Bi-factor confirmatory factor models have been influential in research on cognitive abilities because they often better fit the data than correlated factors and higher-order models. They also instantiate a perspective that differs from that offered by other models. Motivated by previous work that hypothesized an inherent statistical bias of fit indices favoring the bi-factor model, we compared the fit of correlated factors, higher-order, and bi-factor models via Monte Carlo methods. When data were sampled from a true bi-factor structure, each of the approximate fit indices was more likely than not to identify the bi-factor solution as the best fitting. When samples were selected from a true multiple correlated factors structure, approximate fit indices were more likely overall to identify the correlated factors solution as the best fitting. In contrast, when samples were generated from a true higher-order structure, approximate fit indices tended to identify the bi-factor solution as best fitting. There was extensive overlap of fit values across the models regardless of true structure. Although one model may fit a given dataset best relative to the other models, each of the models tended to fit the data well in absolute terms. Given this variability, models must also be judged on substantive and conceptual grounds.

The goal of the present study is to examine the stability of time attitudes profiles across a one-year period as well as the association between time attitudes profiles and several variables. These variables include attitudes towards alcohol, context of alcohol use, consumption of a full drink, and subjective life expectancy. We assessed the reliability and validity of time attitudes scores at baseline (mean age 12.5 years) and Wave 2 (mean age 13.5 years), the viability of time attitudes profiles at both time points, and the degree of stability in profile membership in Wave 2. A total of four latent profiles were identified (Positives, Ambivalents, Negatives, and Negative-Futures). Positives had higher scores on positive time attitude, Ambivalents did not report strong attitudes towards any of the time periods, Negatives had higher scores on negative time attitudes, and Negative-Futures were similar to Negatives, but tended to higher scores on both positive and negative time attitude for the future. Results showed that participants staying in the same time attitude profile across the first year of high school ranged from 33% to 50%. Transition to more negative profiles explained the instability, and those transitions were associated with less favorable outcomes. Having a Positive profile was associated with safer attitudes towards alcohol, lower reported uses of alcohol, and higher self-reported probability of surviving to at least the age of 35.

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 29(7) of Psychological Assessment (see record 2016-47183-001). In the article, the affiliation for Michael T. McKay should be Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool. All versions of this article have been corrected.] Over the last 20 years, the study of Temporal Psychology and its relationship with a range of psychosocial indicators has increased exponentially. The present study makes use of recent advances in analytic methods and uses statistical inference via longitudinal examination of latent profiles through Latent Transition Analyses (LTA). The first 2 available waves of data from a longitudinal study in the United Kingdom were used to assess the following: (a) the factor structure of Adolescent Time Inventory-Time Attitudes Scale (ATAS) scores at Waves 1 and 2, (b) the viability of time attitudes profiles based on ATAS scores at both time points, (c) the degree of stability and/or transition between membership of these profiles at +12 months, and (d) the relationship between profiles and scores on 4 distal outcomes, including academic, social and emotional self-efficacy, and sensation seeking. Four latent profiles called Positives, Ambivalents, Negatives, and Negative-Futures were identified and their relationship with the 4 distal outcomes was examined. Results showed that time attitude profiles were unstable across the first year of high school. Furthermore, instability was explained by transitions to more negative profiles, and these transitions were associated with unfavorable outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record