The executive functions are the higher-order mental processes that are responsible for organized, strategic behavior. These functions have... Show moreThe executive functions are the higher-order mental processes that are responsible for organized, strategic behavior. These functions have been a source of significant controversy since their initial introduction. This study sought to create a model of the executive functions utilizing psychological network analysis. Participants completed six measures reflecting inhibition, task switching, and working memory updating, as well as a fluid intelligence measure. A processing speed index was calculated from non-executive trials of various measures. Four networks were generated, including an executive functions network, an executive functions and intelligence network, an executive functions and processing speed network, and a network with all variables included. The resulting networks contained no stable edges between the executive functioning tasks. Stable edges were identified between the intelligence node and the two nodes reflecting working memory updating. There was an additional edge identified between processing speed and one measure of task switching. Results of the study may indicate that there is relative independence among executive functions. However, the management of task impurity in a psychological network analysis also merits further investigation. Show less
Scrupulosity, which is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by religious obsessions and compulsions, has been shown... Show moreScrupulosity, which is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by religious obsessions and compulsions, has been shown to be particularly debilitating. The current research concerning scrupulosity has mainly examined Western populations. There is a paucity of literature examining scrupulosity in Eastern populations, and no literature to date examining scrupulosity in a Chinese sample. In order to examine scrupulosity in China, a valid measure of scrupulosity is needed. The current study validated a Chinese version of the main measurement of scrupulosity, the Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity - Revised (PIOS-R), in a Chinese student sample. The PIOS-R was translated both linguistically and conceptually in consultation with the Chinese research team. New items were added for review and possible inclusion. 577 university students in China completed an online survey with study measures. This sample was randomly split into two groups, a primary group for the initial Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and a hold-out sample for follow up analyses. The initial CFA of the PIOS-R found that none of the three models identified met all criteria for adequate fit. A follow up Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on the same group and found a two-factor model with updated items. This model was successfully cross-validated using a CFA in the hold-out sample. These analyses yielded the Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity – Chinese Version (PIOS-C). Preliminary reliability and validity were established with this revised measure. Having an accurate and valid measure of scrupulosity for the Chinese population will assist in characterizing scrupulosity in China and developing or refining appropriate treatments. Show less