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Exploring individual differences and looking beyond averaged parameters of early numeracy in young children with mild intellectual disabilities has become an area of interest to many researchers worldwide. This study aimed to identify the different profiles of early numeracy skills in young children with mild intellectual disabilities. For this purpose, we assessed early numeracy through Utrecht early numeracy test and learning aptitude through Detroit Test, in a sample of 135 children diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. The mean of their mental age was 5:09 (years:months). Two-step cluster analysis identified four homogenous groups of children with distinct early numeracy profiles as follows:C1 were fluent in relational and numerical skills up to 20, C2 were fluent in relational skills and numerical skills up to 10, C3 had basic knowledge of relational skills and inconsistent numerical skills up to 10 and C4 had inconsistent relational skills and numerical skills. Results are discussed with reference to their educational implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the profiles taken by global and specific facets of work engagement and burnout among a sample of novice (M tenure = 3.77 years) nurses (n = 570; 88.4% females; M age = 29.3 years). This study also investigated the role of psychological need satisfaction in the prediction of profile membership, and the implications of these profiles for attitudinal (job satisfaction), behavioral (in-role and extra-role performance, absenteeism, and presenteeism) and health (perceived health difficulties) outcomes. Latent profile analyses revealed six profiles: High Global Engagement and Low Global Burnout, Moderately High Global Engagement and Moderately Low Global Burnout, Low Dedication and Efficacy and Highly Cynical, Dedicated but Exhausted Burned-Out, Low Efficacy Burned-Out, and Very Low Global Engagement and Very High Global Burnout. Although these profiles were replicated over a 1-year period, profile membership was only weakly stable. The most beneficial outcomes were observed in the High Global Engagement and Low Global Burnout profile, and the most detrimental in the Very Low Global Engagement and Very High Global Burnout profile. Need satisfaction was also associated with profile membership, although associations were stronger for global levels of need satisfaction than for specific levels of autonomy, competence, and relatedness need satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research has emphasized the need to identify profiles of men who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) as a way to better understand this heterogeneous population and guide the development of tailored services. However, empirical validation for such profiles remains limited, since it still focuses on specific populations or fails to consider IPV as reported by men seeking treatment for IPV. We know little about the profiles of men who seek services for their use of IPV (with or without a justice referral). This study sought to identify profiles of men seeking treatment for IPV, based on their self-reported use of the various forms and severity of IPV perpetrated, and to compare the identified groups on key psychosocial risk markers of IPV. A total of 980 Canadian men entering treatment in community organizations specialized in IPV answered a series of questionnaires. A latent profile analysis identified four profiles: (a) "no/minor IPV" (n = 194), (b) "severe IPV with sexual coercion" (n = 122), (c) "minor IPV and control" (n = 471), and (d) "severe IPV without sexual coercion" (n = 193). Results revealed differences in psychosocial risk markers, including attachment insecurities, childhood interpersonal trauma, undesirable personality traits, affect dysregulation, and psychological distress, mostly between the "severe IPV without sexual coercion" profile and the "no/minor IPV" and "minor IPV and control" profiles. Very few differences were found, however, between the "severe IPV with sexual coercion" and "severe IPV without sexual coercion" profiles. Implications for awareness, prevention, and treatment efforts for each profile are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors adopt a person-centered approach to the investigation of the dimensionality of the union commitment construct by capitalizing on a 10-year longitudinal study (from 1992 to 2002) of 637 union members in their first year of employment measured again 1 and 10 years later. Results reveal four distinct profiles of union commitment, presenting a stable structure over time. These profiles demonstrate consistency in commitment level across the three most common union commitment dimensions, thus questioning the necessity of adopting a multidimensional approach. Results show that union members became more similar to other members of their profiles over time, and that their union commitment became slightly less extreme as union tenure increased. Finally, results show that union commitment profiles predict union participation, in accordance with our expectations, and suggest that endorsing positive attitudes toward unions and their instrumentality was a stronger predictor of profile membership than was satisfaction with the actions of one's own union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessing two independent samples of adolescents in military families in the United States who recently experienced parental separation (N = 573; N = 186), this study sought to identify adolescent mental health profiles indexed on multiple indicators. In other words, we asked how military adolescents fare after parental separation in terms of mental health indicators. Proximal family processes (family cohesion, conflict, and marital adjustment) were also