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The factor structure and composite reliability of the Profile of Emotional Distress

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 November 2013

Philip Hyland*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Londonderry, UK
Mark Shevlin
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Londonderry, UK
Gary Adamson
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Londonderry, UK
Daniel Boduszek
Affiliation:
Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
*
*Author for correspondence: Mr P. Hyland, School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Lodonderry BT48 7JL, UK (email: [email protected])

Abstract

This study provides the first assessment of the latent structure of the Profile of Emotional Distress (PED). The PED is a self-report measure of emotional distress (ED) associated strongly with its links to Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). To date, the PED has been weakly conceptualized using both unitary and binary models of ED. In this study, the dimensionality of the PED was examined within an alternative models’ framework using confirmatory factor analysis and bifactor modelling techniques. A total of 313 law enforcement, military, and related emergency-service personnel completed the PED. Results indicated that a bifactor model conceptualization was the best fit of the data. The bifactor model included a single general factor (ED) and four grouping factors (Concern, Anxiety, Sadness, Depression). Model parameter estimates indicated that the ED factor accounts for the majority of covariance among the observable indicators. Low factor loadings were observed on each of the grouping factors, thus subscale construction is not recommended. Composite reliability results demonstrated that the ED factor possesses excellent internal reliability. The PED was found to be a reliable and valid measure of emotional distress.

Type
Original Research
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2013 

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