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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 4/2014

01-08-2014

The Development and Validation of a Chinese Version of the Illness Attitude Scales: an Investigation of University Students

Authors: Danyan Luo, Yinxi Zhang, Enyan Yu, Yunfei Tan, Zhou Tong, You Zhou, Wanzhen Chen, Hao Chai, Wei Wang

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 4/2014

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Abstract

Background

The Illness Attitude Scales (IAS) are considered as one of the most suitable instruments to screen hypochondriasis.

Purpose

Whether it has cross-cultural validity in China remains to be determined.

Methods

In Chinese university students (141 women and 141 men), we have administered the IAS, the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ), and the Plutchik–van Praag Depression Inventory (PVP).

Results

For the first time in Chinese culture, we have identified a four-factor structure of the IAS: patho-thanatophobia, symptom effect, treatment seeking, and hypochondriacal belief. Women scored significantly higher on IAS patho-thanatophobia and treatment seeking, on ZKPQ neuroticism-anxiety and activity, and on PVP than men did. The neuroticism-anxiety was significantly correlated with patho-thanatophobia and symptom effect, and PVP was positively correlated with symptom effect in women. Neuroticism-anxiety was significantly correlated with patho-thanatophobia, and impulsive sensation seeking and activity were significantly correlated with symptom effect in men.

Conclusion

In Chinese students, we have found a stable four-factor IAS structure.
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Metadata
Title
The Development and Validation of a Chinese Version of the Illness Attitude Scales: an Investigation of University Students
Authors
Danyan Luo
Yinxi Zhang
Enyan Yu
Yunfei Tan
Zhou Tong
You Zhou
Wanzhen Chen
Hao Chai
Wei Wang
Publication date
01-08-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-014-9391-9

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