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Mind wandering in people with Multiple Sclerosis: A psychometric study
Jessica Podda1, Andrea Tacchino1, Ludovico Pedullà1
1Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Genoa, Italy.
Background:
Although mind wandering (MW) is associated with various psychological aspects frequently affected in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), there is lack of validated tools to assess MW in this clinical population.
Objective:
This psychometric study aimed to assess structural and construct validity and reliability of a brief Italian version of Mind Wandering (MW) Scale that measures two different dimensions of MW, i.e., spontaneous (MW-S) and deliberate (MW-D).
Methods:
Structural validity of the MW Scale was assessed by explorative factor analysis (EFA). To investigate construct validity, mood (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale) and personality (10-items Big Five Inventory Test) were correlated with MW constructs. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's α for internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficients.
Results:
EFA confirmed two distinct constructs of MW, i.e., MW-S and MW-D, also in PwMS. This tool appropriately fits the graded response model, supporting validity (about 79% of hypotheses for convergent and discriminant constructs confirmed) and internal consistency (MW-S: Cronbach's α = 0.84; MW-D: Cronbach's α = 0.88).
Conclusion:
MW Scale could be a useful tool to measure MW also in PwMS. As MW seems to be connected to clinical manifestations of MS, a detailed assessment of MW should be encouraged in clinical practice.
Insights
A validated Mind Wandering (MW) Scale effectively measures spontaneous and deliberate MW in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). This tool aids in assessing psychological aspects relevant to MS clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Mind wandering (MW) is linked to psychological issues common in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).
- A validated tool for assessing MW in PwMS is currently lacking.
- Understanding MW is crucial for managing psychological well-being in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To psychometrically evaluate a brief Italian version of the Mind Wandering (MW) Scale.
- To assess the structural validity, construct validity, and reliability of the MW Scale for PwMS.
- To differentiate between spontaneous (MW-S) and deliberate (MW-D) mind wandering in this population.
Main Methods:
- Explorative factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine structural validity.
- Convergent and discriminant validity were examined by correlating MW with mood and personality measures.
- Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients.
Main Results:
- EFA confirmed two distinct MW constructs (MW-S and MW-D) in PwMS.
- The scale demonstrated good validity, with approximately 79% of hypotheses confirmed.
- High internal consistency was found for both MW-S (Cronbach's α = 0.84) and MW-D (Cronbach's α = 0.88).
Conclusions:
- The MW Scale is a potentially valuable tool for measuring mind wandering in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
- Given the link between MW and MS clinical manifestations, routine assessment is recommended.
- This validated scale can support better clinical management of psychological aspects in MS.
