The Psychometric Properties of the DS14 in Hebrew and the Prevalence of Type D Personality in Israeli Adults

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the psychometric properties of the 14-item Type D Scale (DS14) in Hebrew, and to estimate the prevalence of Type D personality (high negative affectivity and social inhibition) in Israeli adults. Methods: 1,350 consecutive community volunteers were recruited and completed questionnaires that included the DS14, the 140-item Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-140), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), social support, well-being, assessment of smoking behavior, physical and sexual activity, known medical diagnoses, and family history of coronary heart disease (CHD). Results: The structural validity, as demonstrated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and the internal reliability of the DS14 was acceptable. Overall prevalence of Type D was 24.1%; individuals of Type D versus non-D were significantly higher in self-reported rates of hypertension, CHD diagnosis, and first-degree relatives diagnosed with CHD. They were also elevated for TCI-140 Harm Avoidance, as well as negative affect, alexithymia, and significantly lower in TCI-140 Novelty Seeking, Reward Dependence, Persistence, Self-Directedness, and Cooperativeness, as well as in subjective well-being, social support, and positive affect. Conclusion: The DS14 in Hebrew has good psychometric qualities, supporting cross-cultural validity.