Problem Statement: Among individuals aged 12 years or older, 14.3% (40.0 million) reporting the use of an illicit drug in the previous year. Given the prevalence of drug abuse, it is increasingly important to determine effective screening practices, treatment procedures, and best practices among various subpopulations to identify drug use-related…

This study aimed to provide meta-analytic reliability information of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). We implemented systematic search procedures to 35 eligible studies (N = 23,247; Mage = 26.74 years) that reported reliability estimates. The synthesized average values of Cronbach's alpha were 0.88 (95% CI [0.85, 0.92]) for the…

We conducted a psychometric synthesis of the internal consistency reliability and internal structure of scores on the English versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) in publications between 2012 and 2022. Results supported acceptable-to-strong reliability and validity evidence of scores…

We reviewed 19 English version scholarly works and 11 other language translation articles from 2004-2018 for the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale -- Revised (CESD-R). Alpha was 0.92 (0.90, 0.94; N = 13,150); convergent, factorial, and diagnostic validity were robust. Implications for counseling practice and research were discussed.

Supervisors evaluated counselors-in-training at multiple points during their practicum experience using the Counseling Competencies Scale (CCS; N = 1,070). The CCS evaluations were randomly split to conduct exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, resulting in a 2-factor model (61.5% of the variance explained).

This article describes a follow-up analysis of the Spiritual Competency Scale, which initially validated ASERVIC's (Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling) spiritual competencies. The study examined whether the factor structure of the Spiritual Competency Scale would be supported by participants (i.e., ASERVIC…

We present considerations for validity when a population outside of a normed sample is assessed and those data are interpreted. Using a career group counseling example exploring life satisfaction changes as evidenced by the Quality of Life Inventory (Frisch, 1994), we showcase qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore how normative data…

Evaluating a test's reliability often requires dividing it into 3 or more unequal parts, which causes violation of the tau equivalence assumption of Cronbach's alpha. This article presents a criterion for abandoning alpha and an approach for computing a more appropriate estimate of reliability, the Gilmer-Feldt coefficient. (Author)

Examines the Worry Survey (adapted from the Adolescent Health Survey) as regards the developmental concerns of urban African American youths (N=495). Results show that internal consistency of the factor-item ratings on the Personal and Family Worry subscales were acceptable. Less evidence of the reliability was noted among the Peer and…

The usefulness of the College Student Reason for Living Inventory (CSRLI) for assessment of suicidal risk was evaluated among clients presenting for counseling (N=87) at a large university counseling center. Scores were compared to the Beck Depression Inventory and other measures. Data analysis is presented and discussed. (Author/EMK)

Investigates the relationship between lesbian internalized homophobia and various psychosocial variables in a national sample of 157 women. Discusses development of the Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale and provides evidence in support of its reliability and construct validity. Highlights the importance of addressing internalized homophobia…

The Personal Growth Initiative Scale (PGIS) assesses intentionality in personal growth. Three studies were undertaken to (1) investigate the PGI construct; (2) describe the development and factor structure of the PGIS; and (3) test the internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent and discriminant validity of scores on the PGIS. (EMK)

The conceptual basis and development of The Suinn Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA) are reviewed. This study of psychometric strengths and limitations includes 16 published empirical studies concerning reliability and validity of SL-ASIA. Measures of reliability and methods of establishing construct validity are discussed, and…

Describes the technical methodological procedures for the construction of reliable and valid scales to measure constructs relevant to research on counseling process and outcomes. Working with a multivariate model of the counseling process, three studies are reported which rely on the use of rating scales. (KS)