The feeling of emptiness questionnaire (CSV). elaboration and validation

Introduction: Chronic feeling of emptiness (CFE) is considered a diagnostic criteria in current psychiatric classifications. However, no rating scale is still available for this phenomenological concept, which affects diagnostic reliability and the homogeneous use of the concept among clinicians. The aim of this study is to investigate the dimensional components of CFE and elaborate a specific questionnaire. Methodology: Following a qualitative analysis of the descriptions of feeling of emptiness from 42 patients with BPD, an initital questionnaire of 44 items was proposed. Internal consistency was analyzed with the matrix correlation betweeen different items and with de Alpha coeficient. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests were used to evaluate construct validity of the questionnaire, and Pearson correlation coefficient to analyze convergent validity. Results: Through the validation proccess a final 32 items Questionnaire in Spanish language (Cuestionario de Sentimiento de Vacio, CSV) was obtained with a Cronbach alpha coeficient of 0,971 and a construct validity supported by KMO index of 0.933, with five major factors identified within the construct. Conclusions: The CSV ("Cuestionario de Sentimien-to Creinico de Vacio") could be useful for measurement of chronic feeling of emptiness in BPD and also for evaluation of its predictive value over the clinical evolution of personality disorders.