Factor Structure, Convergent, and Divergent Validity of the Prodromal Questionnaire–Negative Symptom Subscale

Katherine M. Pierce, Seth D. Maxwell, Thomas M. Olino, Shanna Cooper, Lauren M. Ellman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)153-168
Number of pages16
JournalAssessment
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Prodromal Questionnaire
  • convergent validity
  • divergent validity
  • exploratory factor analysis
  • negative symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Applied Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Factor Structure, Convergent, and Divergent Validity of the Prodromal Questionnaire–Negative Symptom Subscale'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this