Search

The assessment of mental health, particularly depression, in university student populations is crucial for effective intervention and support. This study investigates the psychometric properties of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 (CES-D10) among 322 university students in the Western Cape province of South Africa, employing both classical test theory and item response theory. Participants were also assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and a short form of the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The results reveal satisfactory reliability indices for the CES-D10 based on Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. However, Item 8 was identified as problematic across multiple metrics, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis; therefore, the exclusion of this item is recommended for improved scale performance. The 9-item version displayed superior fit in the CFA and better construct validity than the 10-item scale. Scores on the CES-D10 were positively correlated with perceived stress and hopelessness and negatively correlated with life satisfaction, supporting the criterion-related validity of the scale. The study extends the psychometric validation literature of the CES-D10 by incorporating Rasch analysis, underscoring the benefits of using multiple statistical frameworks to achieve robust findings. These results have relevance for mental health assessment among university students in developing contexts, providing an evidence-based tool for early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the dimensionality and factor structure of the Sense of Coherence-13 (SOC-13) scale have produced inconsistent results, and there is a need for comprehensive psychometric testing of the scale in different populations and using diverse methodologies. SOC refers to the individual's ability to perceive life as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful. The current study investigated the dimensionality of the SOC-13 through the use of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), ancillary bifactor indices and item response theory in a sample of young adults in South Africa. Participants were students (n = 322) who completed the SOC-13, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and short forms of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the trait scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. CFA indicated the best fit for a one-factor model, but the problematic parameter estimates raise concerns about the construct validity of the scale. Non-parametric item response theory (Mokken scale analysis [MSA]) identified limitations in the original 13-item version, suggesting a more dependable seven-item version (SOC-7). This revised scale exhibited strong psychometric characteristics and was consistent with the theoretical foundations that underpin the construct. We verified the unidimensional structure of the SOC with the more stringent parametric item-response theory (Rasch analysis) which confirmed that the seven-item SOC is unidimensional. Rasch analysis confirmed the measurement invariance of the SOC-13 in terms of gender and area of residence. The study suggests that a shorter seven-item version consisting of items from the three components of sense of coherence has comparative properties to the 13-item version but the evidence does not provide support for the use of the SOC-13 as a multidimensional measure. Research in the area of sense of coherence would benefit from further validation studies of both the original SOC-13 and the revised SOC-7, especially across populations and settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a global public health emergency and was associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Individual differences in response to traumatic stressors can be attributed to subjective cognitive appraisals. The current study investigated the role of problem-solving appraisals in the association between COVID-19-related fear and mental health outcomes. Participants were university students (N = 322). They completed a web-based survey comprising the Center for Epidemiological Studies depression scale, the fear of COVID-19 scale, the problem-solving inventory, the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist, and the satisfaction with life scale. Correlational analysis revealed that a heightened fear of COVID-19 was related to greater PTSD and depressive symptoms and a lower life satisfaction. Self-appraised ineffective problem-solving was associated with higher levels of PTSD and depression and a lower life satisfaction. Problem-solving appraisal moderated the relationship between fear of COVID-19, life satisfaction, PTSD, and depression, respectively. The findings suggest that problem-solving appraisals are a protective resource and have the potential to promote positive psychological functioning among young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major global stressor that has been associated with elevated risk of negative mental health symptoms. As a helping profession, our main task should be identifying factors that may shield individuals from the negative consequences of stress, rather than only focusing on the causes and symptoms of stress. One such factor, identified in the literature, is an individual's perception of their problem-solving skills. In this study we investigate the role of problem-solving appraisal in the association between perceived stress and psychological well-being. Participants were students (n = 322) who completed the Problem Solving Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, the short forms of the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The results demonstrate the health-sustaining benefits of problem-solving appraisal, as all dimensions of problem-solving appraisal (problem-solving confidence, approach-avoidance style, and problem-solving control) were directly associated with hopelessness and anxiety. The stress-buffering role of problem-solving appraisal with respect to hopelessness was demonstrated through the interaction between perceived stress and problem-solving appraisal. However, problem-solving appraisal did not buffer the effects of stress on anxiety. The findings indicate that problem-solving appraisal may be an important protective resource that could be beneficial for coping with other negative events and experiences beyond COVID-19. The implications of these findings for interventions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]