The Psychometric Properties of Persian Version of Self-Ambivalence Measure about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The Self-Ambivalence Measure (SAM) is a relatively new instrument designed to measure self-ambivalence in the context of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The aim of present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the SAM-Persian version.

Applying a descriptive-correlational research method a sample with 280 participants were selected from undergraduate students of Shiraz universities on a voluntary basis. The participants completed the Persian version of Self-Ambivalence Measure, Rumination- Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (RSE). The factor structure of SAM was investigated using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman-Brown coefficient were computed to obtain the reliability measures. Convergent validity of SAM was examined by the patterns of correlations between the SAM with RRQ and RSE.

Exploratory factor analysis resulted in the extraction of four components: 1- conflicting thoughts of self, 2- dichotomous view of self 3- fear of others’ judgment, and 4- preoccupation with self-worth. These components totally explained 63.8% of the variance. The reliability of the questionnaire was obtained 0.91 using Cronbach's alpha.

Results indicated desirable psychometric characteristics of the SAM in student populations. However, more research is required to ensure the applicability of the instrument in other populations.