Measurement invariance between online and paper-and-pencil formats of the Launay-Slade Hallucinations scale-extended (LSHS-E) in the Chilean population: Invariance between LSHS-E formats

Research on the multidimensionality of hallucination-like experiences (HLEs) can contribute to the study of psychotic risk. The Launay-Slade Hallucinations Scale-Extended (LSHS-E) is one of the most widely used tools for research in HLEs, but the correspondence of its paper and online formats has not been established yet. Therefore, we studied the factorial structure and measurement invariance between online and paper-and-pencil versions of LSHS-E in a Chilean population. Two thousand eighty-six completed the online version, and 578 students completed the original paper-and-pencil version. After matching by sex, age, civil status, alcohol and cannabis consumption, and psychiatric treatment received, we selected 543 students from each group. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of a four-factor model and a hierarchical model that included a general predisposition to hallucination, explaining the strong relationship between the different types of hallucinations. Both models showed a good fit to the data and were invariant between paper-and-pencil and online versions. Also, the LSHS-E has good reliability in both online and paper-and-pencil formats. This study shows that the online LSHS-E possesses psychometric properties equivalent to the paper-and-pencil version. It should be considered a valuable tool for research of psychosis determinants in the COVID-19 era.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-02497-7.

Have we overlooked the significance of multinodal hallucinations in schizophrenia?

Scant research attention has been devoted to the phenomenon of multimodal hallucinations, with majority of studies focusing on auditory hallucinations (AH) in psychosis. The current study aimed to explore the frequency and characteristics of these multisensory hallucinations in a primary AH cohort. It was concluded more than half of our sample reported comorbid hallucinations in one or more sensory modes. This conveys significant research and clinical implications, in terms of steps taken for adequate assessment and intervention.