Comparison of in-person vs. remote administration of cognitive screening tools for people with ALS.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether cognitive screening tools used for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pwALS) are affected by the screen being administered face-to-face or remotely online. It also investigated whether demographic variables predicted total cognitive screen scores. METHODS: The cognitive component of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECASc), the cognitive component of the ALS Cognitive Behavioural Screen (ALS-CBSc), and the Mini Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (Mini-ACE) were administered to 41 pwALS and 41 controls face-to-face. Versions of the cognitive screens designed to be administered remotely were administered to 57 pwALS and 44 controls via videoconferencing methods. Backwards stepwise linear regressions were conducted to assess whether total scores on the ECASc, ALS-CBSc, and Mini-ACE scores were predicted by administration mode (face-to-face or remote) or demographic variables. RESULTS: Mode of administration significantly affected scores on the ECASc and ALS-CBSc; remote administration was associated with better total scores. Administration mode did not significantly affect Mini-ACE scores. All cognitive screens were significantly affected by IQ scores; higher IQ scores predicted better screening tool scores. Only ECASc scores were significantly affected by age, with older age predicting poorer scores. Being female was associated with better Mini-ACE scores; sex did not predict ECASc and ALS-CBSc scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that videoconferencing versions of the ECASc and ALS-CBSc may function differently to the original, face-to-face versions. There are advantages to using remote versions of cognitive screening tools but clinicians and researchers who use them should consider that they may not yield equivalent scores.

The Knowledge of Autism Questionnaire-UK: Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation.

Tools to measure autism knowledge are needed to assess levels of understanding within particular groups of people and to evaluate whether awareness-raising campaigns or interventions lead to improvements in understanding. Several such measures are in circulation, but, to our knowledge, there are no psychometrically-validated questionnaires that assess contemporary autism knowledge suitable to the UK context. We aimed to produce a brief measure to assess between-respondent variability and within-respondent change over time. A pool of questionnaire items was developed and refined through a multi-stage iterative process involving autism experts and a lay sample. Attention was paid to face validity, clarity, consensus on correct responses, and appropriate difficulty levels. Initial validation data was obtained from a lay sample of 201 people. Difficulty and discrimination ability were assessed using item response theory and low-performing items were removed. Dimensionality was evaluated with exploratory factor analysis, which revealed a one-factor structure of the questionnaire. Further items were removed where they did not load strongly on their main factor. This process resulted in a final 14-item questionnaire called the Knowledge of Autism Questionnaire-UK. Internal consistency was satisfactory, and the final questionnaire was able to distinguish between parents of autistic people and those without an affiliation to autism. The KAQ-UK is a new, freely-available measure of autism knowledge that could be used to assess between-respondent variability and within-respondent change over time. Further evaluation and validation of its measurement properties are required.

Measurement invariance of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptom criteria as rated by parents and teachers in children and adolescents: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to establish the extent to which each Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptom criterion is being assessed without being influenced (biased) by factors such as informant, sex/gender, and age. Measurement invariance (MI) testing using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is the prime statistical method to ascertain how these factors may affect the measurement and colour the perception or interpretation of symptom criteria. Such effects (non-invariance) can be operationalised in the form of altered association of a symptom criterion with the measured trait (expressed via variations in CFA loadings which represent the weight of each symptom criterion) due to the factor(s) and/or artificially alter the probability of endorsement of a particular symptom criterion (expressed via variations in the CFA threshold(s) representing how mild or severe a given symptom is). Based on a pre-registered protocol (CRD42022276105), we searched PubMed, Global Health, Embase and PsycInfo up to 21-02-23 for studies that included MI assessments on specific ADHD symptom criteria in individuals aged 0-18 years old, using parental and/or teacher report. Self-reports were excluded, given the poor reliability of self-report in ADHD. All included studies met specific COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria. Results were synthesised in tabular form, grouping results by factors (e.g. informant) from 44 studies retained. Most comparisons indicated both metric (same loadings) and scalar invariance (same thresholds) with regard to informant, gender, age, temporal (repeated assessments) and co-morbidity. Therefore, the available evidence supports the current diagnostic criteria. However, findings could have been improved by systematic reporting of the direction of bias and its effect size. There appears to be a bias towards reporting MI instead of non-invariance. More studies in the literature are needed where the amalgamation of information provided by different informs and the association of specific symptoms with comorbidity are analysed.

