No abstract

Using a sample of 178 male law enforcement officers, we tested a mediation model in which the linkage between male gender role conflict (GRC) and the stigma associated with counseling could be accounted for by either the risks or the benefits associated with counseling. GRC predicted seeing fewer benefits and greater risks associated with counseling, and all three of these variables were associated with the stigma assigned to counseling. However, mediation was demonstrated only in regards to the relationship between GRC, anticipated risk, and stigma. Anticipated benefit did not mediate the relationship between GRC and stigma. The nature of the findings, as well as their implications, is discussed.

The purpose of the present study was to examine how gender role conflict (GRC) may mediate the relationship between negative alcohol-related consequences, drinking motives, and attitudes toward psychological help among male college students. A total of 399 collegian men completed an Internet survey. Results suggest a complex interplay of variables in that negative alcohol-related consequences were partially mediated by GRC, whereas drinking motives were not mediated by GRC. Implications of the findings and areas for further research are discussed.

Objective To evaluate existing measures of health numeracy using Item Response Theory (IRT). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants completed assessments of health numeracy measures including the Lipkus Expanded Health Numeracy Scale (Lipkus), and the Medical Data Interpretation Test (MDIT). The Lipkus and MDIT were scaled with IRT utilizing the 2-parameter logistic model. Results Three-hundred and fifty-nine (359) participants were surveyed. Classical test theory parameters and IRT scaling parameters of the numeracy measures found most items to be at least moderately discriminating. Modified versions of the Lipkus and MDIT were scaled after eliminating items with low discrimination, high difficulty parameters, and poor model fit. The modified versions demonstrated a good range of discrimination and difficulty as indicated by the Test Information Functions. Conclusion An IRT analysis of the Lipkus and MDIT indicate that both health numeracy scales discriminate well across a range of ability. Practice Implications Health numeracy skills are needed in order for patients to successfully participate in their medical care. The accurate assessment of health numeracy may help health care providers to tailor patient education interventions to the patient’s level of understanding and ability. Item response theory scaling methods can be used to evaluate the discrimination and difficulty of individual items as well as the overall assessment.

No abstract