Validation of the Interpretation of Intrusions Inventory for the Mexican Population: Cross-Cultural Discrepancies

To facilitate research on the cognitive model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), leaders in the field of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Cognitions Working Group [OCCWG]) developed and validated the Interpretation of Intrusions Inventory-31 (III-31). The current sought to adapt and validate this important measure for the Mexican population using a large sample of emerging adults (N = 457). Specifically, we evaluated the factor structure and convergent validity of the III-31 for the Mexican population. Based on a series of confirmatory factor analyses, previously established one-, two-, and three-factor models were found to be a poor fit with current data. However, an exploratory factor analysis yielded a two-factor solution, with one factor assessing the harmfulness and danger of intrusive thoughts (Harmfulness/Danger), and the other assessing exaggerated responsibility and efforts to control intrusions (Responsibility/Control). Satisfactory convergent validity was found with the severity of dysfunctional beliefs and OCD symptoms. Implications and limitations of study results are discussed.