The Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) scales are the most widely used instruments in the assessment of psychopathic personality traits. This updated meta-analysis represents the most extensive synthesis of the PCL scales' criterion validity regarding recidivism and institutional outcomes in legal contexts. According to the results, the PCL total score and Factor 2 criterion validity were moderate and significantly higher for Factor 2 than the total score. The criterion validity of Factor 1 was small and significantly lower than Factor 2 and the total score. The criterion validity of the PCL total score varied considerably between outcomes, with moderate effect sizes for general and violent recidivism, institutional misconduct and violence, and small effect sizes for sexual and intimate partner violence recidivism. A moderator analysis indicated country and sex as the only significant predictors moderating the PCL scales' criterion validity. The total score and Factor 2 were less predictive in the United States than in Canada and Europe for institutional violence. Factor 1 was more predictive in females than males for general and violent recidivism. The present findings may support decision-makers in interpreting the prognostic value and limitations of the PCL scales in the criminal justice system. .

The aim of the study was to introduce a concise measure for assessing the impostor phenomenon. We reduced the Perceived Fraudulence Scale (PFS) in a sample of 1,001 Polish-speaking adults through the use of exploratory ( = 500) and confirmatory ( = 501) factor analysis to 12 items, composed of three subscales: self-deprecation, external ability attribution, and inauthenticity. This brief scale showed scalar measurement invariance between men and women, and between students and working professionals. Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses further supported individual items' properties. The measure also demonstrated good internal consistency and validity. Impostor phenomenon correlated negatively with self-esteem, emotional stability (i.e., low neuroticism), extraversion, conscientiousness, and intellect (i.e., openness to experience). In addition, women scored higher than men on overall impostor phenomenon which was driven only by the self-deprecation aspect. Students scored higher than working professionals on both the general score and all three subscales. The initial psychometric properties suggest that the Brief Impostor Phenomenon Scale (BIPS) is a valid and reliable short measure, supporting its further use in research. These results also add to the currently underdeveloped body of research on the impostor phenomenon in a non-English speaking cultural setting.

Despite the growing body of research on self-report measures of personality functioning, tests of measurement invariance in immigrant samples have mostly been neglected. The present study aimed to fill this gap by testing measurement invariance of the OPD-Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SQS) across immigrant groups and evaluating the association between personality functioning and mental distress. Methods: Based on representative population samples in Germany comprising  = 6,999 participants, the factor structure and the measurement invariance of the OPD-SQS across different immigrant groups (1st generation immigrants, 2nd generation immigrants, non-immigrants) were examined. Associations of personality functioning and mental distress depending on immigration and generation status were investigated using multiple linear regression. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable to good model fit of the proposed three-factor structure for all investigated groups. Furthermore, the OPD-SQS was strictly measurement invariant across different immigration groups. The regression model showed a strong, positive association between impairment in personality functioning and mental distress in all groups. The OPD-SQS can be assumed to be strictly invariant. Hence, the OPD-SQS provides a valid and economic screening tool for personality functioning across immigrant groups that can be applied in research on immigrants' mental health.

The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV; Hart et al., 1995) in a sample of 514 male offenders in New Zealand; 333 identifying as Māori and 181 as NZ European. Correlational analysis showed convergent validity between PCL:SV Total, Factor and Facet scores and subscales of two dynamic item-based instruments used to monitor and manage people in prison or post-custody, although these relationships were stronger among NZ European compared to Māori men. Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses (MGCFA) supported the 3-factor model of PCL psychopathy which demonstrated partial scalar invariance of PCL:SV scores across Māori and NZ European cohorts. These findings indicate that application of the PCL:SV, in line with the three-factor model, is empirically and clinically defensible practice with both Māori and NZ European clients under correctional care.

The current study examines a standardized training protocol for Continuous Assessment of Interpersonal Dynamics (CAID) in a sample of undergraduates. Currently, laboratories utilize CAID without a standardized training protocol or benchmarks for accuracy, reducing the ease of implementing this paradigm in new labs and reducing the reliability of data across different laboratories. This study tested a short training protocol by randomly assigning participants to a 2-h or 4-h training session and examining accuracy and agreement of coders over time in training. The second aim was to understand whether individual differences impacted coding proficiency. Multilevel models were used to understand the impact of each training session and individual differences on coding proficiency. Results suggested that 1) aggregate-level coding proficiency is achieved within 2 h of training, but coders are better at capturing dynamic aspects of interpersonal behavior after 4 h of training, and 2) interpersonal problems and sensitives do not impact coding proficiency. The implications for these results and methods for training reliable and accurate CAID coders is discussed, and the training protocol and materials are available online for interested researchers.