examined in relation to mental health profiles as well as core adolescent outcomes, self-rated health, and school enjoyment. In both samples, three profiles emerged identifying similar structures of mental health profiles. Two-thirds of adolescents were in the lowest risk mental health group. Poor family cohesion and greater conflict were associated with the moderate and highest risk groups. The lowest risk group reported better health and greater school enjoyment. Family nurses and other health care professionals are encouraged to inquire about military connectedness, structural changes occurring within the family system, and family processes in relation to adolescent well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Problematic opioid use can be defined as opioid use behaviors leading to social, medical, or psychological consequences. In some instances, people presenting problematic opioid use can also meet criteria for an opioid use disorder. A growing body of literature highlights different types of people who use opioids, with contrasting characteristics and initiation patterns. In recent years, dynamic trends in opioid use have been documented and studies have demonstrated a shift in profiles. Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted to identify profiles of people presenting problematic opioid use, in order to support the development of tailored interventions and services. Results: Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Five classifications emerge from the literature reviewed to distinguish types of people presenting problematic opioid use, according to: (1) the type of opioids used, (2) the route of opioid administration, (3) the level of quality of life, (4) patterns of other drugs used, and (5) dependence severity. While samples, concepts, and measurement tools vary between studies, the most salient finding might be the distinct profile of people presenting problematic use of pharmaceutical-type opioids. Discussion and Conclusions: This scoping review highlights that few studies address distinctive profiles of people presenting problematic opioid use. Geographical and chronological differences suggest that local timely assessments may be needed to tailor the service offer to specific needs. Scientific Significance: Future studies should focus on providing a deep understanding of distinct experiential perspectives and service needs, through exploratory quantitative and qualitative designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to identify burnout profiles among pediatric nurses and physicians, and their specificities concerning sociodemographic characteristics, occupational stress, stress specific to pediatric caregivers, and coping. Conducted on a sample of 195 French pediatric health care professionals, a cluster analysis showed 2 endpoint profiles (Engagement, Burnout) and 3 intermediate profiles (Overextended, Disengaged, Ineffective). The Burnout profile showed the highest median scores on hours worked per week, occupational stress, stress related to working conditions, and relationships with colleagues and superiors. The Overextended profile reported more stress related to working conditions than did other intermediate profiles. The Disengaged profile showed the second lowest median score on stress related to relationships with colleagues and superiors and less social support–seeking than other profiles. The Ineffective profile used less problem-focused coping than the Engagement and intermediate profiles. Intervention for the well-being of these professionals should focus primarily on improving their working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between students' individual interest, achievement goals, perceived competence and situational interest, by using a cluster analysis in swimming. Three hundred and eighty-two secondary school students (Mage = 14.8, SD = 0.9, 52.4% girls, aged 13–17) enrolled in swimming lessons during physical education classes participated in the study. They responded to validated questionnaires assessing their individual and situational interest, achievement goals and perceived competence in swimming. A cluster analysis was performed to examine students' profiles in relation to their individual interest in swimming. Then, for each profile identified, correlations and multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between students' individual interest, achievement goals, perceived competence and situational interest. Four different students' profiles were identified, which represented a continuum from a 'Very low individual interest and triggering situational interest' towards a 'Well-developed individual interest and actualised situational interest'. Each profile was characterised by specific relationships between individual interest, achievement goals, perceived competence and situational interest. Referring to the model of interest development (Hidi and Renninger, 2006), the four profiles identified were aligned with the four phases that represent the transition from students' situational interest towards students' individual interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable research has examined risk factors for offending, but far less is known on the constellations of co-occurring risk factors, such as adverse childhood experiences and low self-control, and the overall continuity in risk between childhood/adolescence and adulthood. Using data on 735 adults incarcerated in a county jail in Florida, this study examines the latent heterogeneity in risk profiles using risk factors prominent in early years and adulthood, and whether risk profile severity changes across the early and adult risk models. Latent Class Analyses revealed three risk profiles (low, medium, high) in both the early and adulthood risk factor models. Transition