Psychometric Evaluation and Misophonic Experience in a Portuguese-Speaking Sample.

Misophonia, a disorder characterised by an extreme sensitivity to certain sounds, is increasingly being studied in cross-cultural settings. The S-Five scale is a multidimensional psychometric tool initially developed to measure the severity of misophonia in English-speaking populations. The scale has been validated in several languages, and the present study aimed to validate the European Portuguese S-Five scale in a Portuguese-speaking sample. The scale was translated into Portuguese using a forward-backwards translation method. The psychometric properties of the S-Five scale were evaluated in a sample of 491 Portuguese-speaking adults. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a five-factor structure consistent with previous versions of the S-Five scale. The five factors were as follows: (1) internalising appraisals, (2) externalising appraisals, (3) perceived threat and avoidance behaviour, (4) outbursts, and (5) impact on functioning. The satisfactory psychometric properties of the S-Five scale further indicated its cross-cultural stability. As a psychometrically robust tool, the S-Five can measure misophonia in Portuguese-speaking populations, allowing future studies to explore and compare misophonia in this population.

What is the extent of reliability and validity evidence for screening tools for cognitive and behavioral change in people with ALS? A systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review provides an updated summary of the existing literature on the validity of screening tools for cognitive and behavioral impairment in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (pwALS), and also focuses on their reliability. Method: The following cognitive and behavioral screening tools were assessed in this review: the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS); the ALS Cognitive Behavioral Screen (ALS-CBS), the Mini Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (Mini-ACE), the Beaumont Behavioral Interview (BBI); the MND Behavior Scale (MiND-B); and the ALS-FTD Questionnaire (ALS-FTD-Q). A search, using Medline, PsychINFO and Embase (21/09/2023), generated 37 results after exclusion criteria were applied. Evidence of internal consistency, item-total correlations, inter-rater reliability, clinical validity, convergent validity, and structural validity were extracted and assessed and risk of bias was evaluated. Results: The cognitive component of the ECAS was the tool with most evidence of reliability and validity for the assessment of cognitive impairment in ALS. It is well-suited to accommodate physical symptoms of ALS. For behavioral assessment, the BBI or ALS-FTD-Q had the most evidence of reliability and validity. The BBI is more thorough, but the ALS-FTD-Q is briefer. Conclusions: There is good but limited evidence for the reliability and validity of cognitive and behavioral screens. Further evidence of clinical and convergent validity would increase confidence in their clinical and research use.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire, Sound Sensitivity Symptoms Questionnaire, and Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Tinnitus, including preliminary analyses of the parent versions for use with children.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported the results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire (HIQ), the Sound Sensitivity Symptoms Questionnaire (SSSD) and the Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Tinnitus (SAD-T). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is necessary to confirm the latent constructs determined using EFA. CFA should use different samples but with similar characteristics to those used for EFA. PURPOSE: The aim was to use CFA to confirm latent constructs derived using EFA of the HIQ, SSSQ and SAD-T. We further evaluated the psychometric properties of parent versions of these questionnaires (indicated by -P), which are intended for use with children. RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE: Data for 323 consecutive adults and 49 children who attended a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Clinic in the UK within a six-month period were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were collected retrospectively from the records of patients held at the audiology department. CFA with the weighted least-squares mean and variance-adjusted estimator was applied to assess the previously proposed factor structures of the HIQ, SSSQ and SAD-T. The internal consistency of the scales was assessed via Cronbach's alpha (α). The items of the HIQ, SSSQ and SAD-T were tested for measurement invariance regarding age and gender using the multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) model. RESULTS: All questionnaires showed good to excellent internal consistency, with α = 0.93 for the HIQ, 0.87 for the SSSQ, and 0.91 for the SAD-T. The parent versions showed acceptable to good internal consistency, with α = 0.88 for the HIQ-P, 0.71 for the SSSQ-P, and 0.86 for the SAD-T-P. CFA showed that the HIQ, SSSQ, and SAD-T were all one-factor questionnaires and the factors generally were similar to those obtained for the EFA. The MIMIC model showed that all three questionnaires can be considered as measurement invariant, with scores similar across genders and ages. CONCLUSIONS: The HIQ, SSSQ and SAD-T are internally consistent one-factor questionnaires that can be used in clinical and research settings to assess the impact of hyperacusis, the severity of sound sensitivity symptoms, and to screen for anxiety and depression symptoms. Future studies should further explore the psychometric properties of the parent versions of the HIQ and SSSQ and SAD-T.

