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Development of an Inventory to Measure Specific Phobia of Vomiting (Emetophobia)

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Abstract

Assessment options are extremely limited for the evaluation of treatment outcome in a specific phobia of vomiting (emetophobia). We aimed to assist researchers and clinicians in the measurement of cognitive processes and behaviors that are characteristic of the disorder for treatment planning and outcome measurement. We developed the specific phobia of vomiting inventory (SPOVI). A series of measures, including the SPOVI, were given to two groups: a group diagnosed with a specific phobia of vomiting and a community control group. Item characteristics, reliability, and factor structure were analysed. Convergent validity with measures of related constructs was determined. The SPOVI was found to have good reliability and validity in the measurement of a phobia of vomiting. The scale has a two-factor structure, with one factor characterised by avoidance symptoms and a second factor comprised of threat monitoring. It is sensitive to change during treatment. The results provide initial evidence of the psychometric qualities of the SPOVI and its suitability for use in clinical practice and research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NIHR Specialist Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK

    David Veale, Nell Ellison, Mark J. Boschen, Ana Costa, Chantelle Whelan, Francesca Muccio & Kareina Henry

  2. Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Mark J. Boschen

  3. School of Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Mark J. Boschen

  4. Centre for Anxiety Disorders, The Maudsley Hospital, 99 Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK

    David Veale

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  1. David Veale
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  2. Nell Ellison
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  3. Mark J. Boschen
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  4. Ana Costa
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  5. Chantelle Whelan
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  6. Francesca Muccio
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  7. Kareina Henry
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Correspondence to David Veale.

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Veale, D., Ellison, N., Boschen, M.J. et al. Development of an Inventory to Measure Specific Phobia of Vomiting (Emetophobia). Cogn Ther Res 37, 595–604 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9495-y

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