Study of translation and reliability of the Wisconsin personality disorders inventory (WISPI-IV)

Abstract

Introduction. The Wisconsin personality disorders inventory (WISPI-IV) is a self report instrument for the assessment of DSM-IV personality disorders. The aim of this study was to translate the WISPI-IV into Spanish and report its internal consistency and temporal stability.

Methods. The Spanish version was obtained by translation and back translation method, using two independent translators. Then 270 subjects of both genders, between 18 nd 65 years of age, who knew how to read and write and accepted to participate voluntarily were selected and answered the instrument. A subgroup of 20 subjects completed the instrument for the second time, at fifteen days of the first application. The analysis of internal consistency and coefficients of temporal stability were calculated with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and Pearson’s correlation, respectively.

Results. All Spanish version WISPI-VI scales mean scores and internal consistency coefficients were similar to their original counterparts (alphas=0.64-0.86). Except for avoidant personality disorder scale, test-retest coefficients were also moderate to high and statistically significant (r = 0.46-0.92).

Conclusions. The Spanish version of the WISPI-IV behaved similarity with the English version, and demonstrated adequate internal consistency and temporal stability coefficients to evaluate the presence of personalisty disorders.