Validation of the Affect Integration Inventory Short Form (AII-SF-42)

ABSTRACT

Affect integration, denoting the capacity to utilize the motivational- and signal properties of affects, is essential to adaptive psychological functioning. Affect integration is commonly operationalized and assessed with the self-rated Affect Integration Inventory (AII). This study tested the concurrent and construct validity of a short-form version (AII-SF-42) against the long-form version in a nonclinical reference sample comprising 157 Norwegian respondents. We conducted analyses of reliability, standardized mean differences and associations between short- and long-forms, assessment of internal structure by confirmatory factor analyses, and assessment of external validity by tests of associations with emotion regulation, alexithymia, psychiatric symptoms, and interpersonal problems. Results demonstrated high reliability and validity for the AII-SF-42, including high internal consistency and correspondence with long-form scores, a theoretically consistent factor structure organized according to discrete affects, and theoretically consistent patterns of convergent and discriminant associations with external criteria, including distinct sinusoidal patterns of relationships between AII-SF-42 affect scores and specific interpersonal problem types. Overall, findings indicate that the AII-SF-42 is a viable alternative to the AII in conditions where completion of longer instruments might be unfeasible (AU)