Schalling-Sifneos personality scale: findings and recommendations.

Noting concerns for the measurement of alexithymia, the present study attempted (1) to provide descriptive data on the Schalling - Sifneos Personality Scale ( SSPS ); (2) to replicate previous factor-analytic findings on the SSPS , and (3) to suggest an alternative to the present method of scoring the SSPS . A sample of 430 undergraduates completed the SSPS . It was found (1) that the distribution of scores on the SSPS was approximately normal; (2) that the factor structure of the SSPS is robust over samples, and (3) that factor analyses identified factors representing characteristics consistent with those described by alexithymia. A subsequent factor analysis was performed to identify questionnaire items most relevant to the measurement of alexithymia. Nine questions were identified and were used in a revised scoring system. The distribution of revised scores is also approximately normal. It is suggested that this revised system is a more sensitive indication of the presence of alexithymia.