Factor structure and validation of the attentional control scale

Abstract

The Attentional Control Scale (ACS; Derryberry & Reed, 2002) has been used to assess executive control over attention in numerous studies, but no published data have examined the factor structure of the English version. The current studies addressed this need and tested the predictive and convergent validity of the ACS subscales. In Study 1, exploratory factor analysis yielded a two-factor model with Focusing and Shifting subscales. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis supported this model and suggested superior fit compared to the factor structure of the Icelandic version (Ólafsson et al., 2011). Study 3 examined correlations between the ACS subscales and measures of working memory, anxiety, and cognitive control. Study 4 examined correlations between the subscales and reaction times on a mixed-antisaccade task, revealing positive correlations for antisaccade performance and prosaccade latency with Focusing scores and between switch trial performance and Shifting scores. Additionally, the findings partially supported unique relationships between Focusing and trait anxiety and between Shifting and depression that have been noted in recent research. Although the results generally support the validity of the ACS, additional research using performance-based tasks is needed.

The influence of cognitive control training on stress reactivity and rumination in response to a lab stressor and naturalistic stress

“…Self-reported attentional control was measured using the 20-item Attentional Control Scale (ACS-NL; Derryberry & Reed, 2002;Verwoerd, Cieraad, & de Jong, 2007). The ACS shows adequate psychometric properties (Judah, Grant, Mills, & Lechner, 2014). Finally, the 25-item Dutch Resilience Scale (RS-NL; Portzky, 2008;Wagnild & Young, 1993) was used to take into account self-reported levels of resilience.…”

The Contribution of Metacognitions and Attentional Control to Decisional Procrastination

“…On the first step, all three DASS-21 factors (depression, anxiety, and stress) were entered because research has shown emotion to be associated with procrastination (Derryberry & Reed, 2002;Judah, Grant, Mills, & Lechner, 2014). On the second step, the four factors of the MCQ-30 that had been found to be significantly correlated with decisional procrastination were added to the model.…”

Effects of Trampoline Exercise on Attentional Control and Daytime Sleepiness among Young Adults with Anxiety Disorders in Malaysia

“…The Attentional Control Scale (ACS) is a questionnaire that has been developed to measure individual differences in attentional control. The Attentional Control Scale is a 20-item self-report measure assessing attentional focusing and shifting (Judah, 2014). Both outcome measurements were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks, for all participants.…”