Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure of the Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R) for the Romanian population

Abstract

Research on measuring the intensity of disgust has required the development of instruments to measure this construct. Given that, a more culturally appropriate scale is needed to ensure a valid and reliable measurement of disgust. The concept of “disgust” does not have an appropriate literature in Romanian pathology, and Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R) is quite rarely used in the public health context. Therefore, this study focuses on the psychometric properties of the Romanian adaptation of the DS-R, one of the preferred instruments for measuring disgust. More specifically, the research investigated different forms of reliability and validity of the DS-R, using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis approaches. In general, the results showed good fidelity, fit of the single- factor model of the DS-R, good convergent and divergent validity with respect to the relationships of this scale with other variables. The study also highlights the important role of disgust and anxiety in predicting obsessive- compulsive symptoms. In conclusion, further refinement of the scale could be useful for a more comprehensive development of this instrument in the clinical setting.