The construct validity of the Inventory of Psychotic-Like Anomalous Self-Experiences (IPASE) as a measure of minimal self-disturbance: Preliminary data.

The Inventory of Psychotic-Like Anomalous Self-Experiences (IPASE) shows strong construct validity as a self-report measure of minimal self-disturbance. In a sample of 46 participants including ultra-high risk and first-episode psychosis patients and healthy controls, the IPASE correlated very strongly (r = 0.92) with the gold-standard interview measure (EASE). It also correlated strongly with general psychopathology and positive psychotic symptoms, moderately with negative symptoms, and weakly with manic symptoms. The IPASE may serve as a screener but cannot replace the in-depth assessment of minimal self-disturbance, which requires clinical expertise.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The Inventory of Psychotic-Like Anomalous Self-Experiences (IPASE) is a self-report measure of minimal self-disturbance. The aim of the current report was to assess the construct validity of the scale by examining its convergent validity with the gold-standard measure of minimal self-disturbance, the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE), and its discriminant validity. The sample consisted of 46 participants (21 ultra-high risk for psychosis patients, 14 first episode psychosis patients, 11 healthy controls). Correlations between the clinical instruments were examined. The IPASE correlated strongly with general psychopathology and positive psychotic symptoms, moderately with negative symptoms, and weakly with manic symptoms. The strongest correlation (r = 0.92) was apparent between IPASE and EASE total scores. These preliminary data indicate construct validity of the IPASE, demonstrating both convergent and discriminant validity. The IPASE may be suitable as a screener measure for minimal self-disturbance, but should not be used as a replacement to measure the construct of minimal self-disturbance, which requires considerable psychopathological sophistication.