Translation and validation of the Body Esteem Scale in Adults and Adolescents among Indonesian adolescents.

There is a need for a psychometrically robust body image measure to advance body image scholarship among Indonesian adolescents. This study aimed to validate a Bahasa Indonesia version of the Body Esteem Scale for Adults and Adolescents (BESAA). The measure was forward and back translated from English into Bahasa Indonesia (i.e., primary Indonesian language) and was assessed for comprehension and cultural appropriateness using cognitive interviews and expert reviews. The factor structure, reliability, and validity of the measure was tested with adolescents aged 11-17 years from two districts in Indonesia (N = 650; 51.5 % girls). Exploratory factor analysis identified a suitable 17-item three-factor solution for the BESAA, with Appearance Positive, Appearance Negative, and Weight subscales. This model was confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis and found to be largely invariant across gender and age. Test re-test reliability and internal consistency of the subscales were acceptable. The Bahasa Indonesia version of the BESAA is a psychometrically robust measure suitable for use among Indonesian adolescents. Reasons as to why the factor structure of the BESAA differentiates across cultural contexts are discussed.

Adaptation and validation of the Body Image Life Disengagement Questionnaire (BILD-Q) for use in english among adolescents in urban India.

Body image concerns are a global issue among adolescents, including in India. These concerns can prevent adolescents from engaging in everyday life activities, impeding social and academic development. However, at present, there are no psychometrically valid measures to assess such impact in the Indian context. This study culturally adapted and validated the Body Image Life Disengagement Questionnaire (BILD-Q) for use in English among adolescents in urban India. A total of 1427 adolescents completed an adapted version of the BILD-Q along with additional measures pertaining to body image. Exploratory factor analysis identified one dimension of body image life disengagement, which provided the best fit. The 9-item one-factor model was further supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency and test re-test reliability. Further analysis demonstrated that the scale can be used to compare scores between boys and girls without measurement bias. This study presents a culturally adapted version of the BILD-Q, which can be used as a valid and reliable measure to assess the impact of body image concerns on life disengagement among English-speaking adolescents in urban India.

Gender bias in autism screening: measurement invariance of different model frameworks of the Autism Spectrum Quotient.

BACKGROUND: The Autism Spectrum Quotient is a popular autism screening tool recommended for identifying potential cases of autism. However, many women with autism demonstrate a different presentation of traits to those currently captured by screening measures and assessment methods, such as the Autism Spectrum Quotient. AIMS: Different models of the Autism Spectrum Quotient have been proposed in the literature, utilising different items from the original 50-item scale. Within good-fitting models, the current study aimed to explore whether these items assess autistic traits similarly across men and women. METHOD: Seventeen Autism Spectrum Quotient models were identified from the literature. Using the responses of a large sample of adults from the UK general population (5246 women, 1830 men), confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the fit of each model. Measurement invariance with respect to gender, adjusting for age, was explored in the 11 model frameworks that were found to have satisfactory fit to our data. RESULTS: It emerged that only two items were gender invariant (non-biased), whereas for the remaining items, the probability of endorsement was influenced by gender. In particular, women had a higher probability of endorsing items relating to social skills and communication. CONCLUSIONS: If the items of the Autism Spectrum Quotient indeed reflect autism-related traits, those items should be rephrased to ensure they do not present a gender-related bias. This is vital for ensuring more timely diagnoses and support for all people with autism.

