Validation of the Farsi version of the schizotypal personality questionnaire in a student sample

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire [SPQ] in a student sample. 727 university students [442 males, 285 females] with a mean age of 23, who were selected using stepwise stratified method, and 15 patients with schizophrenia who were selected using convenience sampling, completed SPQ. The SPQ is a 74 items self-report questionnaire, which assesses nine DSM-III-R criteria for Schizotypal Personality Disorder. Data were analyzed by SPSS-16 and using Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent t-test, multivariate analysis of variance, and exploratory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha for the total questionnaire and its subscales were 0.90 and 0.59-0.82 respectively. SPQ accurately differentiated patients with schizophrenia from normal population. The exploratory factor analysis for SPQ confirmed the accuracy of three-factor structure introduced by Raine [cognitive-perceptual, interpersonal, and disorganized]. SPQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing symptoms, dimensions, and factors of Schizotypal Personality Disorder