Self-statements during Public Speaking Scale (SSPS): psychometric properties in a Spanish sample of social phobics

The primary objective of this study was to validate in a Spanish clinical population the Self-Statements during Public Speaking Scale (SSPS; Hofmann & DiBartolo, 2000). This instrument consists of 10 items, scored on a six-point scale that measures self-statements related to public speaking. The questionnaire was administered to 121 participants with a diagnosis of social phobia (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Exploratory factor analysis identified two factors: the Positive Self-Statements scale (SSPS-P) and the Negative Self-Statements scale (SSPS-N). Internal consistency was high for both scales (SSPS-P α= 0.81, SSPS-N α= 0.88). Moreover, analysis of variance revealed significant differences among social phobia subtypes in both scales. Results supported the utility of the SSPS in a Spanish clinical population with a diagnosis of social phobia to assess self-statements related to public speaking.