Adaptation and Validation of the Child Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (ChEDE-Q) for Use in English among Adolescents in Urban India.

Eating pathology is increasingly common among Indian adolescents. However, brief validated measures of disordered eating in Indian contexts are scarce. This study adapted and validated a culturally appropriate English language version of the Child Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (ChEDE-Q) among 385 adolescents (mean age = 13.42 years; 47.3% girls) in urban India. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a two-factor eight-item solution had an acceptable fit to the data across gender: an 'Eating Concerns and Restraint' subscale and a 'Weight and Shape Concerns' subscale. Further, the questionnaire can be utilised as both a unidimensional and multidimensional tool. This allows for the computation of a total score on the primary factor of 'Child Eating Pathology', as well as the two subscales. Internal consistency of the 'Weight and Shape Concerns' subscale (α = 0.825) and 'Eating Concerns and Restraint' subscale (α = 0.649) was satisfactory. Concurrent validity was established through medium significant correlations with measures of body image and broader mental health. The results support the use of the ChEDE-Q for assessing disordered eating among urban Indian adolescents, thus providing the research community and practitioners with a measure to investigate the nature and scale of disordered eating among adolescents in India.

Misophonia in the UK: Prevalence and norms from the S-Five in a UK representative sample.

What is the reality of the misophonic experience in the general population? This is a study on misophonia in a large sample, representative of the UK general population. The study utilises a multidimensional psychometric tool, the S-Five, to study the intensity of the triggering misophonic sounds in everyday activities, the emotions/feelings related to them, and the norms of the key components of the misophonic experience: internalising and externalising appraisals, perceived threat and avoidance behaviours, outbursts, and the impact on functioning. Based on the S-Five scores and a semi-structured interview delivered by clinicians who specialise in misophonia, the estimated prevalence of people for whom symptoms of misophonia cause a significant burden in their life in the UK was estimated to be 18%. The psychometric properties of the S-Five in the UK general population were also evaluated and differences across gender and age were explored. Our results show that the five-factor structure is reproduced, and that the S-Five is a reliable and valid scale for the measurement of the severity of the misophonic experience in the general UK population.

Detecting anomalous experiences in the community: The Transpersonal Experiences Questionnaire (TEQ).

OBJECTIVES: There is growing recognition of the value of researching anomalous experiences in the general population to aid our understanding of the psychosis continuum. There are key differences in aims, foci and epistemologies of existing measures, with varying utility for specific research designs. This study addresses gaps in the literature by developing a measure of anomalous experiences with utility for longitudinal (time-sensitive) research, and with particular reliability for people towards the upper (high scoring) end of the continuum. METHODS: An online sample was recruited from the general population to provide questionnaire data for two study parts: (A) item selection and (B) psychometric evaluation. For Part A, both classical test theory and item response theory methods were used to select which items to be included from an initial pool of 57, generated from individuals with persistent anomalous experiences. For Part B, psychometric properties of the resulting measure were evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and tests of reliability and validity. RESULTS: Scores were provided by 532 participants, from which a 19-item scale, the Transpersonal Experiences Questionnaire (TEQ), was developed. The TEQ was found to be a unidimensional scale, with satisfactory internal consistency (0.85), good test-retest reliability and convergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The TEQ can be used as a unidimensional scale to detect anomalous experiences in the general population, with particular reliability for people with higher incidence of these experiences.

