Abstract
Introduction
The Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) has been validated in student samples and small clinical samples but not in the general population; thus, representative general-population norms are lacking.
Aim
We examined the factor structure of the BVAQ in Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel data from the Dutch general population (N = 974).
Results
Factor analyses revealed a first-order five-factor model and a second-order two-factor model. However, in the second-order model, the factor interpreted as analyzing ability loaded on both the affective factor and the cognitive factor. Further analyses showed that the first-order test scores are more reliable than the second-order test scores. External and construct validity was addressed by comparing BVAQ scores with a clinical sample of patients suffering from somatic symptom and related disorder (SSRD) (N = 235). BVAQ scores differed significantly between the general population and patients suffering from SSRD, suggesting acceptable construct validity. Age was positively associated with alexithymia. Males showed higher levels of alexithymia.
Discussion
The BVAQ is a reliable alternative measure for measuring alexithymia.
The Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) has been validated in student samples and small clinical samples but not in the general population; thus, representative general-population norms are lacking.
Aim
We examined the factor structure of the BVAQ in Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel data from the Dutch general population (N = 974).
Results
Factor analyses revealed a first-order five-factor model and a second-order two-factor model. However, in the second-order model, the factor interpreted as analyzing ability loaded on both the affective factor and the cognitive factor. Further analyses showed that the first-order test scores are more reliable than the second-order test scores. External and construct validity was addressed by comparing BVAQ scores with a clinical sample of patients suffering from somatic symptom and related disorder (SSRD) (N = 235). BVAQ scores differed significantly between the general population and patients suffering from SSRD, suggesting acceptable construct validity. Age was positively associated with alexithymia. Males showed higher levels of alexithymia.
Discussion
The BVAQ is a reliable alternative measure for measuring alexithymia.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 111 |
| Journal | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| Volume | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire
- FIBROMYALGIA
- ITEM SELECTION
- PAIN
- PERSON-FIT ANALYSIS
- PREVALENCE
- PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS
- RELATIVE STABILITY
- RELIABILITY
- SCALE
- TORONTO STRUCTURED INTERVIEW
- alexithymia
- psychometric properties
- somatic symptom and related disorders
- validation study