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Schalling-Sifneos personality scale: findings and recommendations.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|January 1, 1984
Summary
This study refined the measurement of alexithymia using the Schalling-Sifneos Personality Scale (SSPS). A revised scoring system, based on factor analysis, offers a more sensitive assessment of alexithymia.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the accurate measurement of alexithymia.
- The Schalling-Sifneos Personality Scale (SSPS) is a key instrument for assessing alexithymia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide descriptive data for the SSPS.
- To replicate previous factor-analytic findings on the SSPS.
- To propose an improved scoring method for the SSPS.
Main Methods:
- Administered the SSPS to 430 undergraduates.
- Conducted factor analyses to examine the SSPS structure.
- Performed a subsequent factor analysis to identify key items for a revised scoring system.
Main Results:
- SSPS score distribution was approximately normal.
- The factor structure of the SSPS was found to be robust across samples.
- Factor analyses confirmed characteristics consistent with alexithymia.
- Nine questionnaire items were identified for a revised scoring system, yielding normally distributed scores.
Conclusions:
- The factor structure of the SSPS is reliable.
- A revised scoring system enhances the sensitivity of alexithymia measurement.
- The refined SSPS offers a more precise tool for assessing alexithymia.