DiPS validation study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validation of the Dehumanisation in Psychosis Scale (DiPS)
IRAS ID
333807
Contact name
Tom Jenkins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 3 days
Research summary
People with psychosis have reported that a distressing part of their experience is ‘self-dehumanisation’ – feeling less, or other than human. This feeling is one characterised by psychosis-related distress; and a loss of personal agency, trust in oneself, sense of self, self-worth, and sense of belonging. Self-dehumanisation has previously been studied in social psychology, and more recently in people with alcohol use disorder – showing associations with anxiety, depression, and drinking maintenance. However, the scales used to measure self-dehumanisation have not been developed in a manner which best reflects the experience of people who feel dehumanised and may be missing key components.
We have recently developed the self-Dehumanisation in Psychosis Scale (DiPS) which aims to measure feelings of dehumanisation in psychosis. We have incorporated previous research in the field whilst conducting our own exploration into the experience of dehumanisation, working with people with psychosis, carers, dehumanisation researchers, and mental health professionals.
The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the statistical properties of the DiPS in a clinical sample of people with psychosis. We will ask participants to complete the DiPS, along with other measure of mental health to 1) determine whether the DiPS is a reliable and valid measure of self-dehumanisation; 2) determine whether the DiPS displays distinctiveness from other related measures of mental health; 3) abbreviate the DiPS by eliminating any unnecessary statements.
Self-dehumanisation is a potential treatment target for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies for psychosis. A well-developed and validated scale is essential for capturing meaningful change within therapy, and evaluation of efficacy for reducing distress, and restoring feelings of humanity.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0150
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion