Universität zu Köln

Vaganian, Lusine ORCID: 0000-0001-9718-4106 (2021). Psycho-oncology and assessment methods: A critical reflection. PhD thesis, Universität zu Köln.

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Abstract

The application of appropriate methods in psychology and in science in general is an integral part of high quality research. However, recommendations and empirical practice often look quite different. The aim of this thesis is to critically reflect on which methodological principles are proposed and which are actually applied, using examples from the field of psycho-oncology. To this end, three studies were conducted to address essential methodological aspects in health research. Individualized psycho-oncology is increasingly becoming the social and scientific norms. In order to be able to measure possible changes in treatment approaches depending on individual severity and the needs of the patients, an individualized methodological approach is also necessary, i.e., the assessment of clinically significant change. In the first study, two commonly used measures of clinical significance, i.e., the Reliable Change Index (RCI) and the Minimal Important Difference (MID), are compared and critically examined. Based on the analysis, it is recommended to use the RCI measure to avoid possible overestimation of treatment effects. Several assessment instruments have emerged in psycho-oncology that aim to examine psychological processes related to the cancer disease and to evaluate treatment effects. Reliable and valid assessment instruments are important when planning clinical interventions. The psychometric properties of assessment instruments can be evaluated using classical test theory (CTT) or item response theory (IRT). The advantages of IRT approaches are that it is possible to obtain more detailed information about the scale or items and about the person's abilities. Due to these prevailing advantages, the use of IRT-based models is called for. The second and third study of the thesis, accordingly, examine the psychometric properties of two different assessment instruments, using item response theory, i.e., item analysis according to the Rasch model. The second study examines the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), a commonly used measure of disability. The instrument of the third study investigates the Positive Mental Health (PMH) scale. The WHODAS 2.0 proves to be well suited to assess disability in the psycho-oncological context, especially those who have an impairment will be adequately assessed with it, which are similar results to the CTT studies. The inclusion of positive psychology approaches has also been shown to be beneficial for cancer patients. The examined PMH scale in the third study is a unidimensional measure of positive mental health and the scale can also be used well in the oncological context in its adapted version. However, the 8-item solution fits the model better, a contrast to findings of most CTT studies. Overall, the present thesis critically reflects methodology taking examples from psycho-oncology. Rigorous scientific requirements of methods and how methods ultimately are implemented in research practice are sometimes two different things. Further studies on high quality methodology are needed and the application of rigorous requirements in practice should continue to be called for and implemented.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD thesis)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Vaganian, Lusine UNSPECIFIED orcid.org/0000-0001-9718-4106 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-539800
Date:	2021
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Human Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Human Sciences > Department Psychologie
Subjects:	Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Psycho-oncology UNSPECIFIED Assessment methods UNSPECIFIED Clinical significance UNSPECIFIED Psychometric properties UNSPECIFIED Disability UNSPECIFIED Rasch analysis UNSPECIFIED Positive mental health UNSPECIFIED
Date of oral exam:	20 October 2021
Referee:	Name Academic Title Gerlach, Alexander L. Prof. Dr. Ehrenthal, Johannes C. Jun.-Prof. Dr.
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/53980