Natasha Segool

Latent Profile Analyses of Test Anxiety A Pilot Study

In an era of test-based accountability, there has been a renewed interest in understanding the relationship between test anxiety and test performance. The development and validation of test anxiety scales have grown with the rise of test anxiety research. Research is needed to critically examine the psychometric properties of these scales prior to widespread use. The purpose of this brief report is to demonstrate the use of latent profile analysis (LPA) to develop test anxiety profiles on the FRIEDBEN Test Anxiety Scale. LPA was performed using a sample of 1,133 students from five high schools in a Midwestern state. Results indicate three distinct test anxiety profiles (i.e., high, mid, and low anxiety profiles).

Identification and Validation of a Brief Test Anxiety Screening Tool

The implementation of test-based accountability policies around the world has increased the pressure placed on students to perform well on state achievement tests. Educational researchers have begun taking a closer look at the reciprocal effects of test anxiety and high-stakes testing. However, existing test anxiety assessments lack efficiency and ease of use necessary for universal screening and progress monitoring in school settings. This study investigated the psychometric properties of a brief version of the FRIEDBEN Test Anxiety Scale (B-FTAS), which has the unique strength of measuring test anxiety using a contemporary biopsychosocial model. The B-FTAS was administered to 1,463 high school students across 6 school districts 1 week before a high-stakes test. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified a 3-factor, brief, 12-item test anxiety assessment consistent with a biopsychosocial model including social, cognitive, and physiological factors. Results provide sufficient evidence for internal reliability and validity of this brief measure of test anxiety. Implications for future development and use of screening instruments in the assessment of high or debilitating anxiety are discussed.

Behavior Observations for Linking Assessment to Treatment for Selective Mutism.

Selective mutism is a childhood disorder that most school psychologists and educational providers will come across at least once in their careers. Selective mutism is associated with significant impairment in educational settings where speaking is necessary for academic and social skill development. Effective treatments for selective mutism typically involve shaping or stimulus fading procedures. Choosing an effective treatment strategy for a child with selective mutism is dependent upon careful analysis of data gathered during the assessment process. This article focuses on behavior observations as a primary source of data for effective decision making regarding treatment for selective mutism. Previous literature on behavior observation and selective mutism is reviewed and guidelines are presented for decision making based on observational data. This article presents two case studies that illustrate the use of observational data for treatment decision making. In addition, the role of behavioral observations to inform selective mutism treatment decisions in practice and the need for future research on this topic are discussed.

The effect of location on psychotropic treatment practices among pediatricians.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine how access factors affect prescribing practices of psychotropic medications among pediatricians. More specifically, the aim of the current study was to examine differences in the treatment of mental and behavioral health problems among children and adolescents across small nonmetropolitan, regional, metropolitan, and urban settings across the United States. Method: A total of 516 pediatricians working in outpatient clinics located in 12 US states, 3 in each of the following regions: New England, the Plains, the Pacific Northwest, and the South completed surveys on their prescription practices for children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health needs. Results: Findings indicate that pediatricians in small nonmetropolitan settings with populations of fewer than 20,000 prescribe antidepressants; antianxiety, antipanic, and antiobsessive medication; antipsychotics; and mood stabilizers significantly more frequently than their counterparts in urban, metropolitan, and regional settings. Conclusion: Implications of these findings for clinical practice and training are discussed.

Social Networking Practices in School Psychology: Have Moral Panic Concerns Been Overstated?

ABSTRACT The almost ubiquitous use of Facebook and other social networking sites (SNSs) by adults in the United States raises important practice considerations for school psychologists. This study examined the SNS practices of school psychologists, graduate trainers, and graduate students to explore (a) SNS use training experiences for school professionals, (b) personal and work-related social networking practices, (c) concerns about potential damage related to SNS use, and (d) beliefs regarding the use of SNSs in professional and preprofessional evaluations. Findings suggest that problematic behaviors on SNSs are more the exception than the norm among these groups. These results are discussed in the context of the literature on SNS practices in professional psychology and moral panic. Practice implications and recommendations are provided.

Working in and with Noise: The Impact of Audio Environment on Attention

This study examined the relationship between audio environment and attention. Although background noise has generally been assumed to be distracting, recent research has suggested that the opposite may be true. Attention was assessed in 27 participants using a continuous performance test under three different noise conditions: exposure to ambient noise (the control), pink noise, and a television audio track. Participants’ attention was significantly improved in pink noise as compared to the ambient noise, whereas no differences were found between the ambient and television conditions. These findings suggest that not all noise is created equal when it comes to paying attention.