Psychometric Properties of Persian Version of the Multidimensional Self-Disgust Scale (MSDS)

Self-disgust as a negative self-conscious emotion schema is associated to psychopathology. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of Persian version of the Multidimensional Self-Disgust Scale (MSDS).

The statistical population of this study consisted of all undergraduate students of the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Science and Research Branch in the academic year 98-99, among whom 324 students (201 females, 123 males) were selected randomly by multistage sampling, and they responded to multidimensional self-disgust scale, the levels of self-criticism scale, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. The data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and Pearson correlation using SPSS and AMOS softwares.

Results of the exploratory factor analysis showed 4 factors with eigenvalues higher than 1 which explained 50/35% of the total variance. Also, confirmatory factor analysis indicators also implied the optimal fitness of four-factor model of this scale. The total reliability of the scale was estimated to be respectively 0.91 and 0.87 using Cronbach’s alpha and split half. Convergent validity and divergent validity were also confirmed by calculating scale correlation through the levels of self-criticism scale and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale respectively (p < 0.01). Also, this scale had a positive and significant correlation with neuroticism and a negative and significant correlation with openness to experience (p < 0.05).

The multidimensional self-disgust scale (MSDS) is characterized by relatively proper validity and reliability for application in Iranian samples and can be a suitable tool in the researches of this field.