Anhedonia: a construct validation approach

Investigated the convergent and discriminant validity of the anhedonia construct using a multivariable-multimethod design. The 100 subjects displayed a wide range of scores on the Physical Anhedonia Scale, many comparable to the original validation sample of diagnosed schizophrenics. Twenty-one variables were assessed by tests, 16 by subject self-ratings and 16 by peer ratings of the subject. The resultant intercorrelation matrix was analyzed by Golding and Seidman's (1974) two-step principal components procedure. Five of the six second-order components showed good and conceptually meaningful cross method convergence and were named: Pleasureless Introversion, Neurotic Maladjustment, Dependency, Hedonic Deficit #1, Hedonic Deficit #2, and Coarctation. Hedonic Deficits #1 and #2 were shown to be independent from neuroticism, depression, and guilt. The high degree of relationship between anhedonia and introversion, long suggested by clinicians, is confirmed and discussed. Notes on the construct validity of Chapman et al.'s (1976) Physical and Social Anhedonia Scales and Watson et al.'s (1970) MMPI Anhedonia Scale are included.