Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the English MisoQuest and its relationship with audiological and psychological factors.

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to establish the validity and reliability of the English version of MisoQuest, a 14-item misophonia questionnaire initially validated in the Polish language.

Design: Reliability was examined through internal consistency, measurement error, and test-retest reliability. Validity was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis, convergent, and discriminant validity. Participants completed the English MisoQuest at two-time points and participated in follow-up interviews.

Study sample: The study included 451 adult participants, with an average age of 36.4 years (SD = 12.8).

Results: The English MisoQuest showed very good internal consistency (α and ω = 0.93) and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.89). While CFA indicated adequate overall model fit, it did not fully support a one-factor structure, as some items shared variance even when controlled for the latent variable. Convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate to strong correlations with established misophonia questionnaires. Weak correlations with non-misophonia measures supported discriminant validity. Unexpectedly, moderate correlations were found with Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire (r = 0.34; p < 0.01) and Three-dimensional Fatigue Inventory (r = 0.31; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The study found that the English version of MisoQuest is a reliable and valid tool for measuring misophonia within the English-speaking adult population.