A comparison between a researcher-rated and a self-report method of insight assessment in chronic schizophrenia revisited: a replication study using the SUMD and SAIQ

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2007 Feb;195(2):165-9. doi: 10.1097/01.nmd.0000253765.05357.c7.

Abstract

Previous research in schizophrenia has not consistently found concurrent validity between researcher-rated and self-report scales of insight. Differences in the correlations between the two types of scales have been found when order of administration is varied. The current study sought to replicate this earlier study in a sample of 21 patients with chronic schizophrenia who were given the same researcher-rated scale (Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder; SUMD) and a different self-report measure (Self-Appraisal of Illness Questionnaire; SAIQ). A counterbalanced research design was employed. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between the SUMD and SAIQ subscales in the SAIQ first group but not in the SUMD first group. The present study replicated earlier findings and provides further support for the importance of order of administration effects when evaluating concurrent validity between different types of insight scales. The reliability of insight scales may be substantially improved if a self-report insight scale is administered prior to a researcher-rated scale.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Awareness*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires