Psychometric Properties of the MOLDES Questionnaire in a Clinical Sample of Patients With Psychotic Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Background: Psychotic spectrum disorders are associated with persistent impairments in psychosocial functioning that are not fully explained by symptom severity, particularly in individuals with chronic courses and prolonged hospitalization. Beyond psychopathological symptoms, relatively stable cognitive-emotional styles may influence long-term adaptation, subjective recovery, and quality of life in severe mental disorders. To examine the psychometric properties of the MOLDES questionnaire in a clinical sample of patients with psychotic spectrum disorders receiving long-term psychiatric care.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a sample of 83 clinically stable male patients with psychotic spectrum disorders hospitalized in a long-term psychiatric care unit. Internal consistency of the global MOLDES score and its three dimensions (Vital Spontaneity, Adjustment, and Optimization) was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent and discriminant validity were explored through Spearman’s correlations with psychotic symptom severity, depressive symptoms, internalized stigma, and quality of life.

Results: The global MOLDES score and its dimensions showed acceptable internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.70 to 0.77. No significant associations were observed between MOLDES dimensions and psychotic or depressive symptom severity, supporting discriminant validity. In contrast, Vital Spontaneity and Adjustment were negatively correlated with internalized stigma, while the Optimization dimension showed a positive association with quality of life.

Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the MOLDES questionnaire in patients with chronic psychotic disorders. The instrument appears to capture adaptive cognitive-emotional styles that are largely independent of symptom severity and meaningfully related to relevant psychosocial outcomes, suggesting its potential usefulness as a complementary assessment tool in long-term psychiatric care and rehabilitation-oriented settings.