Further validation of the Japanese version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness

Abstract

Objective: The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) is a validated measure to assess interoceptive awareness. Although an earlier study evaluated the Japanese version of the MAIA, it did not examine the measure's test-retest reliability and the data fit of the factor structure. This study aims to further validate the Japanese version of the MAIA. Results: In this cross-sectional study, 268 Japanese individuals participated. They completed the Japanese version of the MAIA and concurrent validity measures. The test-retest reliability of the Japanese version's subscales ranged from adequate to high (intra-class coefficients = 0.76-0.85). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the Japanese six-factor structure had a good fit in Japanese. The MAIA subscales were moderately associated with scores on the Body Awareness Scale (rho = 0.25-0.49). The results indicated high test-retest reliability and further confirmed the validity of the six-factor structure of the Japanese version of the MAIA. Hence, the Japanese version of the MAIA is a useful measure to assess interoceptive awareness in the Japanese population.