The New York Scale of Anhedonia: Development and Validation of a New Measure

Abstract

Aim of the studyThe aim of this research was to develop and validate an instrument to screen for the presence of and change in the experience of anhedonia.Subject or material and methodsAn initial set of 23 items assessing intensity and change in lack of pleasure and loss of interest in various hedonic domains was created to form the New York Anhedonia Scale (NYSA). Study 1 explored the reliability, factor structure and item quality of the NYSA, which assessed the 23 items in two parts: Part A focused on identifying the presence and intensity of anhedonia, while Part B assessed change in anhedonia. A sample of 265 adults responded to the instrument via social media platforms.ResultsExploratory factor analysis of the 23-item NYSA revealed that 15 items clustered into two factors: sensory and physical anhedonia and social anhedonia. Study 2 evaluated the psychometric properties of the final version of the NYSA using a sample of 238 adults. The concurrent and convergent validity of the final version of the NYSA was examined with the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Good concurrent validity was found with the SHAPS and convergent validity with the SIAS. Reliability of the NYSA subscales was high across both studies.DiscussionThe NYSA is a tool different from other measures of anhedonia as it is not only quick to administer but also provides information regarding anhedonia intensity and change.ConclusionsThe NYSA is a useful and promising instrument for screening and assessing anhedonia in the general population and in clinical settings.