Development and validation of the Multidimensional Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Scale (MCASS).

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS) is a core component of the metacognitive model, involving maladaptive self-regulation.
• Components of the CAS are recognized risk factors for emotional disorders.
• A validated self-report measure for the multidimensional CAS was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Multidimensional Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Scale (MCASS).
• To create a psychometrically sound instrument assessing the seven self-regulation strategies of the CAS.
• To provide a tool for examining the metacognitive model and clinical monitoring of the CAS.

Main Methods:

• Study 1: Developed a 69-item pool assessing CAS strategies in 323 U.S. adults via crowd-sourcing.
• Structural analyses in Study 1 identified a 7-factor solution, retaining 3 items per factor.
• Study 2: Validated the 21-item MCASS in 389 adults using first- and second-order measurement models and validity analyses.

Main Results:

• Structural analyses supported a 7-factor solution for the CAS.
• Both first- and second-order measurement models demonstrated adequate fit for the 21-item MCASS.
• Convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity analyses confirmed the construct validity of the MCASS.

Conclusions:

• The Multidimensional Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Scale (MCASS) is a psychometrically sound measure.
• The MCASS effectively captures the multidimensional nature of the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS).
• The MCASS is a valuable tool for research on the metacognitive model and clinical assessment of the CAS.