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Cogn Ther Res (2013) 37:595604
DOI 10.1007/s10608-012-9495-y
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Development of an Inventory to Measure Specic Phobia of Vomiting (Emetophobia)
David Veale Nell Ellison Mark J. Boschen
Ana Costa Chantelle Whelan Francesca Muccio
Kareina Henry
Published online: 18 December 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York 2012
Abstract Assessment options are extremely limited for the evaluation of treatment outcome in a specic phobia of vomiting (emetophobia). We aimed to assist researchers and clinicians in the measurement of cognitive processes and behaviors that are characteristic of the disorder for treatment planning and outcome measurement. We developed the specic phobia of vomiting inventory (SPOVI). A series of measures, including the SPOVI, were given to two groups: a group diagnosed with a specic phobia of vomiting and a community control group. Item characteristics, reliability, and factor structure were analysed. Convergent validity with measures of related constructs was determined. The SPOVI was found to have good reliability and validity in the measurement of a phobia of vomiting. The scale has a two-factor structure, with one factor characterised by avoidance symptoms and a second factor comprised of threat monitoring. It is sensitive to change during treatment. The results provide initial evidence of the
psychometric qualities of the SPOVI and its suitability for use in clinical practice and research.
Keywords Specic phobia Vomiting Inventory
Questionnaire, emetophobia
Introduction
A Specic Phobia of Vomiting or emetophobia is a clinical condition characterised by a preoccupation with and fear of vomiting. Emetophobia is a neglected area of research. The condition appears uncommon, with a prevalence of 0.1 % in the only epidemiological survey that has specically asked about a phobia of vomiting (Becker et al. 2007). Previous estimates of prevalence may, however, be underestimates as the symptoms may be confused with symptoms of health anxiety, obsessivecompulsive disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and anorexia nervosa (Boschen 2007; Veale 2009). Thus some people with SPOV may have checking compulsions (for example excessive checking that food is not out of date or that others are not ill in order to reduce the risk of vomiting). However an additional diagnosis of co-morbid obsessive compulsive disorder would only be used when the obsessions are not restricted to fears of vomiting. This is the same for health anxiety in which people with...