Bifactor analysis of the mental health continuum–short form (mhc–sf) 1
- De Bruin, Gideon P., Du Plessis, Graham A.
- Authors: De Bruin, Gideon P. , Du Plessis, Graham A.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mental Health Continuum–Short Form , Bifactor analysis
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5573 , ISSN 00332941 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14226
- Description: This report examined the factor structure of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF) using bifactor analysis to evaluate a general well-being factor and the three group factors that correspond with emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Using a sample of 902 South African psychology students ( M age = 21.1 yr., SD = 2.7), the MHC–SF was examined using confirmatory factor models, (1) a one-factor model conceptualizing well-being as unidimensional, (2) a correlated three-factor model corresponding with Keyes’ model, and (3) a bifactor solution with a general well-being factor and three orthogonalized group factors. The bifactor solution fitted the best and evidenced a strong general well-being factor and three comparatively weak residualized group factors. These findings contribute to the literature by facilitating an examination of the strength of a general well-being factor as contrasted with the multidimensional components of emotional, social, and psychological well-being and advance a case for the interpretation of both the general and multidimensional components. The results inform considerations regarding the employ of the scale in statistical procedures such as multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling.
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Bruin, Gideon P. , Du Plessis, Graham A.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mental Health Continuum–Short Form , Bifactor analysis
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5573 , ISSN 00332941 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14226
- Description: This report examined the factor structure of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF) using bifactor analysis to evaluate a general well-being factor and the three group factors that correspond with emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Using a sample of 902 South African psychology students ( M age = 21.1 yr., SD = 2.7), the MHC–SF was examined using confirmatory factor models, (1) a one-factor model conceptualizing well-being as unidimensional, (2) a correlated three-factor model corresponding with Keyes’ model, and (3) a bifactor solution with a general well-being factor and three orthogonalized group factors. The bifactor solution fitted the best and evidenced a strong general well-being factor and three comparatively weak residualized group factors. These findings contribute to the literature by facilitating an examination of the strength of a general well-being factor as contrasted with the multidimensional components of emotional, social, and psychological well-being and advance a case for the interpretation of both the general and multidimensional components. The results inform considerations regarding the employ of the scale in statistical procedures such as multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling.
- Full Text:
Cross-cultural differences in the character strength of citizenship in South Africa
- Du Plessis, Graham A., Saccaggi, Carolina F., De Bruin, Gideon P.
- Authors: Du Plessis, Graham A. , Saccaggi, Carolina F. , De Bruin, Gideon P.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Citizenship , South Africa , Cross-cultural , Character strengths
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/17762 , uj:15922 , Citation: Du Plessis, G.A., Saccaggi, C.F. & De Bruin, G. 2015. Cross-cultural differences in the character strength of citizenship in South Africa. Psychology in society (PINS) 48:22-44
- Description: Abstract: The psychological conceptualisation of the character strength of citizenship as a trait ubiquitous across cultures is examined within the context of a diverse South African sample. The theoretically supposed elements common to the definition of citizenship as a dispositional trait (rather than a situational or cultural phenomenon) are examined by means of considering Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) conceptualisation of citizenship as espoused in their work on character strength and virtues. Using the Rasch model of item response theory the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) Value in Action Inventory (VIA) Citizenship scale was examined for fit and differential item functioning (DIF). A diverse sample of 902 South African university students who completed the Citizenship scale was examined for DIF as a function of self-asserted ethnicities and home language groups, which serve as indicators of culture within the South African context. The findings of the study suggest that while certain conceptual aspects of trait-based citizenship as espoused by Peterson and Seligman (2004) are common across the heterogeneous cultures (as defined by ethnicity and language group) examined, there is sound evidence that there are also qualitative distinctions that are exclusively a function of cultural grouping, suggesting difficulties with the exclusive conceptualisation of citizenship as an individual trait. The implications of these findings speak to the importance of considering citizenship as a nuanced and complex notion that requires further consideration in terms of the philosophical, theoretical and empirical qualification of its conceptualisation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Plessis, Graham A. , Saccaggi, Carolina F. , De Bruin, Gideon P.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Citizenship , South Africa , Cross-cultural , Character strengths
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/17762 , uj:15922 , Citation: Du Plessis, G.A., Saccaggi, C.F. & De Bruin, G. 2015. Cross-cultural differences in the character strength of citizenship in South Africa. Psychology in society (PINS) 48:22-44
- Description: Abstract: The psychological conceptualisation of the character strength of citizenship as a trait ubiquitous across cultures is examined within the context of a diverse South African sample. The theoretically supposed elements common to the definition of citizenship as a dispositional trait (rather than a situational or cultural phenomenon) are examined by means of considering Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) conceptualisation of citizenship as espoused in their work on character strength and virtues. Using the Rasch model of item response theory the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) Value in Action Inventory (VIA) Citizenship scale was examined for fit and differential item functioning (DIF). A diverse sample of 902 South African university students who completed the Citizenship scale was examined for DIF as a function of self-asserted ethnicities and home language groups, which serve as indicators of culture within the South African context. The findings of the study suggest that while certain conceptual aspects of trait-based citizenship as espoused by Peterson and Seligman (2004) are common across the heterogeneous cultures (as defined by ethnicity and language group) examined, there is sound evidence that there are also qualitative distinctions that are exclusively a function of cultural grouping, suggesting difficulties with the exclusive conceptualisation of citizenship as an individual trait. The implications of these findings speak to the importance of considering citizenship as a nuanced and complex notion that requires further consideration in terms of the philosophical, theoretical and empirical qualification of its conceptualisation.