Performance of the GAD-7 in adults with dissociative seizures.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the accuracy of the GAD-7, a self-report anxiety measure, in detecting generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in people with dissociative seizures (DS). We evaluated the reliability, validity and uniformity of the GAD-7 using a diagnosis of GAD on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview as a reference. METHODS: We assessed 368 adults with DS at the pre-randomisation phase of the CODES trial. Factor analysis for categorical data assessed GAD-7 uniformity. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by estimating the area under the curve (AUC). We evaluated discriminant validity, reviewed data on convergent validity and calculated internal consistency. We explored correlations between GAD-7 scores and monthly DS frequency, frequency of severe seizures and measures of behavioural and emotional avoidance. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the GAD-7 was high (α = 0.92). Factor analysis elicited one main factor and general measurement invariance. Diagnostic accuracy was fair (AUC = 0.72) but the best balance of sensitivity and specificity occurred at a cut-off of ≥12 and still had a specificity rate of only 68%. Discriminant and convergent validity were good. GAD-7 scores correlated positively with DS frequency, severe seizure frequency, behavioural and emotional avoidance (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings regarding internal consistency and factor structure parallel previous psychometric evaluations of the GAD-7. Correlations between GAD-7 scores and DS occurrence/severity and avoidance are evidence of the concept validity of GAD-7 and provide further support for a fear-avoidance treatment model for DS. However, the utility of the GAD-7 as a diagnostic instrument for generalised anxiety disorder is limited in patients with DS.

Psychometric evaluation of the tinnitus impact questionnaire using patients seeking help for tinnitus or tinnitus with hyperacusis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Tinnitus Impact Questionnaire (TIQ), whose questions focus on assessing the impact of tinnitus on the patient's day to day activities, mood, and sleep, and not on hearing difficulties. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE: Data were included for 172 adult patients who attended a tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic in the UK within a six-month period and who had completed the TIQ. RESULTS: Two items whose scores were very highly correlated with those for other items were removed, leaving seven items. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single factor for the TIQ. A multiple causes multiple indicator model showed significant but very small direct effects of age on TIQ scores for two items, after adjustment for gender. The TIQ had excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha = 0.89. The total TIQ score was moderately to strongly correlated with scores for the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Screening for Anxiety and Depression-Tinnitus questionnaire, Hyperacusis Questionnaire, and Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire, indicating convergent validity. The TIQ score was weakly correlated with the pure-tone average hearing threshold, indicating discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The TIQ is a brief, valid and internally consistent questionnaire for assessing the impact of tinnitus.

Evidence of Cross-Cultural Consistency of the S-Five Model for Misophonia: Psychometric Conclusions Emerging From the Mandarin Version.

Misophonia is a disorder generally characterised by a decreased tolerance to everyday sounds. Although research is increasing in misophonia, a cross-cultural validation of a psychometric tool for measuring misophonia has not been evaluated. This study investigated the validity of the S-Five multidimensional model of the misophonic experience in a sample of Chinese participants. The S-Five was translated in a forward-backward method to Mandarin to establish a satisfactory translation. The translation was also independently back translated to English, with no significant differences when compared to the original S-Five. Through exploratory factor analysis, using responses from 256 Chinese individuals, the five dimensions (internalising appraisals, externalising appraisals, perceived threat and avoidance behaviour, outbursts, and impact on functioning) were replicated, indicating the cross-cultural uniformity of the experience of misophonia as captured by the S-Five. That is, current results point to the stability of the manifestation of misophonia across cultures, seen here for the first time in the literature. By design, the S-Five items were developed to reflect sound sensitivities in a manner that is not specific or matching to individuals of a certain age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, and educational level. Testimonial to this fact is not only the replication of the five factors, but also the replication of the evidence towards satisfactory psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the scale. Based on the results of this study, the S-Five is a psychometrically robust tool to be used within the Chinese population.

