Validation of the Arabic version of the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale Extended: A population-based online survey in Saudi-Arabia

Althuwaini, H ORCID: 0009-0001-8628-0714, Meyer, G, Ward, R ORCID: 0000-0002-9850-5191 and Meyer, H (2026) Validation of the Arabic version of the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale Extended: A population-based online survey in Saudi-Arabia. PLOS One, 21 (2). pp. 1-14.

Preview

Text journal.pone.0341864.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (695kB) | Preview

Abstract

Hallucinations occur when individuals perceive sensory events as real despite the absence of external stimuli. The Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale Extended Version (LSHS-E) is a validated measure for assessing hallucination proneness and has been adapted into several languages. Numerous studies worldwide have examined the factor structure of the LSHS-E, yet none have focused on the Arabic language. This study, conducted in Saudi Arabia, aimed to validate the Arabic version of the LSHS-E and explore its factor structure in an Arabic-speaking population. Following translation and back-translation, the Arabic LSHS-E was distributed to a Saudi Arabian general population sample (n = 428) via the Qualtrics Platform. Reliability was confirmed with high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.916; 95% CI: 0.904–0.927). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a four-factor model—comprising intrusive thoughts, vivid daydreams, multisensory HLEs, and auditory and visual HLEs—provided the best fit for the data (CFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.05). Positive correlations between LSHS-E scores and psychotic symptoms measured by the positive subscale of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (PCAPE) supported convergent validity (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). Sociodemographic analyses revealed that younger age (β = −5.30, p = 0.028) and lower income (β = −6.92, p = 0.028)were significant predictors of higher hallucination proneness scores. Our findings reveal response patterns and factor structures consistent with those observed in other languages and cultural contexts. The validated Arabic LSHS-E provides a reliable tool for studying hallucination proneness in Arabic-speaking populations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	General Science & Technology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HA Statistics
Divisions:	Computer Science and Mathematics
Publisher:	Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date of acceptance:	13 January 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	17 February 2026
Date Deposited:	17 Feb 2026 13:14
Last Modified:	17 Feb 2026 13:14
DOI or ID number:	10.1371/journal.pone.0341864
Editors:	Smailes, D
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28111

View Item