Psychometric assessment of somatic symptoms experiences instrument based on DSM-5

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of somatic symptoms experiences questionnaire based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

For this purpose, 416 students were selected by using multi-stage cluster sampling, then Somatic Symptoms Experiences Questionnaire (SSEQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Silver Lining Questionnaire (SLQ) were distributed among them to respond. After collecting data to determine the psychometric properties of the SSEQ, initially validity of the scale was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, retest and splitting coefficient, the criterion validity with GHQ and SLQ. As well as its factor structure was assessed by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

The results of the factor analysis indicated that the SSEQ has four factors, check the validity of the scale by using Cronbach's alpha, retest and splitting coefficient reflects the stability of the scale, the criterion validity of the questionnaire with other questionnaires showed desirable discriminant and convergence validity.

Conclusively, the findings indicated that the SSEQ has good psychometric properties, and this tool can be used in studies in the normal population