Factor Structure, Convergent, and Divergent Validity of the Prodromal Questionnaire–Negative Symptom Subscale. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pierce, Katherine M.; Maxwell, Seth D.; Olino, Thomas M.; Cooper, Shanna; Ellman, Lauren M.
• Is Part Of: Assessment. Volume 28:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: negative symptoms -- Prodromal Questionnaire -- convergent validity -- divergent validity -- exploratory factor analysis; Psychological tests -- Periodicals; Psychodiagnostics -- Periodicals; Personality tests -- Periodicals; 150.287
• DOI: 10.1177/1073191119899981
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-1911

Abstract

Negative symptoms such as anhedonia are associated with psychosis risk and poorer outcomes. The Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) is a self-report questionnaire used to screen for psychosis spectrum symptoms. However, the convergent and divergent validity and underlying factor structure of the PQ–negative symptom subscale (PQ-N) have yet to be examined. Undergraduates ( N = 1, 556) completed the PQ, Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale, and measures assessing anxiety, depression, and motivation. An exploratory factor analysis conducted on the PQ-N yielded a two-factor solution, reflecting subdimensions of social expression and dissociative–depressive experiences, contrary to previous research examining the factor structure of negative symptoms. Associations between the PQ-N, its two factors, and measures of negative symptoms and other psychopathology were examined. Results indicated that the PQ-N and its factors were more strongly correlated with measures of depression and anxiety than with measures of negative symptoms relating to motivation and pleasure, suggesting poor convergent and divergent validity.