Validity and Reliability of the Affective Lability Scale-18 (ALS-18) Turkish Form in the Non-Clinical Group

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychometrics
• Mental Health

Background:

• Affective lability is a key feature of mood dysregulation observed in various psychiatric conditions.
• Understanding and measuring affective lability is crucial for diagnosing and managing mood disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Affective Lability Scale-18 (ALS-18) within a Turkish non-clinical sample.
• To establish the reliability and validity of the ALS-18 for use in Turkey.

Main Methods:

• A total of 615 non-clinical participants completed the ALS-18, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
• Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to assess construct validity.
• Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis results for construct validity mirrored the original scale.
• High internal consistency was found (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92 for EFA and CFA groups).
• Test-retest reliability was strong (coefficient = 0.82), and moderate positive correlations were observed with DERS and BDI scores (r=0.38, r=0.41).

Conclusions:

• The Affective Lability Scale-18 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing affect variability in the Turkish population.
• The scale's sub-dimensions (anxiety/depression, depression/elevation, anger) and general factor show sufficient internal consistency.
• The ALS-18 can be effectively utilized in Turkey to evaluate affect variability.