Psychometric properties of the Affect Phobia Test

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Affect Phobia Test (APT) is designed to screen an individual's capacity to experience, express, and regulate emotions.
• Evaluating the psychometric properties of translated psychological instruments is crucial for their reliable application in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first psychometric evaluation of the Swedish translation of the Affect Phobia Test.
• To assess the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor structure of the APT in clinical and student samples.

Main Methods:

• The study involved a clinical sample (N=82) of patients with depression/anxiety and a university student sample (N=197).
• Psychometric properties were evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (ICC), and exploratory factor analysis.
• Correlations with depression and anxiety measures were examined.

Main Results:

• The total score of the APT demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (α=0.88/0.84) and test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.77).
• Reliability was lower for specific affective domains, including Anger/Assertion, Sadness/Grief, and Attachment/Closeness.
• Exploratory factor analysis yielded a six-factor solution that only moderately aligned with the original domains.
• An empirical cut-off score of 72 distinguished clinical from student samples.
• The APT showed significant negative correlations with depression and anxiety in the clinical group.

Conclusions:

• The overall psychometric properties of the Affect Phobia Test's total score are satisfactory for use in clinical and student populations.
• Certain affective domains of the APT lack sufficient reliability and should not be used as separate subscales.
• The APT effectively differentiates individuals seeking psychological help from those who do not.