The Body Esteem Scale for Adults and Adolescents: Translation, adaptation and psychometric validation among Brazilian adolescents.

A lack of rigorously validated body image measures for use among adolescents is hampering research in Brazil. This study aimed to validate a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Body Esteem Scale for Adults and Adolescents (BESAA; Mendelson et al., 2001). The BESAA was forward and back translated from English into Brazilian Portuguese before examining its factor structure, reliability, and validity among 475 adolescents (50.3% girls) aged 13 - 18 years (Mage = 15.35) from various regions across Brazil. Exploratory factor analysis identified an 18-item three-factor solution, with Appearance-Positive, Appearance-Negative, and Weight subscales. The removal of five problematic items led to a psychometrically robust model, invariant across gender and age, and was verified using confirmatory factor analysis. Test re-test reliability and internal consistency were good-to-excellent across all three factors (Cronbach's a =0.85,.88, and.89). Concurrent validity was established through significant correlations with body dissatisfaction. Convergent validity was demonstrated via significant correlations with positive and negative affect. This Brazilian Portuguese version of the BESAA is a valid, reliable, and psychometrically robust measure of body image suitable for administration among adolescents in Brazil.

Emotion Processes Predicting Outbursts and Functional Impact in Misophonia.

Misophonia involves a decreased tolerance to certain sounds and is associated with a range of emotions and emotion processes. In addition to the distress caused by misophonia, some individuals report having aggressive outbursts and significant impact on doing things they would like to be able to do. This study aimed to examine whether misophonia-specific cognitive and emotional processes were associated with misophonic outbursts and impact, and whether these relationships could be explained in part by emotion processes not specific to misophonia. A sample of 703 individuals, 315 of whom identified with having misophonia, completed measures of misophonia, depression and anxiety symptoms, anxiety and disgust sensitivity, interoception and beliefs about emotions. Exploratory correlation and regression analyses were used to build mediation models, which were tested using multiple linear regression. Externalising appraisals (blaming others for causing one's reaction to sounds) were positively associated with misophonic outbursts, and this relationship was partially explained by anxiety symptoms and disgust sensitivity. Sense of emotional threat in misophonia predicted functional impact of misophonia, and this was partially explained by depression symptoms and negative beliefs about emotions. Anxiety sensitivity and interoception were not significant independent predictors of misophonic outbursts or functional impact. These results provide support for the relevance of emotion processes in misophonia and highlight the importance of using multi-dimensional measures of misophonia to improve our understanding of the condition.

Psychometric Evaluation of a Patient Experience Questionnaire (PEQ) for Outpatient Appointments: Analysis Using Data from a U.K. National Health Service Audiology Department.

BACKGROUND: The Audiology Department at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust (RSFT), United Kingdom, developed a patient experience questionnaire (PEQ) to assess and compare patients' experiences of attending a wide range of appointments (e.g., hearing assessment, hearing aid fitting, hearing aid review, tinnitus therapy, balance assessment, and balance rehabilitation). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the PEQ. The PEQ is a unidimensional instrument with four items that assess a patient's experience of an outpatient appointment. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE: Patients attending appointments for audiology services at RSFT between January and March 2020. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All patients (n = 656) attending appointments for audiology services at RSFT during randomly selected days between January and March 2020 were given the questionnaire to complete themselves (PEQ-self) or to complete on their child's behalf (PEQ-parent). The factor structures for the PEQ-self and PEQ-parent were assessed separately, using confirmatory factor analysis. A multiple-causes, multiple-indicators (MIMIC) model was fitted to explore potential bias due to gender and age. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α. The bivariate correlations between PEQ scores and other variables were evaluated using the nonparametric Spearman correlation coefficient. Floor and ceiling effects were assessed using the distribution of total scores. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a one-factor model gave a close fit to the data for both the self and parent versions. Cronbach's α for the total score was 0.77 for the PEQ-self and 0.86 for the PEQ-parent. The MIMIC model showed no significant direct effects of age or gender for either version. CONCLUSIONS: Both the PEQ-self and PEQ-parent questionnaire can be reliably used to measure patients' experiences of outpatient audiology appointments. Future studies should aim to assess the psychometric properties of the PEQ-self and PEQ-parent for a range of outpatient appointments other than audiology.

