The valid measurement of latent constructs is a crucial issue for psychological research. Precise definitions of constructs are a very important foundation for content-valid item generation, for examining other aspects of validity (e.g., convergent validity), and for theory-based scaling. Although this sounds trivial, many researchers pay too little attention to the precise definition of latent constructs. In the first part of this presentation, we present a new mixed-methodology approach for improving construct definitions, supporting item generation, determining the content validity of existing items, and theory-based scaling. We illustrate our approach using an analysis of the items of the Adult Self-Transcendence Inventory, a self-report measure of wisdom (ASTI, Levenson, Jennings, & Shiraishi, 2005). The results of this analysis were used as the basis of a psychometric evaluation of the ASTI in a sample of 1215 participants using multidimensional item response theory models. We found that the new procedure produced important suggestions concerning five sub-dimensions of the ASTI that were not identifiable using exploratory methods. Further research questions, possible adaptations, and some critical issues are discussed.

Throughout our life, we all confront difficult life events. Internal and external resources play an important role in helping individuals to overcome, reflect on, and integrate such events. The MORE-Life-Experience-Model (Glück & Bluck, 2014) postulates that five internal resources are crucial for the successful processing of difficult life events and in the long run for the development of wisdom: Mastery, Openness, Reflectivity, Empathy, and Emotion Regulation. The aim of this study was to develop a self-report-scale measuring the MORE-resources, with a focus on content-validity. Each of the resources is a relatively complex construct, and self-report-measures of positive constructs tend to be heavily biased by self-presentation and self-perception issues. Therefore, a large set of items was generated on the basis of construct definitions, and each item was analyzed by an expert panel with respect to construct-validity as well as agreement probability. After a large number of items were removed on this basis, the revised instrument (86 items) was evaluated empirically using factor-analytic-methods (n = 522). The resulting scale (25 items) has convincing subscale reliability; first validity-analyses and support the theoretical assumptions concerning the MORE-resources. The results also emphasize the advantages of our theory-based mixed-methods procedure for item generation and evaluation.

Twenty-four self-developed items assessing strengths were administered to 149 service recipients of a psychiatric rehabilitation organization along with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Minimum Average Partial (MAP) test showed that the minimum Velicer's Average Squared Correlation of .020 was obtained for a three-factor solution. Accordingly, twelve items were selected from principle component factor analysis with oblimin rotation to form the Brief Strengths Scale (BSS-12) to measure the three strengths, namely, Temperance Strength, Intellectual Strength, and Interpersonal Strength, with internal consistency coefficients ranging from .76 - .84. The Intellectual Strength and Temperance Strength had significant negative correlations with both depression and anxiety, whereas the Interpersonal Strength was significantly and negatively related to depression only. The BSS-12 was also administered to 203 university undergraduates to examine the factorial invariance of the scale in a different population. Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices (X2/df = 1.846; CFI = .905; RMSEA = .065; SRMR = .059). We concluded that the BSS-12 was a useful screening tool for strength among people with and without mental health issues. General issues in adopting psychological assessment inventories in different cultures will be discussed towards the end of the presentation.

Clowns have visited hospitals and nursing homes for quite some time. However, up until now, there has been no instrument available for the assessment of the various and unique emotional states induced in individuals by hospital clowns. The present research identified the dimensionality of emotional states induced in observers of clown interventions, and investigated the difference between clowns and nurses. In Study 1, 183 adults watched 15 videos of hospital clowns, circus clowns, and nurses, and filled in the 29 Clown Emotion List (CLEM-29; Auerbach et al., 2014). Four factors emerged from a factor analysis: amusement, transcendence, arousal, and uneasiness. Both circus and hospital clowns elicited amusement, but only hospital clowns additionally elicited transcendence (i.e., feeling privileged, appreciated). Nurses also elicited transcendent experiences without being amusing. In Study 2 with 42 patients involved in a hospital clown intervention, the incremental validity of the dimensions of the CLEM-29 over and above a general funniness judgment of clowns was investigated. Global positive feelings toward the clowns were best predicted by funniness of clown performances in general and a higher level of felt transcendence. The CLEM-29 has proven to be useful in identifying the core components of hospital clown interventions: humor and transcendence.