The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) conceptualizes thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) as sufficient and proximal suicide ideation (SI) risk factors. The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) is used to assess TB and PB; however, it does not capture all aspects of these constructs. The MMPI-3 M3-TB and M3-PB proxy scales may measure additional facets. In this study, college students ( = 139) screened for elevated depressive symptoms completed MMPI-2-RF-EX (from which the MMPI-3 was scored), INQ and SI assessments at baseline, and then SI assessments over six weeks. Results indicated M3-TB and M3-PB showed convergent validity with significant concordant correlations with INQ-TB and INQ-PB. M3-TB and M3-PB did not demonstrate discriminant validity, as tests of differences between concordant (e.g., M3-TB with INQ-TB) and discordant correlations (e.g., M3-TB with INQ-PB) were not significant. All ITS variables were significantly associated with retrospective and prospective SI. Prospective findings, but not retrospective findings, were more consistently significant when adjusting for the SUI scale. Including ITS variable interaction terms (i.e., M3-TBxM3-PB and INQ-TBxINQ-PB) did not improve the prediction of SI outcomes. Findings are broadly congruent with other ITS research findings: TB and PB prospectively predict SI, and the TBxPB interaction does not improve prediction.

The Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire (CMQ) is a generic conspiracy mentality questionnaire whose content is suitable for different linguistic and cultural contexts. However, it needs to demonstrate strong measurement properties across these contexts to be effective. This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the CMQ across four different languages: Serbian, Bulgarian, Greek, and English. Despite its widespread use, the CMQ lacks sufficient research on its psychometric properties, especially in terms of measurement invariance across different linguistic versions (apart from the parent study). Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the equivalence of the CMQ across genders, even though it is used for gender comparisons. To address this gap, we analyzed data from 2,897 participants (76.1% female) aged 18-89. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the modified one-factor structure, with a correlated residual that was replicated/previously reported, across languages. Measurement invariance analysis confirmed metric invariance across languages and scalar invariance across genders. Scalar invariance was established across education for Serbian, Bulgarian, and, with some caution, Greek, while it was not a property of the English sample. The nomological network of the CMQ aligns with previous findings regarding the correlates of conspiracy mentality.

As a tool for operationalizing basic psychological needs theory (an aspect of self-determination theory), the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) has become the primary self-report measure. Here, with a sample of 807 Canadian military members, we confirm the BPNSFS six content factor structure and, in supporting that structure, demonstrate the differential association of satisfaction and frustration scales with psychological functioning variables that are external to the factor analysis. Although the specific content interpretation of the BPNSFS can be debated, we support the continued use of the BPNSFS as a psychometrically sound instrument.

This study evaluated the factorial structure and invariance of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-v2 (MAIA-2). We also investigated incremental validity of the MAIA-2 factors for predicting eating pathology beyond appetite-based interoception. US-based online respondents ( = 1294; =48.7 ± 18.4; 63% cis women; 78% White) were sampled. We conducted hierarchical stepwise regressions, dominance analysis, and multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses across age, gender, and eating disorder symptoms. An 8-factor, 24-item Brief MAIA-2 (BMAIA-2) model showed optimal fit. Using strict criteria ( CFI > 0.002), configural, metric, and scalar invariance were supported. After controlling for appetite-based interoception, higher scores on and unexpectedly predicted worse eating pathology, while higher scores on , and predicted less eating pathology, as hypothesized. Dominance analysis showed no subscales contributed >2% unique variance to global disordered eating beyond appetite-based interoception. For loss of control eating, however, was the dominant BMAIA-2 predictor, explaining 5% unique variance beyond appetite-based interoception. Research supported the relevance of multiple interoceptive sensibility dimensions captured by the BMAIA-2 to understanding eating-based pathology. Future studies should consider assessing its incremental validity using behavioral tasks and autonomic biomarkers of interoception to better understand the complex interplay among interoceptive skills and eating behavior.

