Subjective cognitive rigidity and attention to detail: A cross-cultural validation of the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) in a French clinical sample.

Anne-Solène Maria, Caroline Barry, Damien Ringuenet, Bruno Falissard, Trecogam Group, Sylvie Berthoz
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology. 2020-11-25; 42(10): 1059-1071
DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2020.1842333

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1. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2020 Dec;42(10):1059-1071. doi:
10.1080/13803395.2020.1842333. Epub 2020 Dec 4.

Subjective cognitive rigidity and attention to detail: A cross-cultural
validation of the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) in a French
clinical sample.

Maria AS(1), Barry C(1), Ringuenet D(1)(2), Falissard B(1), Group T, Berthoz
S(3)(4).

Author information:
(1)Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, INSERM ,
Villejuif, France.
(2)Unité de Traitement des Troubles des Conduites Alimentaires, Département de
Psychiatrie et d’Addictologie, Hôpital Paul Brousse , Villejuif, France.
(3)Département de Psychiatrie de l’Adolescent et du Jeune Adulte, Institut
Mutualiste Montsouris , Paris, France.
(4)Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287 , Bordeaux, France.

Introduction: People diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) are at risk for poor
cognitive flexibility and excessive attention to detail. These difficulties are
traditionally quantified using neuropsychological tests. These tests do not
capture the subjective repercussions of these cognitive styles. The Detail and
Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex) has been specifically developed to measure
these repercussions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric
properties of the French version of this scale (F-DFlex) and to adapt it if
needed. Methods: The instrument factor structure, internal consistency,
convergent, and discriminant validity were assessed in a sample of 107 French
women AN inpatients. For convergent validity, associations between F-DFlex
scores, perceived levels of autistic traits (Autism Quotient questionnaire – AQ)
and eating disorders symptomatology (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire –
EDE-Q), as well as neuropsychological evaluations (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test –
WCST, Rey Complex Figure – RCF) were tested. Discriminant validity was assessed
by comparing F-DFlex scores of the patients with a chronic versus non-chronic
illness. Results: The results of the exploratory factorial analysis led to the
removal of four items. Internal consistency indices of this shortened version
were good. Correlation coefficients directions and values between F-DFlex
factors and relevant AQ Switching and Detail subscores were satisfactory,
indicating good convergent validity. F-DFlex Rigidity scores were associated
with the WCST percentage of perseverative errors, but the F-DFlex Attention to
Detail scores were not associated with the RCF central coherence index. F-DFlex
scores were associated with the severity of eating disorders symptomatology
independently of BMI, illness duration, or anxiety, and depression. Conclusion:
This study indicates good psychometric properties of this new version of the
DFlex. The F-DFlex appears as a promising self-report screening tool of
important cognitive dimensions for use in clinical management of people
diagnosed with AN.

DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2020.1842333
PMID: 33274668 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Auteurs Bordeaux Neurocampus