Internal Structure of Beck Hopelessness Scale: An Analysis of Method Effects Using the CT-C(M–1) Model

Abstract

The construct validity in relation to the dimensionality or factor structure of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) has long been debated in psychometrics. Irrelevant variance due to item wording (method effects) can distort the factor structure, and recent studies have examined the method factor's role in the factor structure of the BHS. However, the models used to control the method effects have severe limitations, and new models are needed. One such model is the correlated traitcorrelated method minus one (CT-C(M-1)), which is a powerful approach that gives the trait factor an unambiguous meaning and prevents the anomalous results associated with fully symmetrical bifactor modeling. The present work compares the fit and factor structure of the CT-C(M-1) model to bifactor models proposed in previous literature and evaluates the convergent validity of the CT-C(M-1) model and its discriminatory capacity by taking suicidal ideation as the criterion variable. This study used a large and heterogeneous open mode online sample of Argentinian people (N = 2,164). The results indicated that the CT-C(M-1) model with positive words as referenced items achieves the most adequate factor structure. The factorial scores derived from this model demonstrate good predictive and discriminating capabilities.

Escala de Desesperanza de Beck: Un Análisis Psicométrico de la Versión Breve en Adultos Peruanos

“…La literatura actual indica que la desesperanza es un factor predictivo de salud mental y su prevalencia también ha sido identificada en adultos de población general, siendo recomendable su evaluación continua por parte de los profesionales de la salud (Haatainen et al, 2004;Qiu et al, 2017;Woosley et al, 2014). Además, la evaluación de la desesperanza, también podría ayudar en la práctica profesional sobre la estimación del riesgo de suicidio o en la investigación básica (Flores-Kanter et al, 2022), mayor aun cuando los estudios referentes a las muertes por suicidio en países de Sudamérica, representan solo el 1.49% de la evidencia empírica mundial (Flores-Kanter, 2017). Dado los recursos psicológicos de cada individuo, algunos podrán afrontar adecuadamente sus problemas, pero otros realmente no.…”

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale: Evidence of Construct Validity in Argentinians

“…Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) [ 21 ]. The version validated in Argentina by Flores-Kanter et al [ 22 ] was applied. The scale consists of 11 dichotomous response items (i.e., true, false), and is applied to assess negative expectations about the future.…”

How do you Behave as a Psychometrician? Research Conduct in the Context of Psychometric Research

“…Another example is the application of unjustified-inappropriate complex models, such as bifactor confirmatory models, which facilitate obtaining acceptable and optimal fit indicators (Flores-Kanter et al, 2022;Haywood et al, 2021;Reise et al, 2016). The Positive and Negative Affective Affective Schedule (PANAS) studies serve as a good example to visualise both examples of QRC-Ψmetrics.…”

“…The Positive and Negative Affective Affective Schedule (PANAS) studies serve as a good example to visualise both examples of QRC-Ψmetrics. In the case of incorporating error covariances, most studies on the PANAS have implemented this strategy to reach the minimum cut-off points to consider the fit of the measurement model acceptable (e.g., CFI > .90) (Flores-Kanter et al, 2022). In the case of bifactor models, mathematically equivalent to specifying covariances between all pairs of errors (Matsunaga, 2008), researchers have found in it a model that hardly presents indicators of poor fit (Flores-Kanter et al, 2018).…”