Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of the Leuven Affect and Pleasure Scale: Comparison between Depressed and Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Background The study aims to translate the Leuven Affect and Pleasure Scale (LAPS) into the Malay version (LAPS-M) and to evaluate the psychometric properties. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at both psychiatric centres in Malaysia. LAPS-M was developed from the original LAPS via translation process and specific wording amendments were made for local cultural adaptation. A group of depressed patients (N=187) and healthy subjects (N=83) completed LAPS, LAPS-M, Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale-Malay version (MADRS-M), Positive Emotion Rating Scale (PERS) and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). Results The LAPS-M demonstrated good parallel form reliability when compare with LAPS (ICC = 0.83). The internal consistency of LAPS-M was excellent with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.977. The assumptions of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) shown adequate sample size based on Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy; the bartlett’s test result of p value < .001. EFA method of Parallel Analysis and Velicer’s Minimum Average Partial Criterion shown 3-Construct in LAPS-M. Each construct in LAPS-M shown good convergent validity compare with PERS (r = 0.82), SHAPS (r = 0.79) and MADRS-M (r = -0.74). The new scoring system was developed in LAPS-M. The cut-off score of 107 distinguished depressed patients from healthy subjects with sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 87.9%. Positive predictive value revealed 92% and negative predictive value revealed 87%. The area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic was 0.93. Conclusion LAPS-M is a comprehensive self-rated depressive assessment scale that demonstrated satisfying psychometric properties in measuring multifaceted components of psychological wellbeing.

 Keywords: Depression; Negative affect; Positive affect; Mental health; Leuven Affect and Pleasure Scale ; Exploratory Factor Analysis