Psychometric Properties of Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire based on Classical test theory and Item-response theory

The need for belonging has multiple and lasting effects on emotional patterns, cognitive processing, and optimal psychological functioning, and its low levels are associated with mental and physical illness. Interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior considers thwarted of interpersonal needs as the basis for suicide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure and Item-Response Characteristics of Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-10) in Non-clinical Sample of students.

Methods and Materials: 

In a descriptive-correlation and validation study, 216 and 226 graduate students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad selected through Convenience Sampling method. Data were collected using the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-10), and Basic Need Satisfaction in Relationships Scale (BNS-RS). Internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, divergent validity, discrimination and threshold parameters and Item and test information curves were analyzed.

The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that the the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-10) had two-factor structure with the variance explained 74.10%. The confirmatory factor analysis was confirmed. The scale had good construction reliability. The divergent validity confirmed in relation to basic need satisfaction in relationships (P≤0.01). There was non-significant difference based on gender (P>0.05).

It seems that the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire has a good reliability and validity in Non-clinical Sample of students and can be used in studies on the effect of contextual factors on suicide in students.