The MMPI-2-RF validity scales effectively discriminate between groups of respondents presenting in either an honest manner or with patterned exaggeration and over-endorsement of symptoms. The magnitude of difference observed between honest and malingering groups was substantially narrower than might be expected using traditional cut-scores for the validity scales, making interpretation within the evaluation context particularly important. While all over-reporting scales are effective, the FBS-r and RBS scales are those least influenced by common and context specific moderating influences, such as respondent or comparison grouping.

Although the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is among the most widely used measures of perceived stress, it has only recently begun to be tested in independent psychometric validation studies, and the four-item version of the PSS (PSS-4) (the briefest version of this measure) has never undergone testing to examine and confirm the originally proposed structure. To address this paucity of research, the present study (a) tested the structure of the PSS-4 in the first confirmatory factor analysis of the instrument and (b) tested for item-level gender differences in the PSS that have been demonstrated in other versions of this scale. Results indicated that the PSS four-item measure does not fit its proposed model. Additionally, score differences were observed for one item across genders.

The paraeducator workforce as well as the breadth of their responsibilities to serve students in special education has increased considerably in public schools. Unfortunately, research to identify the most effective methods for training paraeducators has not kept pace. Addressing this dynamic, through an implementation science framework, requires a better understanding of contextual factors. In this study, focus groups (FGs) with paraeducators and teachers were conducted to examine (a) responsibilities, training needs, and related issues of paraprofessionals; (b) training needs and related issues of teachers as supervisors of paraeducators; and (c) factors that support or impede special educators’ self-efficacy and their perception of competence of their colleagues. Four FGs, homogeneous based on role and assignment (mild vs. moderate-to-severe disabilities), were conducted utilizing a semistructured interview protocol. Qualitative content analysis revealed important challenges and training-related deficiencies experienced by both teachers and paraeducators, as well as suggestions for addressing these issues.

Experiences of self-stigma and gender role conflict act as barriers to men's psychological help-seeking. Although previous studies suggest that violation of masculine norms and the desire to preserve masculinity reduce men's help-seeking behaviors, little is known about the ways in which specific help-seeking behaviors are impacted. The current study examined relations between gender role conflict, self-stigma, and help-seeking for depression among a sample of college men from a Midwestern university in the United States (N ϭ 313). Participants engaged in a role induction based upon a vignette about a man with depression and were asked the types of help-seeking behaviors they would engage in (i.e., professional help, self-help, informal help, or avoidant behaviors). Results of this study indicate that gender role conflict and self-stigma have different relations to help-seeking behaviors. More specifically, (a) gender role conflict plays an incremental role beyond mental health self-stigma in understanding certain types of responses to mental health needs, (b) there is a positive relationship between experiencing gender role conflict and holding increasingly self-stigmatizing views, (c) self-stigma and gender role conflict differ in their pattern of influence for mental health treatment responses, (d) gender role conflict corresponds with increased avoidant behaviors and decreases social support utilization, and (e) selfstigma predicts decreased social support and professional help utilization while also increasing avoidant behaviors. Although gender role conflict and self-stigma had unique relations to professional helpseeking for depression, utilization of social support was negatively impacted by both. Considerations for help-seeking patterns in men and the influence of both stigmatized social views and conflicting gender roles are discussed. Public Significance StatementThis study suggests that men's experiences of gender role conflict and self-stigma of help-seeking are associated with their decisions to utilize self-help, to talk with friends and family, and to seek professional help when depressed.

Stigma has received attention as a major barrier toward effective mental health service delivery, and previous research has demonstrated that the Five-Factor Model (FFM) domain of Openness to Experience is negatively correlated with stigmatized views of mental health. However, a lack of established relationships between personality and self-stigma, as well as how these concepts affect an individual's treatment-seeking intentions, has left a gap in the literature. To address this, our study recruited a low-income community sample and tested (a) the relationship between self-stigma of mental health treatment and the FFM, (b) the relationship between self-stigma and treatment-seeking intentions, and (c) the incremental validity of FFM personality beyond stigma in the prediction of treatment seeking. Results suggest that there is some incongruence with previous research on personality's relationship to stigma, personality does not act as an additive component in the prediction of the relationship between stigma and treatment seeking, and stigma is related only to the perceived need for mental health treatment but not to an individual's openness to seek that treatment. The discussion concludes with implications for the contextualization and treatment of stigma as a barrier for mental health treatment and a general synthesis of the personality trait profiles for those holding stigmatizing views of mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record