Managing emotions in psychosis: Evaluation of a brief DBT-informed skills group for individuals with psychosis in routine community services.

OBJECTIVES: Individuals with psychosis report that emotion regulation (ER) difficulties are treatment priorities, yet little is known about how targeted ER interventions may help. We evaluated a new eight-session Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)-informed skills group specifically adapted for individuals with psychosis: the Managing Emotions Group (MEG) in diverse, inner-city community services. METHOD: A mixed-method design was utilised to assess the feasibility (acceptability and potential clinical impact) of local delivery of MEG. Uptake, completion (≥50% of sessions), post-session satisfaction ratings, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback from 12 completers assessed acceptability. Pre-post-intervention changes in psychological distress, self-reported ER difficulties, and adaptive ER skill use assessed potential clinical impact. RESULTS: Forty-eight individuals (81% of attenders) completed the intervention (Mage = 43, 54% female) of whom 39 completed pre- and post-group measures. Participants reported high satisfaction and meaningful improvements in understanding and managing emotions, with positive impact on daily life. Self-reported psychological distress, ER difficulties, and adaptive ER skill use significantly improved, with medium-to-large pre-post effects (d = 0.5-0.7) except lack of emotional clarity (d = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: MEG was feasible and acceptable, and a future feasibility randomised controlled trial is warranted. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Individuals with psychosis report that support with their emotions is a priority. Brief interventions for emotion regulation difficulties are acceptable to individuals with psychosis and can be feasibly delivered in a local outpatient service. Distress and emotion regulation difficulties and skills improved significantly from pre-post treatment for clients completing the managing emotions group. Further implementation and evaluation are needed to support continued refinement to meet the needs and priorities of individuals with psychosis.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire (HIQ) and Sound Sensitivity Symptoms Questionnaire (SSSQ) Using a Clinical Population of Adult Patients with Tinnitus Alone or Combined with Hyperacusis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperacusis can be defined as an intolerance of certain everyday sounds, which are perceived as too loud or uncomfortable and which cause significant distress and impairment in the individual's day-to-day activities. It is important to assess symptoms of sound intolerance and their impact on the patient's life, so as to evaluate the need for treatment and to assess the effectiveness of treatments. PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire (HIQ), and the Sound Sensitivity Symptoms Questionnaire (SSSQ). The 8-item HIQ focuses on assessing the impact of hyperacusis on the patient, while the 5-item SSSQ is designed to assess the type and severity of sound intolerance symptoms. RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE: In total, 266 consecutive patients who attended a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Clinic in the United Kingdom within a 6-month period. Fifty-five percent were female. The average age was 54 years (standard deviation = 16 years). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were collected retrospectively from the records of patients held at the audiology department. Audiological measures were pure-tone audiometry and Uncomfortable Loudness Levels (ULLs). Questionnaires administered in addition to the HIQ and SSSQ were: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), and Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Tinnitus. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis suggested one-factor solutions for both the HIQ and SSSQ. Multiple-causes multiple-indicators (MIMIC) models showed some small influences of gender but negligible effects of age for both the HIQ and SSSQ. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed no significant effects of covariates on the ROC curves. Cronbach's α was 0.93 for the HIQ, and 0.87 for the SSSQ, indicating high internal consistency. Convergent validity was supported by moderate correlations between HQ and HIQ scores and between SSSQ scores and ULLs. CONCLUSION: The HIQ and SSSQ are internally consistent questionnaires that can be used in clinical and research settings.