probabilities indicate continuity in high and low risk in the early and adult models, while escalation was found for those in the low and medium early risk profiles. These findings demonstrate the importance of identifying and addressing risk factors at an early age to disrupt continuity and escalation in risk over the life-course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study qualitatively the development of a heteroaggressive behavior, we applied retrospective analytical method based on categorization of life events. The aim of this study was to establish the life trajectories of sexual offenders through interviews with second sources: the inmate's relatives and psychologists. The life trajectories of incarcerated sexual offenders were retraced to build individual life charts. These life charts grouped individual life events into four main domains: health, life events, the relational sphere, and the judicial and prison sphere. In a sample of 40 inmate participants, four different profiles of sex offenders and therefore life trajectories were identified according to the abovementioned domains: (a) "Early life events and behavior disorders" (n = 14), (b) "Abandonment issues" (n = 4), (c) "Behavior and socioaffective disorders" (n = 9), and (d) "Behavioral hyperadaptation and coldness" (n = 13). Expert judges classified the life trajectories with satisfactory interjudge agreement (k = 0.70). This research has clinical implications for integrating different life events into developmental trajectories and focusing psychological support for the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acculturation preferences of the majority towards minorities influence how their acculturation process takes place. According to the relative acculturation extended model (RAEM), these preferences depend on the area (public or private) in which it occurs. The aim of this study is to analyse the acculturation preference profiles of Spaniards towards Syrian and Middle Eastern refugees and their relationship with the stereotypical dimension of morality. A total of 400 Spaniards (50% women) responded to a questionnaire indicating their acculturation preferences in the RAEM areas and their perceptions of morality towards this group. Cluster analysis identified three profiles in public areas (assimilation with higher percentage) and four profiles in private areas (integration, exclusion and segregation in similar percentages). Likewise, participants in profiles that imply greater cultural maintenance for refugees (segregation or integration) in private areas perceive a higher degree of morality among refugees (vs. those who do not prefer cultural maintenance: assimilation or exclusion). The results confirm the predictions of the RAEM and the prominent role of morality in acculturation preferences towards refugees in private areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Adults with serious mental illness are at increased risk for diabetes mellitus and diabetes-related complications. This article classifies subgroups among people with serious mental illness and comorbid diabetes with respect to functional status and examines differences among those groups. Methods This analysis used a baseline sample of 157 adults with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus enrolled in a National Institute of Health-funded research study. Latent profile analysis was used to distinguish health status profiles and investigate how these subgroups differed across assessment domains. Results Participants with depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (n = 157) were included in the study. Mean age was 52.9 years (standard deviation = 9.8), and 62 (40%) were African American. From the latent profile analysis, a three-class model appeared to provide the best fit. Class 1 (34.9%) had a very low functional health status approximately two standard deviations below the general population mean. Class 2 (43.7%) had a low functional status approximately one standard deviation below the general mean. Class 3 (21.4%) had moderate functional status with scores near population mean. Groups differed on measures of personal characteristics, clinical status and symptom severity, self-care behaviors, and environmental characteristics. Conclusions Although individuals with schizophrenia generally have poor prognosis once they develop diabetes, latent profile analysis identified distinct health status subgroups. Although all three groups demonstrated illness burden, the pattern of differences between these groups across measures may suggest the need for different interventions for highly diverse adults who received care within safety-net primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal ordinal data are common in biomedical research. Although various methods for the analysis of such data have been proposed in the past few decades, they are limited in several ways. For instance, the constraints on parameters in the proportional odds model may result in convergence problems; the rank-based aligned rank transform method imposes constraints on other parameters and the distributional assumptions with parametric model. We propose a novel rank-based non-parametric method that models the profile rather than the distribution of the data to make an effective statistical inference without the constraint conditions. We construct the test statistic of the interaction first, and then construct the test statistics of the main effects separately with or without the interaction, while "adjusted coefficient" for the case of ties is derived. A simulation study is conducted for comparison between rank-based non-parametric and rank-transformed analysis of variance. The results show that type I errors of the two methods are both maintained closer to the priori level, but the statistical