title: The development and initial validation of the cyberchondria severity scale (CSS).
abstract: Cyberchondria is a form of anxiety characterised by excessive online health research. It may lead to increased levels of psychological distress, worry, and unnecessary medical expenses. The aim of the present study was to develop a psychometrically sound measure of this dimension. A sample of undergraduate students (N = 208; 64% female) completed a pilot version of the cyberchondria severity scale (CSS) along with the short form version of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Exploratory factor analysis identified a correlated five factor structure that were labelled 'Compulsion', 'Distress', 'Excessiveness', 'Reassurance Seeking' and 'Mistrust of Medical Professional'. The CSS demonstrated good psychometric properties; the subscales had high internal consistency, along with good concurrent and convergent validity. The CSS may prove useful in a wide variety of future research activities. It may also facilitate the development and validation of interventions for cyberchondria.
authors: School of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster at Magee, Londonderry BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: mcelroy-e1@email.ulster.ac.uk.
authors: Eoin
authors: E
authors: McElroy
authors: School of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster at Magee, Londonderry BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: m.shevlin@ulster.ac.uk.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Shevlin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000523:psychology*; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anxiety; Assessment; Cyberchondria; Health anxiety; Internet