Measuring Disgust Proneness Using the Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised: Psychometric Properties with Factorial Invariance in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Non-Clinical Samples

Abstract

Objective: The Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised (DPSS-R) was developed to assess disgust proneness. Although its validity andreliability have been previously examined in non-clinical samples, its psychometric properties in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and factorial invariance have not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of DPSS-R in two Turkish samples. Methods: Two hundred fifteen individuals (Sample 1 and Sample 2) were recruited in the current study to assess those psychometric properties. Our Sample 1 consisted of 120 individuals with OCD administered to the Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Teaching and Research Hospital outpatient unit. Sample 2 consisted of 95 individuals working as hospital personnel. Construct validity was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Disgust Scale-Revised. Results: Factor analyses supported a two-factor model in these OCD and non-clinical samples. Cronbach's alpha values were strong in the OCD and non-clinical samples (0.91 and 0.92, respectively). DPSS-R scores correlated with relevant clinical measures and were stable within one month. Also, DPSS-R had the factorial invariance of the DPSS-R between the groups of OCD and healthy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the DPSS-R is a valid, reliable, and invariant measurement tool in and among OCD and non -clinical populations. This measurement tool may contribute to research on the development and maintenance of psychopathology and treatment related to disgust.