Emotion acceptance is defined as the willingness to experience pleasant and unpleasant emotions. Extant research suggests that emotion acceptance-and its converse, emotion nonacceptance or rejection-importantly contributes to experiences of negative affect, symptoms of psychopathology, and physiological markers of emotional responding. However, no validated measurement scale is available in English for assessing emotion acceptance. The current research involved factor analysis and validation of the Emotion Acceptance Questionnaire (EAQ), drawing from items translated from a German scale (). In Study 1, exploratory factor analysis ( = 346) revealed four correlated factors: Reject Unpleasant Emotion, Reject Pleasant Emotion, Accept Unpleasant Emotion, and Accept Pleasant Emotion. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis on another sample ( = 413) corroborated the four-factor measurement structure. Internal reliability coefficients of the subscales were satisfactory or higher. Preliminary convergent and discriminant validities were established by examining the extent the four EAQ subscales correlated with previously validated measures of emotion regulation, mindfulness skills, life satisfaction, and positive and negative affect. This psychometric investigation offers a novel multidimensional instrument to help conceptualize, understand, and facilitate the assessment of emotional acceptance in future research.

In schema therapy early adaptive schemas (EASs) and early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) have been found to be independent but related constructs. The Young Positive Schema Questionnaire (YPSQ) was developed and validated in English to measure EASs. The present study investigated psychometric properties of the Dutch translation in a representative sample of 650 non-clinical Dutch individuals. Internal consistencies for all scales were assessed to be acceptable to good. The 14-factor model showed an adequate to good fit to the data. Considering the construct validity, the YPSQ-NL scales showed significant positive correlations with the Big 5 personality traits, life-satisfaction, self-esteem and positive affect, and significant negative correlations with negative affect. Incremental validity of EASs over and above EMSs was shown for these same measures, except positive affect. Construct validity with the Young Schema Questionnaire-S3 (YSQ-S3) showed significant negative correlations between the YPSQ-NL scales and YSQ-S3 negative related constructs, except for Healthy Self-interest/Self-care and Self-sacrifice. Directions for future studies, e.g. in clinical samples, are discussed.

Numerous versions exist of the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA), which is used to assess normative markers of development in the 18-29 age range. However, their comparative psychometric properties have not been adequately explored, and samples including non-college-going emerging adults are rare. In Study 1, confirmatory factor analyses using survey data from 429 college-going and non-college-going emerging adults (52% female, 44% non-white) showed the IDEA-Short Form (IDEA-SF) to be the most psychometrically and conceptually sound version, demonstrating good fit for the five-factor model proposed by Arnett's (2004) theory of emerging adulthood; initial evidence for concurrent validity of the IDEA-SF scores was also presented. Study 2 ( = 765, 40% non-college-going) tested and found evidence for internal reliability and convergent validity as well as measurement invariance across college-going and non-college-going emerging adults for the IDEA-SF, though evidence for discriminant validity was mixed. Study 3 ( = 817) used data from the openly-available EAMMI3 dataset to examine concurrent and discriminant validity evidence for the IDEA-SF scores with multiple measures of well-being and adult development, respectively; preliminary, albeit weak, evidence of both forms of external validity was found. Suggestions for future research employing and improving the IDEA-SF and clinical implications for mental health clinicians working with emerging adults are discussed.

Resilience is an important ability that helps adolescents resist stress from everyday life. While resilience has been measured in many ways, no measures have been developed specifically for the adolescent population. This study analyzed three popular resilience questionnaires, evaluated their psychometric properties using item response theory and explored their applicability. Graded response model (GRM) was used to compare the psychometric properties of the three questionnaires. The results of the item response theory analysis showed that the CD-RISC-10 provided more average item information (AII) than the CD-RISC and the ER89 in the interval -4 < θ < +2.9 SD. At more than +2.9 SD, CD-RISC has higher AII. We also tested the external validity of the three questionnaires by calculating the correlation of the three questionnaires with the total and dimension scores of the Adolescent Psychological Adaptability Scale (APAS). The correlation coefficient ranged between 0.30 and 0.58. The results also suggest that the CD-RISC-10 can more accurately screen participants across a wide range of resilience levels. The CD-RISC is also suitable for measuring very high levels of resilience.

