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.
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.