The Italian version of the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (I-IPSM): psychometric properties in non-clinical young adults

The Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM) is a self-report questionnaire developed to assess five dimensions of interpersonal sensitivity. Previous research suggests that the factorial structure of the IPSM is not clear enough. Moreover, the factor structure of the Italian version of the questionnaire (I-IPSM) has not yet been studied. This study explored the factorial structure, internal consistency and construct validity of the I-IPSM in a non-clinical sample of young adults. Participants were 374 adults (64,4% females) aged between 18 and 31 years (M = 21.96; DS = 2.91). They completed the I-IPSM and self-report measures of depression, anxiety, anger, and life satisfaction. The results from Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) did not support the original five-factor solution for the I-IPSM items. The EFA yielded three interpretable factors (Interpersonal Worry and Dependency, Low Self-Esteem, and Unassertive Interpersonal Behavior), and a total of 27 items were retained. Internal consistency was good. I-IPSM-27 scores positively correlated with depression, anxiety and externalized anger, and negatively with life satisfaction. The I-IPSM-27 seems a reliable and valid tool for studying interpersonal sensitivity in Italian young adults.