The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is the most commonly used measure for life satisfaction. Although there are numerous studies confirming factorial validity, most studies on dimensionality are based on small samples. A controversial debate continues on the factorial invariance across different subgroups. The present study aimed to test psychometric properties, factorial structure, factorial invariance across age and gender, and to deliver population-based norms for the German general population from a large cross-sectional sample of 2519 subjects. Confirmatory factor analyses supported that the scale is one-factorial, even though indications of inhomogeneity of the scale have been detected. Both findings show invariance across the seven age groups and both genders. As indicators of the convergent validity, a positive correlation with social support and negative correlation with depressiveness was shown. Population-based norms are provided to support the application in the context of individual diagnostics.

Suicidal ideation is a major risk factor for suicidal behavior and has recently been shown to be fluctuating in studies applying ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). The aims of this study are to introduce a reliable and valid item set for assessing suicidal ideation and relevant proximal risk factors that can be used in future EMA studies within suicidology. Additionally, we provide data on the ability of the items to capture moment-to-moment variability and discuss feasibility aspects of EMA studies on suicidal ideation in a clinical sample. Psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with a depressive disorder (N = 74) rated a set of 28 items measuring suicidal ideation, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and positive affect 10 times per day on 6 consecutive days. In addition, these constructs were assessed by self-report questionnaires before and after the EMA period. Intraclass correlations and mean squared successive differences were calculated as indicators of item variability. Reliability was calculated at the prompt (within-person) and the person (between-person) level, applying an approach based on multilevel factor analysis. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the EMA scores with a self-report questionnaire measuring the same constructs. All items demonstrated moment-to-moment-variability and substantial within-person variance. Moreover, all items and scales, except those assessing anxiety, showed satisfying reliability at the prompt and the person level, and correlations indicated convergent validity of the EMA item set. Compliance with the EMAs was excellent (89.7%). Researchers are encouraged to apply this useful tool in future EMA studies in the field of suicidology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Up to this date, prevalence rates of obesity are still rising. Aside from co-morbid diseases, perceived discrimination and stigmatization leads to worsen outcomes in obese individuals. Higher stigmatizing attitudes towards obese individuals may also result in less support of preventive and interventive measures. In light of the immense burden of obesity on health care systems and also on the individuals' quality of life, accepted and subsidized preventive measures are needed. Policy support might be determined by views of the lay public on causes of obesity and resulting weight stigma. This study seeks to answer how representative samples of the lay public perceive people with obesity or overweight status (stigmatizing attitudes); what these samples attribute obesity to (causal attribution) and what types of interventions are supported by the lay public and which factors determine that support (prevention support).

Anliegen: Es sollen Schwellenwerte für die Klassifikation von Vernachlässigung und Missbrauch mithilfe des CTS entwickelt und validiert werden. Methodik: Auf Basis zweier Bevölkerungsstudien werden Schwellenwerte bestimmt und anhand des Außenkriteriums Depression validiert. Ergebnisse: Die bestimmten Schwellenwerte differenzieren gut hinsichtlich der Häufigkeit von Depressionen, und zeigen mit Ausnahme der Dimension „körperliche Vernachlässigung“ gute bis sehr gute Sensitivitäten und Spezifitäten zum Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Schlussfolgerung: Die Schwellenwerte unterstützen die Nutzung des CTS zur kategorialen Diagnostik. Objectives: Childhood abuse and neglect are associated with worse physical and mental health outcomes. There is some evidence, that the CTS is a brief and valid screening tool. To support the application of the CTS for categorical diagnostics cut-offs will be identified and validated. Methods: Based on two large-scale population studies suitable cut-off-scores for the different dimensions of childhood abuse and neglect were identified due to comparable case identification rates in the CTS compared with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The cut-off-scores were validated with respect to depression as an external criterion. Results: Suitable cut-off-scores were identified for all subscales in both samples. The cases and non-cases according to the cut-off-scores differed significantly regarding the severity of depressive symptoms and the prevalence of depression. Good to very good sensitivity and specificity of the CTS-items and the related subscales of the CTQ are shown, except for the dimension “physical neglect”. Conclusion: With the help of the cut-off-scores it is possible to use the CTS for categorical diagnostics, especially in large-scale studies with two-step diagnostic approaches.

Objective: To examine the relationship of traumatic experiences and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a representative population sample of 1456 German elderly (60-85 years). Several studies have suggested that PTSD and traumatic experiences are related to adverse health outcomes. However, many past studies were based on special samples such as combat veterans or survivors of natural disasters. Methods: Using self-report data and regression analyses, we investigated the association of traumatic experiences and PTSD with several medical conditions. Results: Traumatized subjects had a significantly increased risk for all the medical conditions under study compared with those participants without a traumatic exposure, ranging from odds ratio of 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-1.75) for hypertension up to 5.12 (95% CI = 2.25-11.6) for cancer. There are significant associations of current PTSD with cardiovascular diseases (angina pectoris/coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease) and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension and elevated cholesterol level; odds ratio of 1.94 [95% CI = 1.14-3.31]) for peripheral vascular disease up to 3.76 [95% CI = 2.11-6.70] for elevated cholesterol level), as well as with asthma, cancer, back pain, hard of hearing, osteoporosis, stomach problems, and thyroid disorders. Conclusions: These findings suggest an association between traumatic stress and PTSD with impaired physical health in a general population sample in the German elderly. It underscores the importance of traumatic experiences and PTSD not only for mental health but also for physical health as a long-term consequence. Abbreviations: PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder; PTDS = Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale; CI = confidence interval; OR = odds ratio