Future self-continuity is the relationship between an individual's perception of their present and future selves and is attracting intense interest from researchers in psychology and health. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire (FSCQ), a tool designed to measure an individual's future self-continuity, in New Zealand's unique sociocultural context. In Phase 1 we tested the reliability (internal consistency) of the 10 item FSCQ and its three subscales and attempted to replicate the three-factor structure reported previously. In Phase 2 we examined the FSCQ's correlations with established measures like the Future Self-Continuity Scale (FSCS), Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC-14) Scale, Multidimensional Temporal Self-Continuity Scale (MTSCS), and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Results from the first phase confirmed the FSCQ's reliability and construct validity, with strong internal consistency (α ranged from .77 to .87) and a good factorial structure (GFI=.97, RMSEA=.04). In the second phase, the FSCQ demonstrated positive correlations with the FSCS, CFC-14, and MTSCS, and negative correlations with the BHS. These findings suggest that the FSCQ reliably measures FSC, has a robust replicable three-factor structure and is consistent with other relevant psychological constructs. This study demonstrates the applicability of the FSCQ outside the United States for the first time.

Recent research has examined similarities and differences between traits and skills. It may be the case that traits and skills can be measured interchangeably with one providing little to no incremental validity over the other. However, methodological limitations constrain our ability to draw firm conclusions. Work in this area thus far has only examined self-reports and single-stimulus Likert items. We carried out two studies to try to determine the extent to which methodology influences observed trait-skill similarity. In Study 1, we collected both self- and observer-reports of traits and skills, and in Study 2, we used both Likert and forced choice items. We examined whether trait-skill similarity in scores and validity evidence varied according to rater and item type. Our findings suggest that trait-skill similarity is unaffected by rater but is affected by item type; forced choice items lend themselves to greater trait-skill similarity.

Researchers on antagonistic personality traits debate about an appropriate measurement approach to Machiavellianism. One measure intended to resolve this discourse, the Machiavellian Approach and Avoidance Questionnaire (MAAQ), distinguishes motivational aspects of Machiavellianism (https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0001069). Machiavellian Approach reflects strategic striving for advantages (even at others' expense), and Machiavellian Avoidance encompasses misanthropically driven prevention of loss. Using two German samples ( = 1,583; 63% women), evidence from our first study confirmed assumed relations between both facets and disagreeableness, as well as Machiavellian approach with dominance seeking, and Machiavellian avoidance with mistrust. However, the nomological networks of Machiavellian approach and measures of subclinical psychopathy were almost identical in both samples. Thus, the MAAQ failed to sufficiently differentiate from subclinical psychopathy. In a second study, partial scalar cross-national invariance was established across samples from Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, and Serbia ( = 1,853). Thereby, participants from Germany scored lower in Machiavellian approach compared to other samples, lower in Machiavellian avoidance compared to samples from the United Kingdom and Canada, but higher compared to the Serbian sample. Overall, findings supported cross-national equivalence of the MAAQ but undermined construct validity.

It is common for forensic evaluators to use assessment instruments in risk assessment evaluations. This study examines whether different evaluators use instrument results the same way when coming to conclusions about risk for sexual recidivism in Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) evaluations. Three evaluators who each used both the Static-99R and Psychopathy Checklist-Revised in more than 60 SVP evaluations (Total  = 338) provided data for the study. There were clear evaluator differences in how instrument scores were associated with risk opinions. For one evaluator, multiple regression results revealed that PCL-R Facet 2 (Affective) and Facet 3 (Lifestyle) scores were the only statistically significant predictors of risk. In other words, this evaluator's risk opinions were more clearly associated with scores on a psychopathy measure (PCL-R) than scores on a measure specifically designed to assess risk (Static-99R). For another evaluator, only Static-99R scores were independent predictors of risk. For the final evaluator, Static-99R scores and, to a lesser extent, PCL-R Facet 2 scores were independent predictors of risk. These findings add to the growing body of research suggesting that forensic evaluation results can depend, to a non-trivial extent, on the specific evaluator conducting the evaluation.

