The Development and Validation of a Chinese Version of the Illness Attitude Scales: an Investigation of University Students

Background The Illness Attitude Scales (IAS) are considered as one of the most suitable instruments to screen hypochondriasis. Purpose Whether it has cross-cultural validity in China remains to be determined. Methods In Chinese university students (141 women and 141 men), we have administered the IAS, the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ), and the Plutchik–van Praag Depression Inventory (PVP). Results For the first time in Chinese culture, we have identified a four-factor structure of the IAS: patho-thanatophobia, symptom effect, treatment seeking, and hypochondriacal belief. Women scored significantly higher on IAS patho-thanatophobia and treatment seeking, on ZKPQ neuroticism-anxiety and activity, and on PVP than men did. The neuroticism-anxiety was significantly correlated with patho-thanatophobia and symptom effect, and PVP was positively correlated with symptom effect in women. Neuroticism-anxiety was significantly correlated with patho-thanatophobia, and impulsive sensation seeking and activity were significantly correlated with symptom effect in men. Conclusion In Chinese students, we have found a stable four-factor IAS structure.