Preliminary evidence for the construct and concurrent validity of the DS14 in Hebrew

Type D personality is a risk indicator in cardiac patients. While both the validity and reliability of the Type D scale (DS14) have been confirmed in Western Europe, less attention has been paid to the subject in other nations.

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Hebrew version of the DS14 among a sample of cardiac patients in Israel.

Male patients (N = 94) hospitalized for a first acute coronary syndrome (ACS) completed the DS14 1 month after their ACS. The Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI) scales for depression and anxiety and the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory-Dutch for measuring covert and overt aggressions were administered during the initial hospitalization (baseline). The BSI was administered again at the 6-month follow-up. At follow-up, patients were also asked about their participation in a formal cardiac rehabilitation program.

The two-factor structure of the DS14 was confirmed and the DS14 subscales were internally consistent (Cronbach's α = 0.79/0.80). Type D cardiac patients had a significantly higher mean score on anxiety, depression, and covert aggression at baseline compared to non-Type D patients. At the 6-month follow-up, Type D was associated with more anxiety, more depression, and less attendance at a formal cardiac rehabilitation program. The prevalence of Type D in the current sample (5.3%) was found to be significantly lower than elsewhere in Europe.

Preliminary evidence suggests that it is possible to use the Hebrew version of the DS14 among Hebrew-speaking cardiac patients in future studies. However, the prevalence of the Type D personality in Israel should be further assessed.