power of rank-based non-parametric is greater than that of rank-transformed analysis of variance, suggesting higher efficiency of the former. We then apply rank-based non-parametric to two real studies on acne and osteoporosis, and the results also illustrate the effectiveness of rank-based non-parametric, particularly when the distribution is skewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appropriate format for services supporting military families depends on how vulnerabilities and resources are distributed across and within those families. If different types of vulnerabilities cluster together, then programs supporting families should combine multiple services rather than targeting specific concerns. Yet scant data exist about how vulnerabilities and resources covary within military families. The current study addressed this issue through a latent class analysis of data on a wide range of domains obtained from a stratified random sample of 1,981 deployable, active component, married servicemembers and their spouses. Within married deployable servicemembers, results indicated that vulnerabilities and resources cluster together within individuals; servicemembers at high risk in one domain are likely to be high risk in multiple domains. This is less the case for spouses. One or both spouses are vulnerable in 39% of couples. These results support programs that provide vulnerable military families with more comprehensive services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although much attention has been devoted to examining the measurement of vocational interests, much less attention has been directed to studying leisure interests, despite suggestions for incorporation of leisure interests into career counseling, particularly for college students. Furthermore, research on the relations between leisure and vocational interests highlights that some leisure interests are highly related to vocational interests, such as interests in Social, Artistic, and Realistic activities. To advance understanding on interests and the relations between leisure and vocational interests, the current study used Latent Profile Analysis, a novel approach to examining interest profiles that identifies groups of individuals with similar profiles. Support was found for seven different interest profiles in a sample of college students. Additionally, a number of mean differences on work values, work centrality, and personality traits among the seven profiles were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increased popularity of person-centered analyses, no comprehensive approach exists to guide the systematic investigation of the similarity (or generalizability) of latent profiles, their predictors, and their outcomes across subgroups of participants or time points. We propose a six-step process to assess configural (number of profiles), structural (within-profile means), dispersion (within-profile variability), distributional (size of the profiles), predictive (relations between predictors and profile membership), and explanatory (relations between profile membership and outcomes) similarity. We then apply this approach to data on organizational commitment mindsets collected in North America (n = 492) and France (n = 476). This approach provides a rigorous method to systematically and quantitatively assess the extent to which a latent profile solution generalizes across diverse samples, such as in the cross-national comparison in our illustrative example, or the extent to which interventions or naturalistic changes may impact the nature of a latent profile solution. This approach also helps to identify the nature of any differences that might be present, thus providing richer interpretations of observed differences and ideas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research synthesis analyzed qualitative depictions of adult literacy learners and identified five ways in which they are typically characterized: the Heroic Victim, the Needy (Problem) Child, the Broken (but Repairable) Cog, the Pawn of Destiny, and the Capable Comrade. These types do not capture the diversity or complexity of all adult literacy learners, and we do not argue that they are comprehensive. Rather they are representative of the ways in which adult literacy learners are portrayed in the research literature. We argue that each type, like characters in a narrative, drive the "action" in research, policy, and practice arena. The ways in which they populate research may have very real consequences for how adult literacy learning opportunities are provided and the outcomes that can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kenneth Tynan was one of the most celebrated, controversial and prolific journalists in both the US and UK during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. As a theatre reviewer, the appearance of his writings became as much events as the productions he dissected. Amongst his vast journalistic oeuvre was an extraordinary series of profiles, mainly of prominent figures in the worlds of theatre, film and arts. This paper considers the ethical aspects of both his writing and profiling techniques – with particular reference to Janet Malcolm’s critique of journalists’ conventional relationships with their sources. Stuart Allan’s notions of the journalist as an ‘interpretative performer’ and ‘stylistic improviser’ will be seen as crucial to both analysing and appreciating Tynan’s eclectic range of reporting techniques. In addition, the ‘exploitative’ dimensions of Tynan’s display of literary skills will be explored. The paper concludes with the argument that Tynan deliberately confounds the ethics of conventional profiling with the special ‘intimacy’ and collaborative nature of his portraits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of female