Abstract
Objective
Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS-34) scores were studied for longitudinal bias-free construct evidence.
Method
A sample of 4,696 university students referred to a university counseling center were assessed twice for evidence of longitudinal measurement invariance.
Results
Adequate or marginal longitudinal measurement invariance (LMI) of all subscales except for Eating Concerns was confirmed. Coefficients alpha and omega suggested that the internal consistencies for both initial and subsequent administrations were largely adequate for screening level test scores (≥ .80), except for the Hostility and Alcohol Use subscales (≥ .73). Second session effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were small but detectable and statistically significant for most subscales (-0.02–.17).
Conclusions
Counselors can use most CCAPS-34 subscale scores for tracking psychological symptoms and constructs over time with confidence. The Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Academic Concerns, and Alcohol Use subscales can be used with great confidence. Some confidence is warranted from the LMI evidence when using the Depression and Hostility subscales, but caution in warranted when using the Eating Concerns subscale.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT
Longitudinal measurement invariance (LMI) helps test users understand whether different groups view the construct being measured as equivalent over time. Counselors can use most CCAPS-34 subscale scores for tracking psychological symptoms and constructs over time with confidence.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Khalid Stetkevych
Khalid Stetkevych, M.Ed., is a graduate of the human development counseling program in the Department of Human and Organiztional Development in the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University.
Martin F. Sherman
Julie Sriken, Ph.D., is a graduate of the community research and action program in the Department of Human and Organizational Development in the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University, and currently an assistant professor at Regis University.
Julie Sriken
Bradley T. Erford, Ph.D., is professor and director of the human development counseling program in the Department of Human and Organizational Development in the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University.
Bradley T. Erford
Martin F. Sherman is professor emeritus in the Psychology Department at Loyola University Maryland.
Heather L. Smith
Heather L. Smith, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Counseling and Guidance Department at New Mexico Highlands University.
Adriana Kipper-Smith
Adriana Kipper-Smith, Ph.D., is a counselor at the Vanderbilt University Medical College and in private practice in the Nashville, TN area.
Frances Niarhos
Frances Niarhos, Ph.D., is administrative clinical staff at the University Counseling Center at Vanderbilt University.