Dimensionality of a test battery for nonprofessional mental health workers

Developed and factor analyzed a comprehensive test battery, including the SVIB and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale, for nonprofessional mental health personnel. Basic dimensions measured by the battery were cultural interests, attitudes toward attributes of the job, extraversion, helping-person qualities, social class, and interests in science. A scoring system based on factor structure was developed and used to compare 105 female nonprofessional child aides with 34 demographically comparable controls. Aides had stronger cultural interests than controls, more positive attitudes toward job-associated concepts, and higher scores on the helping-person dimension. (18 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).