Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Inferential Confusion Questionnaire-Extended Version (ICQ-EV) in non-clinical and clinical groups with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Andrea Pozza, Sabrina Torniai, Davide Dèttore
Inferential confusion, a construct involved in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), consists of
reasoning errors that lead to inferring an event on the basis of irrelevant associations without real
evidence. The Inferential Confusion Questionnaire-Extended Version (ICQ-EV) is a questionnaire created
to measure this construct. Initially, an 8-item version was created, then 15 items were added, finally
the extended version consisted of 30 items after the inclusion of new items and the deletion of those
overlapping with obsessive beliefs. In the Italian context, there is no tool to measure it. The current
study examined the psychometric properties in non-clinical and clinical groups with anxiety disorders
and OCD. Six hundred and seventy-two participants completed the ICQ-EV while a subgroup also
completed measures of anxiety, depression, obsessive features and beliefs, dissociative characteristics,
anxiety sensitivity, alexithymia and salience. Factor analyses evidenced a single factor. Internal
consistency was excellent (α = 0.96-0.97). The highest correlations were found with general OCD
features and impaired control over thoughts, salience, alexithymia and dissociative amnesia. The lowest
correlations were found with cognitive concerns of anxiety sensitivity and fear of losing control. The
group with OCD reported higher levels of Inferential confusion than the one with anxiety disorders and
controls.
The Italian version of the ICQ-EV appears to be a valid and reliable tool, which can distinguish groups
with OCD from those with anxiety disorders and controls; however, the inferential confusion construct
seems to be associated only with the OCD features of impaired control over thoughts but not with the
other ones. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.
Keywords
Inferential confusion, Inferential Confusion Questionnaire-Extended Version,
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Psychometric Properties.