Individuals can sway legal, medical, employment, or other decisions by dishonestly self-reporting on psychological tests. Accordingly, the Comprehensive Assessment of Traits relevant to Personality Disorder (CAT-PD) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) include validity scales to detect overreporting and underreporting. Although many studies have empirically tested the validity scales of the MMPI-2 and the MMPI-2-RF, fewer have done so with the updated MMPI-3, and none with the CAT-PD. Therefore, in the present study, a simulation design was conducted to determine how successfully the CAT-PD and MMPI-3 validity scales would discriminate between credible responders and noncredible responders (i.e., overreporters and underreporters). Undergraduates and crowd-sourced adults (Total  = 484) were randomly assigned to respond honestly, overreport, or underreport while completing the MMPI-3 and the CAT-PD. Relative to honest responders, overreporters and underreporters significantly increased their respective validity scale scores (Cohen's range = 1.04 -  = 4.87); they also significantly biased their substantive scale profiles. Moreover, CAT-PD validity scales demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity with MMPI-3 validity scales and similar classification accuracy estimates receiver operating characteristic curves. These results suggest that, within a nonclinical simulation design, CAT-PD and MMPI-3 validity scales both effectively detect noncredible responding.

In the current study, we investigated the utility of generative AI for survey development and improvement. To do so, we generated a 24-item HEXACO personality inventory using ChatGPT 4.0, the ChatGPT HEXACO inventory (CHI), and investigated whether ChatGPT could modify the CHI to either improve its internal consistency or its content validity. Additionally, we compared the psychometric properties of the different versions of the CHI to a conceptually similar short personality inventory. Specifically, we compared the three CHI versions with the Brief HEXACO inventory (BHI) in terms of their alpha reliabilities and their convergent and discriminant correlations with the HEXACO-60 and criterion-related validity with authoritarianism and social dominance orientation. Participants  = 682) completed the BHI and HEXACO-60 and were randomly assigned to complete one of the three CHI versions. The results showed generally comparable psychometric properties of the three CHI versions and the BHI. However, ChatGPT could not improve specific psychometric properties of the CHI. That is, although the results show promise for the use of ChatGPT in developing questionnaires, it may not offer a shortcut to further improve specific psychometric properties.

Therapeutic Assessment (TA) is a relatively new, short-term intervention that uses psychological tests to address clients' persistent problems in living. The core feature of TA is that assessors and clients work collaboratively in all the phases of the process, and psychological tests are used as "empathy magnifiers" to help assessors understand clients' "dilemmas of change" and promote positive change. An "ultra-brief" TA protocol involving an Initial Session, Test Administration and Extended Inquiry, and Summary/Discussion Session was undertaken with three adult clients in China. A case-based time-series design with daily measures was used to assess the outcome of TA. Recruited in a natural setting, all 3 clients benefited from participation in the TA. These results suggest that Ultra-brief TA may be a promising treatment for Chinese adult clients with a variety of psychological concerns.

Given the critical role of socio-emotional skills in students' academic success, psychological well-being, and other critical life outcomes, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) developed the Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES) to measure these skills among school-age students. However, the broad conceptual scope of socio-emotional skills necessitated the use of a large number of items (i.e., 120 items) in the original SSES, which poses challenges regarding survey administration and participant fatigue. To address these issues, this study aimed to develop a short form of the SSES (i.e., SSES-SF). The sample included 29,798 15-year-old students across 10 regions. We developed a 45-item version of SSES-SF using the machine learning approach of genetic algorithm, which is 62.5% shorter than the original 120-item SSES. The reliability, construct validity, reproduced information, concurrent validity, and measurement invariance of the SSES-SF were investigated. We found that the SSES-SF demonstrated satisfactory reliability, construct validity, and concurrent validity. Furthermore, the SSES-SF was able to reproduce a substantial amount of information from the original full-form SSES and exhibited measurement invariance across genders, regions, and language groups. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

In narrative identity research, variables are typically captured through detailed content-coding of personal narratives. Yet, alternative methods have been suggested, notably self-report scales, because they capture a participant's own interpretation of their personal narratives, and because they are efficient to administer as a supplement to more labor-intensive coding methods. This study developed and validated the Narrative Identity Self-Evaluation (NISE) questionnaire. In Study 1, the questionnaire was developed through exploratory factor analysis ( = 425) and its criterion validity examined. In Study 2, the NISE factor structure and criterion relationships were confirmed ( = 304). In Study 3 (based on the same sample as Study 1), content-coding of 11 narrative identity characteristics in open-ended personal story accounts was conducted, and NISE scores were compared to corresponding content-coded variables. The 20-item NISE has three factors replicating common dimensions in narrative identity (autobiographical reasoning, desire for structure, positive motivational/affective themes) and a novel fourth factor capturing disturbances of narrative identity. The NISE correlated in theoretically-coherent ways with content coded narrative identity variables, self-report traits, and measures relevant for narrative identity, self-concept, well-being, and psychopathology. We discuss the scale's advantages in complementing content-coding of narrative accounts to assess variation in narrative identity within both clinical and non-clinical populations.

