A Validation Study of the Korean-version of Symmetry, Ordering and Arranging Questionnaire

OBJECTIVES: The Symmetry, Ordering and Arranging Questionnaire (SOAQ) has been reported as a valid tool for the assessment of symmetry, ordering and arranging compulsive behaviors of patients with obsessive compulsive disorder. It was introduced by Radomsky and Rachman in 2004. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, validity and psychometric properties of the Korean-version of the SOAQ (K-SOAQ). METHODS: Two hundreds twenty eight under-graduate college students were enrolled in this study. They were assessed with K-SOAQ, Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Statistical analysis was done using calculation of Cronbach's alpha, Spearman Correlation Coefficient and Principal Components Analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex, education, and total scores of BDI and BAI. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of K-SOAQ was high, Cronbach's alpha=0.96. There was strong evidence for a one-factor solution, accounting for 60.3% of the variance. Convergent validity was examined through correlations between the SOAQ and the OCI-R (r=0.61). Divergent validity was examined through correlations between the SOAQ and two self report measures; BDI (r=0.12) and BAI (r=0.19). CONCLUSION: The K-SOAQ showed good reliability and validity for the assessment of severity of compulsive characteristics regarding symmetry, ordering and arranging. The K-SOAQ is a useful instrument for assessing compulsive symptoms related with symmetry, ordering and arranging in Korea.ope