youth involved in the juvenile justice system highlight the need to examine this population. This study enumerates distinct profiles of risk and protection among juvenile court-involved females, examining young adult outcomes associated with these profiles. Administrative data on 700 participants were drawn from multiple service sectors in a Midwest metropolitan region. Latent class and Pearson chi-square analyses were used. Five unique classes were identified; these classes were associated with young adult outcomes. One class of impoverished African American females was most likely to experience problematic young adult outcomes but least likely to have received juvenile justice services. Findings highlight the heterogeneity in the female juvenile court population and discrepancies between service needs and service receipt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk of self-harm among clinic referred children aged 6- to 12-years-old was investigated using the recently developed Self-Harm Risk Assessment for Children (SHRAC) instrument which comprises six factors: Affect traits; verbalizing of self-harm; socialization; dissociation; self-directing; and self-appraisal. The SHRAC was completed by the mothers of 125 primary school aged children referred to a University based clinic for psychological assessment. These children were subsequently assigned to one of four groups (non clinical, externalizers, internalizers, and combined internalizers/externalizers). Multivariate analysis of variance with univariate F and Scheffé follow-ups revealed differences in risk of self-harm between the four groups. Overall, individuals with both internalizing (anxiety/withdrawn, anxiety/depressed and somatic complaints) and externalizing (rule-breaking behavior and aggressive behavior) characteristics were more at risk of self-harm. These individuals scored highest across each of the six domains. The findings demonstrate the SHRAC to be a reliable instrument for educational psychologists to use with children they suspect of being at risk of self-harm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to empirically derive profiles of religious involvement among a sample of 808 young adults and describe ethnic and gender differences within such religious involvement patterns. Items on the Duke Religion Index (DRI) were included as part of a larger longitudinal survey of emotional, physical, and behavioral health. The scale measured the organizational, nonorganizational, and intrinsic dimensions of religiosity (Koenig et al. in Hand- book of religion and health, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001) in a sample of young adults at two waves of the study-age 27 and age 30. At age 27, five religious profiles were distinguishable in the sample while at age 30 six profiles emerged. Ethnic differences were found for each of the religious profiles where religious involvement manifested in different ways. Religious profiles between ages 27 and 30 changed over time and were affected by gender and ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The market of wood–polymer composites in the building and construction sector is focused on external long term applications such decking, siding and window sills. The current PVC market share of 14% is described and the reasons for its sharp predicted growth in the next few years are discussed. Recent technical studies and developments are reviewed. The influence of wood fibre size on the processing of the composites and their mechanical properties is reported. The water absorption of wood–polymer composites, including the capillarity effect, and the evolution of mechanical properties with water content has also been investigated. A special resin with rapid gelation has been developed, giving improved properties with increased productivity. Finally, the progress made in European standardisation and initial work to establish a quality label are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, the product of original research by the author into cases of police corruption facilitated by the ACPO Counter-Corruption Advisory Group from 1999 to 2000, analyses the nature of corruption in the police, arguing that although its incidence is very small, the effect of corruption in the police, both in terms of morale and in terms of the effect on cases before the courts, is substantial. The author, well experienced in the application of counter-corruption methods, proposes that the simplest and most direct inhibitors are often the most effective. Profiles of likely perpetrators are discussed, as are the characteristic experiences of policing which might tempt an officer into corrupt activity. This work blends applied research and academic analysis with professional knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cluster analysis is used to explore differential outcomes in 123 French Canadian children reporting sexual abuse contrasted with 123 control children. Mothers' reports of behavioral problems on the Child Behavior Checklist, abuse-related variables, personal factors, and family characteristics are used as potential variables discriminating clusters. Results reveal four clusters: (a) anxiety constellation group refers to children displaying behavior problems on a subset of scales, (b) the severe distress group refers to children showing a broader array of behavior problems, (c) victims of less severe sexual abuse (SA) group consists of children disclosing mostly extrafamilial SA, and (d) resilient children refers to children who, while disclosing severe abuse, rely less on avoidance coping. Findings underscore the need to go beyond abuse-related variables to orient treatment for children disclosing sexual abuse and for tailoring interventions to distinct subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]