Launay–Slade Hallucination Scale-Extended: simplifying its interpretation

Background The Launay–Slade Hallucination Scale – Extended (LSHS-E) is one of the most used self-reported questionnaires to explore multidimensionality hallucinatory-like experiences (HLEs). This scale defined as a 5-level Likert scale, which goes from 0-“certainly does not apply me” 4-“certainly applies me.” Like any LSHS-E assumes that ordinal categories are equally spaced among them, might be true, giving rise possible issues in offering valid interpretation responses.Method study introduces parametric model: ordered stereotype model. model determines uneven spacing responses, dictated by studied data.Results work shows determined both unequal and last three adjacent categories, makes them indistinguishable. Subsequent analysis showed good internal reliability, also four-factor structure was maintained.Conclusions current study’s findings suggest people who suffer HLEs easily disclose their so give neutral responses for fear being stigmatized. Further, identify at risk psychosis, individuals during prodromal stage may aware transient or fleeting HLEs. Future research should determine distance on first step before analyzing understanding data.