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is the second most commonly used performance-based task. However, traditional TAT administration is time-consuming and raises accessibility issues. Research exploring administration modifications has found that within a lab setting, having participants type their own narratives leads to richer responses than when participants narrate the stories out loud to an examiner. The current study extends prior research by investigating the impact of card presentation (hard copy versus computer screen) and setting (in the lab versus online) on narrative quality. A four-card TAT protocol was administered to 134 college students in three separate conditions: in lab with hard copies of cards, in lab with images on the computer, and online in which participants could take the TAT wherever they wished. In all conditions, participants typed their narratives. The narratives were scored using the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale- Global Rating Method (SCORS-G). MANOVA procedures showed that SCORS-G ratings were not affected by card presentation or setting and add to prior work to suggest that the TAT can be administered online without a diminution in the quality of SCORS-G ratings at least with some populations.

The Triarchic Model of Grit Scale (TMGS) was developed as an innovative measurement designed to evaluate general grit levels, encompassing perseverance of effort, consistency of interests, and adaptability to situations within a collectivism culture. The present study was undertaken with the aim of examining the factor structure, measurement invariance, empirical validity, and incremental validity of the TMGS among in a sample of Chinese adolescents ( = 997, 43.4% males, = 16.64, = 1.05). The results revealed that the original three-factor model of TMGS exhibited the best fit to the data, and supported partial scalar invariance across gender. Additionally, the internal consistency values of the TMGS scores ranged from marginal to acceptable, and the stability coefficients across time were acceptable. Moreover, the TMGS scores showed satisfactory criterion-related validity, correlating with scores of external criteria variables (e.g., Grit-S, self-control, and big five personality). Finally, the TMGS scores demonstrated superior incremental validity in predicting academic burnout compared to conscientiousness. Overall, although further studies are needed, our findings suggested that the TMGS demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties within a collectivist culture and may serve as a promising tool for assessing grit levels in Chinese adolescents.

Spiteful behavior, where one is willing to harm oneself to harm another, is a common social behavior that is associated with social competition. However, there is currently only one well-used psychological measure that claims to measure spitefulness, the Spitefulness Scale (Marcus et al., 2014). At present, there is little research investigating whether spite, as measured by this scale, is associated with spiteful decision-making. To test this relationship, we asked a UK sample ( = 113; 51% female, M = 38) to play a Joy of Destruction game before completing the Spitefulness Scale. Participant scores on the scale predicted whether participants spent any non-zero amount on destroying the resources of others and the amount spent by those who chose destruction. The results add further support to the validity of the Spitefulness Scale as a predictor of spiteful behavior, and suggests its utility can expand to data collected online crowd-sourcing.

Richardson, Beath, and Boag (this issue) developed a questionnaire designed to measure attachment-related defense mechanisms with considerable promise for research, practice, and training. Their robust design and the sophisticated psychometric techniques used to generate and validate the measure are notable. The goal of this commentary is to situate the measure in contemporary research on defenses, draw a distinction between defenses linked specifically to attachment and defenses more generally, and to stimulate a constructive dialogue with the (DMRS; Di Giuseppe & Perry, 2021; Perry, 1990, 2014), a model and set of measures that has dominated defense mechanism research for half a century.

Research by Gubler et al. (2024) and Lau et al. (2024) evaluated measures of a trait constellation scale (DOES; Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotional Reactivity and Empathy, Sensing the Subtle) and an adult playfulness scale (SMAP; English Short Measure for Adult Playfulness), respectively, bringing a new focus to the role of trait features in mental health and adjustment. We discuss consideration of these trait characteristics in clinical assessment and treatment planning, with attention to their potential cross-cultural applicability and manifestations.