- Full Text:
On baking a cake : the phenomenological method in positive psychology
- Du Plessis, Graham A., Du Plessis, Carolina
- Authors: Du Plessis, Graham A. , Du Plessis, Carolina
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/259879 , uj:27352 , Citation: Graham A. du Plessis & Carolina du Plessis (2017) On Baking a Cake: The Phenomenological Method in Positive Psychology, Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, 17:sup1, 1-13, DOI: 10.1080/20797222.2017.1299280. , ISSN (print) : 2079-7222
- Description: Abstract: The field of positive psychology has burgeoned since its formal inception with Martin Seligman’s 1998 APA presidential address. Aimed at better baking the positive half of the psychology “cake”, the gains in research and practice over the past decade and a half have been substantial. Among the chief reasons for the rapid growth and development in this field is the express emphasis on a positivistic scientific methodology. While this methodology has undoubtedly contributed much to the evolution and growth of the field, the empirical emphasis has arguably resulted in the concomitant neglect of the more qualitative complexities of optimal human functioning. The present paper contributes to the discussion regarding the role of method in the field of positive psychology and, using as case studies two papers from the field of phenomenology, argues specifically for the utility of phenomenological psychological methods in the baking of the metaphorical psychology cake. The case studies effectively serve to illustrate the manner in which phenomenological methods, through their focus on rich description and resistance to an interpretative framework, are condusive to contributing to methodological pluralism within positive psychology and thereby providing additional means whereby not only to continue the baking of the positive psychology cake, but, more particularly, to ensure that it is baked thoroughly by adjusting the oven’s heat to the optimal level.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Plessis, Graham A. , Du Plessis, Carolina
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/259879 , uj:27352 , Citation: Graham A. du Plessis & Carolina du Plessis (2017) On Baking a Cake: The Phenomenological Method in Positive Psychology, Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, 17:sup1, 1-13, DOI: 10.1080/20797222.2017.1299280. , ISSN (print) : 2079-7222
- Description: Abstract: The field of positive psychology has burgeoned since its formal inception with Martin Seligman’s 1998 APA presidential address. Aimed at better baking the positive half of the psychology “cake”, the gains in research and practice over the past decade and a half have been substantial. Among the chief reasons for the rapid growth and development in this field is the express emphasis on a positivistic scientific methodology. While this methodology has undoubtedly contributed much to the evolution and growth of the field, the empirical emphasis has arguably resulted in the concomitant neglect of the more qualitative complexities of optimal human functioning. The present paper contributes to the discussion regarding the role of method in the field of positive psychology and, using as case studies two papers from the field of phenomenology, argues specifically for the utility of phenomenological psychological methods in the baking of the metaphorical psychology cake. The case studies effectively serve to illustrate the manner in which phenomenological methods, through their focus on rich description and resistance to an interpretative framework, are condusive to contributing to methodological pluralism within positive psychology and thereby providing additional means whereby not only to continue the baking of the positive psychology cake, but, more particularly, to ensure that it is baked thoroughly by adjusting the oven’s heat to the optimal level.
- Full Text:
Validation of the scale of positive and negative experience in a South African student sample
- Du Plessis, Graham A., Guse, Tharina
- Authors: Du Plessis, Graham A. , Guse, Tharina
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233870 , uj:23887 , Citation: Du Plessis, G.A. & Guse, T. 2017. Validation of the scale of positive and negative experience in a South African student sample.
- Description: Abstract: This study investigated the validity of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) in a South Africa context using a sample of 992 university students. Item fit and unidimensionality of the Positive and Negative Experience subscales were examined using a process of Rasch analysis. Reliability of the subscales was evaluated and correlations were between the SPANE, the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), were examined. In general, the SPANE exhibited good Rasch fit and reliability. However, there were two items, one from each the Positive and Negative Experience subscales respectively that exhibited some problems with Rasch fit. While the substantive effect of these problematic items on reliability was marginal, their identification as problematic corroborated analysis in another study, enjoining, if not their removal, certainly a direction for future research. Overall, the findings serve to both support the notion that in its present form the SPANE is a psychometrically sound instrument to measure positive and negative experience as a facet of well-being among South African university students, and to indicate directions for further research on the scale.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Plessis, Graham A. , Guse, Tharina
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/233870 , uj:23887 , Citation: Du Plessis, G.A. & Guse, T. 2017. Validation of the scale of positive and negative experience in a South African student sample.
- Description: Abstract: This study investigated the validity of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) in a South Africa context using a sample of 992 university students. Item fit and unidimensionality of the Positive and Negative Experience subscales were examined using a process of Rasch analysis. Reliability of the subscales was evaluated and correlations were between the SPANE, the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), were examined. In general, the SPANE exhibited good Rasch fit and reliability. However, there were two items, one from each the Positive and Negative Experience subscales respectively that exhibited some problems with Rasch fit. While the substantive effect of these problematic items on reliability was marginal, their identification as problematic corroborated analysis in another study, enjoining, if not their removal, certainly a direction for future research. Overall, the findings serve to both support the notion that in its present form the SPANE is a psychometrically sound instrument to measure positive and negative experience as a facet of well-being among South African university students, and to indicate directions for further research on the scale.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »