A questionnaire measure of unusual olfactory beliefs and experiences
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and validation of a questionnaire measure of unusual olfactory beliefs and experiences (U-OBE's)
IRAS ID
168015
Contact name
Rhani Allen-Crooks
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 22 days
Research summary
The proposed study will examine unusual olfactory beliefs and experiences. Such phenomena occur in psychotic and non-psychotic mental health presentations, and are also reported in nonclinical populations, but no validated measure of these experiences has yet been developed. The aims of the current study are therefore to develop and validate a questionnaire measure of unusual olfactory beliefs and experiences (U-OBEs). The proposed measure will be developed in consultation with therapists and people experiencing U-OBEs, to ensure relevant characteristics are captured. The measure will then be completed online by a large nonclinical sample as the first stage of validation. An initial indication of criterion validity will be obtained in a second stage of assessment, comparing nonclinical scores with those obtained within a smaller clinical group, identified by their treating services to have U-OBEs. In addition, potential correlates of unusual olfactory experiences, such as interpersonal anxiety, mood, and delusional beliefs will be examined. By investigating both the characteristics and correlates of unusual olfactory experiences within a nonclinical group the study aims to contribute to a model that may inform detection, formulation and intervention for people with distressing olfactory experiences within clinical services.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0410
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion