Assessment of self-related problems in functioning: Intrapersonal Problems Rating Scales.

Abstract

This article describes the development and validation of the Intrapersonal Problems Rating Scales (IPRS), a multidimensional measure of self-related problems in personality functioning. Results from a series of factor analyses performed on self-ratings of over 200 problems revealed seven distinct but interrelated domains of intrapersonal problems: Emotion Dysregulation, Internalizing, Lack of Will, Externalizing, Scrupulousness, Fantasy Proneness, and Apathy. Items were selected and scales built for an efficient assessment of each problem area. The psychometric properties of the resulting scales were then evaluated in an independent sample. Convergent and discriminant validity support for the IPRS was obtained via correlations with respect to three measures of social, emotional, and behavioral problems. The scales associated with a range of personal styles and dispositions and predicted diverse self-reported attitudinal and behavioral criteria even after the effects of normal and maladaptive-range personality traits were removed. Two scoring systems (normative and ipsative, or person-centered, scoring) revealed a differential pattern of associations both internally and with external measures. Interpretive differences between the two scoring procedures are highlighted and potential practical applications of the IPRS are discussed. The instrument can provide additional information not fully accounted for by measures of traits or social functioning and be useful to researchers and practitioners alike to identify, understand, and track changes in a range of intrapersonal problems.