Factor structure and Gender Invariance of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15)

This study aimed to investigate the factor structure and gender invariance of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15) in university students. The research design was descriptive-correlational and, more specifically, validating the test. The statistical population of the research was formed by the students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the fall semester of 2022-2023. Regarding the number of variables, for the first phase of the study, 236 students and in the second phase 292 students were selected using the multistage random sampling method. Data were collected using the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15; Van Orden et al. 2012), Need to Belong scale (NTBS; Kelly, 1999), Young schema questionnaire (YSQ-SF; Waller et al., 2001), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21; Lovibond, & Lovibond, 1995), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6; Kessler et al, 2000) and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI; Beck et al., 1979). The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the scale has a two-factor structure with an explained variance of 72.41% and demonstrated good confirmatory validity. The factor structure of the scale was invariant by gender. The Cronbach’s alpha and split-half coefficients were between 0.81 and 0.96. The positive correlation with Need to Belong, Isolation Schema, Depression, and Psychological Distress (P<0.01) implied the convergent validity of the questionnaire. Interpersonal needs could predict suicidal ideation (P<0.01). Overall, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15) demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability and can thus be dependably used in studies of interpersonal relationships among students.