implementation also in Italy, to intercept unexpressed psychological needs and enhance clients’ quality of life.openFrancesca, Bianco; Enrico, BenelliBianco, Francesca; Benelli, Enric

Measuring Mindfulness: First Steps Towards the Development of a Comprehensive Mindfulness Scale

The present study describes the development of and results obtained from the first version of a new mindfulness scale: the Comprehensive Inventory of Mindfulness Experiences beta (CHIME-β). The aim of the present analysis was to investigate two relevant open questions in mindfulness assessment: (1) the coverage of aspects of mindfulness and (2) the type of interrelationships among these aspects. A review of the aspects of mindfulness assessed by eight currently available mindfulness questionnaires led to the identification of nine aspects of mindfulness. The CHIME-β was constructed in order to cover each of these aspects in a balanced way. Initially, principal component and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability and validity analyses, were performed in the entire sample (n = 313) of individuals from the general population and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) groups. The factor structure that emerged from this analysis was further investigated in meditation-trained individuals (n = 144) who had just completed an MBSR intervention. Results suggested a four-factor structure underlying the nine aspects proposed. The relationship between these mindfulness factors appears to be influenced by the degree of meditation experience. In fact, the mindfulness factors showed a greater interconnectedness among mediation-trained participants. Finally, data suggest that a non-avoidant stance plays a central role in mindfulness, while the capacity to put inner experiences into words may be related to mindfulness rather than a component of the construc

Psychometric Properties of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Measures in Patients Referred to a Sleep Clinic

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) contributes to all-cause and cardiac mortality. There are no current guidelines for OSA screening in outpatient settings. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine task force is focusing on improving detection and categorization of OSA symptoms and severity to promote screening, assessment, and diagnosis of the disorder. The purpose of this study was to identify the psychometric properties of three self-report OSA screening measures (Berlin, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), STOP Bang) and an objective portable sleep monitor (PSM) compared to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) levels (≥5, ≥ 15, and ≥ 30) from polysomnogram (PSG). Methods: A methodological design was used. Patients referred to a sleep specialist for an OSA consultation were recruited and enrolled at initial sleep evaluation. Participants completed the three OSA self-report screening measures and those participants who met inclusion criteria were sent home with a PSM for one night measurement. Automatic scoring was used. PSGs were ordered by the physician and AHI results were obtained from the medical record. Results: Participants (N=170) were enrolled (88 male, 82 female; age 54.5, SD 5.0 years). Almost all participants completed the self-report OSA screening measures, approximately half completed PSM measurement, and the majority completed laboratory PSG. The STOP Bang had the highest levels of sensitivity; the ESS had the lowest. The ESS had the highest specificity and reliability level. The PSM measure had the highest positive predictive value (PPV). The PSM measure had the strongest psychometric properties of the screening measures. Conclusions: The STOP Bang was the preferred self-report OSA screening measure because of high sensitivity levels. A positive STOP Bang warrants assessment for OSA. The ESS is the least desirable screening measure. If a patient qualifies, further screening with a PSM is indicated. PSM measurement consistently predicted the presence of OSA but at the expense of low sensitivity at AHI levels ≥ 30. PSM results can guide the referral process from primary or specialty clinicians to sleep specialist

“The relationship between approaches to learning and assessment outcomes in undergraduate optometry students”

A cross-sectional quantitative study was implemented to identify and analyse student approaches to learning (SALs) in the four stages of an undergraduate optometry honours degree programme. Study results will be used to inform optometric educators of the SAL trends of this student cohort. Seventy-three undergraduate optometry students participated in the study. Individual participant SAL scores were calculated using the shortened Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) for a semester-long academic module identified for each programme stage. Only R-SPQ-2F main scale SAL scores measuring the deep approach (DA) and surface approach (SA) were included in the final analyses, due to poor internal consistency and reliability of subscale measures, as confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Assessment scores across a range of assessment types represented measures of participant academic performance. No statistically significant differences were found in intra-or-inter-stage DA and SA scores as analysed using the paired t-test. Pearson correlational analysis elicited a negative correlation between the DA and SA scores for stage 4 data and for combined participant data. One-way ANOVA analysis showed no inter-stage or inter-gender SAL differences. Pearson correlation coefficient analyses showed no relationship between SAL and age. Overall, Pearson correlational analyses of SAL and assessment scores showed variable results, with no significant correlations found for most of these analyses. For stage 1 participants, the DA score and multiple choice questions, MCQ, (Online) scores were positively correlated. Stage 3 participant DA scores were positively correlated with Written Theory Question and Literature Review Assignment scores respectively. Stage 4 participants SA scores were negatively correlated with MCQ (Written) and Case Study Question scores respectively. It is envisaged that this study will form the foundation for ongoing investigation into SALs in undergraduate optometry students to further elicit the relationship between SAL and assessment methods across a wider range of academic modules. This information will be used in routine reviews of teaching and assessment materials for the DT224 optometry programme as well in the planning of continuing professional development (CPD) activities for graduates of the programme

