, Mustafa Ugurlu 2
, Ali Gokhan Esim 3
, Irem Peker 4
, Gorkem Karakas Ugurlu 2
, Ali Caykoylu 2
, Ahmet Arif Ozyurt 5
, Ibrahim Halil Akbas 6
2Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkiye
3Alsancak Nevvar Salih Isgoren State Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Turkiye
4Ankara Private Middle East Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkiye
5Bolu Izzet Baysal Mental Health and Diseases Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Bolu, Turkiye
6Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Sanliurfa, Turkiye
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Reward Deficiency Syndrome Questionnaire (RDSQ-29), a scale designed to measure characteristics associated with reward deficiency syndrome, including activity, risk-seeking behavior, lack of sexual dysfunction, and social concerns.
Methods: A total of 481 participants completed the Turkish version of the RDSQ-29 along with related psychological scales. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to evaluate the scale’s factor structure. A bifactor model, comprising one general factor and four specific factors, was tested for suitability. Model fit was assessed using χ², Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) indices. Internal consistency was measured with Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated at a two-week interval. Pearson correlation analyses were performed for criterion validity.
Results: The bifactor model demonstrated an acceptable fit (χ²(362)=1396.31, p<0.001, RMSEA=0.077, CFI=0.916, TLI=0.906, SRMR=0.072). Factor loadings for the general factor ranged between 0.044 and 0.851, while subscale loadings varied. Although some items (RDSQ-1, RDSQ-2, RDSQ-23, and RDSQ-27) showed low loadings, they were retained following consultation with the original developers. The total scale showed strong internal consistency (α=0.920), with subscale values ranging from 0.671 to 0.813. Test-retest reliability was high for the total score (r=0.884) and subscales (r=0.717 to 0.887). Significant correlations with impulsivity and anxiety supported the scale’s criterion validity. Gender differences were found, with women scoring lower on the total scale and the Lack of Sexual Satisfaction subscale, while men scored higher on the Social Concern and Risk-Seeking Behavior subscales.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the Turkish RDSQ-29 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing reward deficiency syndrome and related traits, supporting its use in both clinical and research contexts.