Date of Submission

2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Robert DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP

Second Advisor

Jesus Salas, PsyD, ABPP

Third Advisor

Barbara A. Golden, PsyD, ABPP

Abstract

Self-report questionnaires are used in clinical practice to aid in the process of conceptualizing, diagnosing, planning treatment, and monitoring progress throughout treatment. However, self-report questionnaires can be inconvenient to both clinicians and patients if excessive time is needed to complete and score them. To date, a brief and consolidated self-report questionnaire that measures anxiety, depression, anger, suicidality, homicidality, positive mental health, and functioning does not exist. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the factor structure and the psychometric properties of the self-report questionnaire, the Weekly Emotional and Functional Summary (WEFS). The study was correlational, using archival data from 153 participants receiving mental health treatment in northeastern Pennsylvania. A principal components factor analysis was conducted to validate the proposed factor structure. Then, standardized measures were used to compare to the WEFS factors. Correlational models were also conducted to assess the stability of the scale over time and to examine the relationship between the factors of the WEFS and other standardized measures in the respective areas. Outcomes indicated that the WEFS is comprised of seven distinct factors (i.e., three across the frequency domain, three across the intensity domain, and one in the functioning domain) and exhibits construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. These results suggest that the WEFS demonstrates clinical utility.

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