The Effects of Resilience on Student Academic Success in Baccalaureate Nursing

The current rise in nursing student attrition has impeded the future supply of registered nurses. With the shortages projected to continue, this growing problem needs to be addressed. Factors influencing nursing student success are diverse and multidimensional. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship between resilience and student academic success. A descriptive, correlational design was utilized. The study was conducted in a private nursing college with 300 baccalaureate level nursing students. Based on correlational analysis, a weak positive relationship was found between academic success and resilience. Academic success also demonstrated relationships with cumulative grade point average, current nursing course level, employment status, average work hours per week, and race/ethnicity. These findings were consistent with existing literature; however, more research is needed to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between resilience and academic success in baccalaureate nursing education

Factors influencing absenteeism amongst student nurses at a public nursing college in Gauteng Province

Abstract: Worldwide, absenteeism amongst student nurses in healthcare facilities is a major challenge resulting in poor patient care in many health institutions, portraying a negative image of the nursing profession to the public. The concern is that if this problem persists, there will be fewer nurses completing their training successfully. The image of the nursing profession will continue to be perceived negatively by the public. The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the factors influencing absenteeism amongst student nurses in a public nursing college in Gauteng Province. The researcher thereby analysed and determined the correlational relationship between student-centred, home-related, school-related and social factors, and made recommendations to manage student nurses’ absenteeism. The research design that was used in this study was quantitative and descriptive. The sample included student nurses from level 1 to level 4 of their studies (n=229), registered at a nursing college in Gauteng Province for the R425 nursing programme. A structured self-administered questionnaire, Factors Influencing Absenteeism Questionnaire (FIAQ), was used to collect data. A total of 480 questionnaires were distributed to respondents at two nursing campuses at different levels of study, and 311 questionnaires were returned, giving a total response rate of 64.7%. Of the 311 returned questionnaires, 229 were found to be valid for analysis, giving a valid response rate of 73.63%. Descriptive statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and reliability testing were conducted and the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used for analysing the research data. The results revealed both positive and negative responses from respondents on factors influencing absenteeism amongst student nurses at a public nursing college in Gauteng Province. In some instances, student nurses agreed and disagreed that certain variables influenced them to be absent from class. In general, results indicate vi that student nurses absent themselves from class due to student-centred factors, home-related factors, school-related factors and social factors (Tables 4.6 – 4.9). The FIAQ was reliable and consistent to measure absenteeism. Correlational analysis indicates that more positive relationships exist between various factors. Specific and general recommendations for nursing education, practice, policy and further research were made.M.Cur. (Nursing

Understanding the effects of user participation in information security risk management : a comparative study of South Africa and Malawi

Includes bibliographical references.The purpose of this study was to understand how user participation in Information Security Risk Management (ISRM) practices contributes to the efficient management of information security. The study also aimed at understanding how different cultures influence user participation in ISRM. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a mixed methods research approach to comparatively collect, analyse, and interpret data from South Africa and Malawi

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Wikoff Spiritual Focus Questionnaire

Spirituality is a concept that has been a part of nursing since nursing began. In every culture spirituality is a component of healing. However, in the United States, nurses seldom assess the concept of spirituality and the patient\u27s spiritual needs are often not addressed. Wikoff Spiritual Focus Questionnaire was designed to help nurses assess and meet the patient\u27s spiritual needs. A review of literature revealed that spirituality was comprised of a relationship between a Higher Power, Self, Others, and Nature which resulted in a sense of being, knowing and life purpose. A fifth dimension of Religion was identified through a pilot study of the Wikoff Spiritual Focus Questionnaire. The purpose of this study was to refine and test the psychometric properties of the Wikoff Spiritual Focus Questionnaire (WSFQ). Psychometric analysis of the WSFQ was used to refine the questionnaire from-50-items to 20-items using the results from item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. The final 20-items were tested for internal consistency reliability and confirmatory factor analysis. The WSFQ was validated with a convenience sample (N = 256) of women using exploratory factor analysis and with a sample of acute care inpatients (N = 200) using confirmatory factor analysis. The resulting analysis revealed that the five components (a relationship with a Higher Power, Self, Others, Nature and Religion) were demonstrated have a Coefficient Alpha that ranged from .89-.96. The confirmatory factor analysis yielded a mediocre fit to the postulated five-factor solution. There is strong support for the ongoing use and testing of this questionnaire. Recommendations include continued evaluation using a larger sample size and in combination with the nursing care plan. This tool can provide nursing with method of measuring spiritual importance in the patient\u27s life and can then lead to developing appropriate nursing interventions to improve spiritual coping and in improved healing overall