The Illusory Health Beliefs Scale: validation using exploratory structural equation modeling and multidimensional Rasch analysis

Denovan, A, Dagnall, N and Drinkwater, K (2025) The Illusory Health Beliefs Scale: validation using exploratory structural equation modeling and multidimensional Rasch analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 16.

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Abstract

The Illusory Health Beliefs Scale (IHBS) is a multidimensional instrument that evaluates endorsement of scientifically unsubstantiated, illusory health-oriented notions. These beliefs are important because they potentially influence attitudes/actions to the detriment of personal wellbeing/health. Preceding research examining IHBS item performance at the unidimensional subscale level identified five dimensions (Religious/Spiritual, Superstition, Precognitive, Health Myths, Skepticism), and an independent Health Pseudoscience subscale. The present paper extended latent structure analysis by employing exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and multidimensional Rasch analysis. Concurrently, statistical appraisal tested convergent validity via relationships with related health-based constructs (i.e., health locus of control, HLC and beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine, CAM). A sample of 2,138 completed the IHBS (1,016 males, 1,113 females, seven non-binary, two preferred not to disclose). Following minor scale modification, ESEM reported good data-fit for a six-factor model. With the exception of Skepticism, which was negatively associated, IHBS subfactors correlated positively with HLC and CAM. These outcomes supported the supposition that the IHBS measures perceived and illusory health control. Rasch analysis designated sufficient multidimensionality and satisfactory subscale functioning. Strong associations indicated that IHBS dimensions assessed related but discrete aspects of illusory health beliefs. High associations among paranormal-based dimensions (Religious/Spiritual, Superstition, and Precognitive) suggested the need for greater content separation. Moreover, the poor reliability of Skepticism designated the need to develop a more efficacious assessment of this dimension.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1701 Psychology; 1702 Cognitive Sciences; 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences; 52 Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
Date of acceptance:	21 April 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	7 May 2025
Date Deposited:	07 May 2025 09:31
Last Modified:	07 May 2025 09:45
DOI or ID number:	10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1491759
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26316

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