Assessment the construct of paranoia in a non-clinical sample: validation of the paranoia scale based on two-factor model

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian form of the paranoia scale in a sample of Iranian students. Methods A total of 471 university students were selected using an available sampling method over a six-month period. Participants completed the Paranoia Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale − 21 Items, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Consciousness Questionnaire, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results The data analysis revealed a two-factor structure. To further corroborate the two-factor arrangement of the paranoia scale, a second-order confirmatory factor analysis method was employed. The findings indicated that the second-order two-factor structure exhibited an acceptable fit. Conclusions Paranoia emerges as a common human experience, supporting the notion of continuity between ordinary and pathological experiences.