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The development and initial validation of the cyberchondria severity scale (CSS).
1School of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster at Magee, Londonderry BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|February 11, 2014
Summary
A new Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) was developed to measure excessive online health research. This validated tool helps assess anxiety related to health concerns and can guide future interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Cyberchondria, or excessive online health research, is linked to psychological distress and increased healthcare costs.
- There is a need for reliable measurement tools to quantify cyberchondria and its impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS).
- To provide a psychometrically sound measure for assessing cyberchondria.
Main Methods:
- A pilot version of the CSS was administered to 208 undergraduate students.
- Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the scale's structure.
- The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used for validity assessment.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis revealed a five-factor structure: Compulsion, Distress, Excessiveness, Reassurance Seeking, and Mistrust of Medical Professionals.
- The CSS demonstrated strong internal consistency, concurrent validity, and convergent validity.
- The scale is a reliable measure for cyberchondria.
Conclusions:
- The Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) is a psychometrically sound instrument.
- The CSS can be utilized in research to understand cyberchondria better.
- This scale may aid in developing and validating interventions for cyberchondria.
