The Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire-Short Form (PAQ-S): A 6-item measure of alexithymia

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.036
• Publication Date: 2023-01-13T10:31:28Z
• Authors: David A. Preece; Ashish Mehta; Kate Petrova; Pilleriin Sikka; Johan Bjureberg; Wai Chen; Rodrigo Becerra; Alfred Allan; Ken Robinson; James J. Gross
• Keywords: Exploratory factor analysis; Trait

Alexithymia is a trait characterized by difficulties identifying feelings, describing and externally orientated thinking. It widely regarded as an important transdiagnostic risk factor for range of psychopathologies, including depressive anxiety disorders. Whilst several well-validated psychometric measures alexithymia exist, these are relatively lengthy, thus limiting their utility in time-pressured settings. In this paper, we address gap introducing validating brief 6-item version the Perth Questionnaire, called Questionnaire-Short Form (PAQ-S).Across two studies with adult samples (Study 1 N = 508 United States community; Study 2 378 Australian college students), examined properties PAQ-S terms its structure, reliability, concurrent/criterion validity.In exploratory confirmatory analyses, all items loaded well on single general factor. The total score had high correlated expected long-form PAQ, other established markers alexithymia, emotion regulation, affective disorder symptoms.Our were community or student from Western countries; future validation work clinical more diverse cultural groups needed.The retains strengths PAQ. As such, can be used quick, robust measure overall levels. introduction hence enables valid assessments settings research designs.