Preliminary Rasch analysis of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness in adults with stroke

Abstract

Purpose The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) measures interoceptive body awareness, which includes aspects such as attention regulation, self-regulation, and body listening. Our purpose was to validate the MAIA in adults with stroke using Rasch Measurement Theory. Methods The original MAIA has 32 items grouped into eight separately scored subscales that measure aspects of body awareness. Using Rasch Measurement Theory, we evaluated the unidimensionality of the entire scale and investigated person and item fit, person separation reliability, targeting, local item dependence, and principal components analysis of residuals. Results Forty-one adults with chronic stroke (average 3.8 years post-stroke, 13 women, and average age, 57+/-13 years) participated in the study. Overall fit (X2=62.26, p=0.26) and item fit were obtained after deleting 3 items and rescoring 26 items. One participant did not fit the model (2.44%). There were no floor (0.00%) or ceiling effects (0.00%). Local item dependence was found in 42 pairs. The person separation reliability was 0.91, and the person mean location was 0.06+/-1.12 logits. Conclusions The MAIA demonstrated good targeting and reliability, as well as good item and person fit in adults with chronic stroke. A study with a larger sample size is needed to validate our findings.

Dispositional Associations Between Interoceptive Attention Tendencies and Effortful Control: Cross‐sectional Findings from an Online National Survey of Japanese Working Adults

“…This might be attributed to the change from a 6‐point to a 5‐point response scale in our study. Effects of response format changes on endorsability will require empirical scrutiny through inspection with item response methods in a future study (e.g., Blackwood et al, 2022).…”

Interoceptive awareness in a clinical setting: the need to bring interoceptive perspectives into clinical evaluation

“…These items were item 5, "I do not notice physical tension or discomfort until they become more severe"; item 16, "I can maintain awareness of my whole body even when a part of me is in pain or discomfort"; and item 23, "When I feel overwhelmed, I can find a calm place inside. " This exclusion was supported by multiple studies, which concluded that the MAIA employs precise and effective items to ensure accurate targeting and reliability (Blackwood et al, 2023).…”