Development and Validation of the Ease of Imagery Questionnaire

Abstract

The present series of studies aimed to develop and provide initial validation of the Ease of Imagery Questionnaire (EIQ)—a measure assessing ease of imaging different positive and negative imagery content reflective of valence and engaging or disengaging in adverse situations. Five studies were conducted to collectively examine the questionnaire’s factor structure and concurrent validity. Study 1 ( N = 336) and Study 2 ( N = 207) informed the development of 16 items of the EIQ, with a four-factor structure supported in Studies 3 ( N = 219), 4 ( N = 135), and 5 ( N = 184) using confirmatory factor analysis. Study 3 also supported concurrent validity with significant bivariate correlations ( p < .05) with the similar Sport Imagery Ability Questionnaire subscales, while studies 4 and 5 demonstrated criterion validity in the EIQ’s prediction of challenge and threat appraisal tendencies, perceived stress, stress mindset, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Overall, the EIQ demonstrates a replicable four-factor structure and appears to assess ability to image content associated with positive and negative emotions as well as demanding stress-evoking situations.