Validation of an improved questionnaire to assess emetophobia in adults: The Specific Phobia Of Vomiting Inventory (SPOVI 2.0)

Background: Emetophobia is the phobic fear of vomiting and is considered to be the most prevalent specific phobia in treatment seeking patients. The symptoms overlap with multiple mental disorders, such as panic disorder, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In assessing emetophobia, cut-offs for the German SPOVI are missing.Method: A total of 145 participants (M = 30.43, SD = 10.35, range: 18-62) were assessed regarding levels of emetophobia, health anxiety, symptoms of panic disorder, and disgust sensitivity. Results: Forty-five (31%) participants reported to meet DSM-5 criteria of emetophobia. The single-factor solution fit the data best and showed good reliability and validity. Higher SPOVI 2.0 levels were associated with higher symptoms of panic disorder and higher disgust sensitivity. A cut-off of 23.5 differentiated well between participants meeting diagnostic criteria of emetophobia and these who did not.Conclusion: The SPOVI 2.0 is a valid and reliable measure to assess symptoms of emetophobia in German samples.