Validation of the Italian version of interpersonal sensitivity measure (IPSM) in adolescents and young adults

Background Interpersonal sensitivity is a personality trait that describes as excessive awareness of both the behaviour and feelings of others. High interpersonal sensitivity has been associated with the development and maintenance of mental health problems. This study aimed to examine whether the Italian version of the interpersonal sensitivity measure (IPSM) has good internal consistence and convergent validity. Methods Validity was established on a sample of 153 Italian adolescents and young adult help seekers for several psychological problems. These subjects were divided in two groups - depressive spectrum disorder group (n=42) and other diagnosis group (n=111) - according to Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-I) for DSM-IV and Kiddie-Sads-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). For convergent validity, we studied the correlation between total and each subscale IPSM scores and the General Symptoms (included depressive and dysphoric symptoms) of Prodromal Questionnaire. Results The internal consistency were adequate and comparable to the original Boyce and Parker study. The validity was good, as indicated by both the convergent validity analysis and the depressive spectrum disorder group and other diagnosis group comparison. Limitations The absence of another scale measuring interpersonal sensitivity to assess the construct validity of IPSM; the clinical heterogeneity of the sample; the absence of test re-test reliability of the instrument. Conclusions Analysis of the results of internal consistency and convergent validity of the IPSM indicates that this version translated into Italian is valid and reliable.