Validation of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) in Iranian adolescents

Background The main purpose of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) in Iranian adolescents. Methods A number of 805 high school and freshman students answered the HPS, the Hypomania scale of the MMPI-2, the Borderline Traits Questionnaire (STB) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief. Data were analysed using explanatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient as well as independent t-test. Results Principal component analysis led to the extraction of two factors namely mood volatility/excitement and social vitality. Convergent validity coefficients were equal to 0.71, 0.57 and 0.74 for the total scale, mood volatility/excitement and social vitality subscales respectively. Test-retest reliability of the total scale and its subscales were equal to 0.61, 0.67 and 0.57 respectively. Internal consistency and the split-half reliability of the total scale and the two subscales showed the same coefficients. The results showed that the female group gained higher scores on the total scale and the social vitality subscale. Discussion The results supported the multi-dimensional structure and psychometric properties of the HPS among Iranian adolescents. Conclusions The findings of this study confirm the use of HPS as a valid scale in investigating hypomanic characteristics, particularly among Iranian adolescents. (c) 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.