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Mega-analysis of the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS) Structure and its Dispositional Correlates

Neves, A., Pfaff, M., Scharte, R. E., Nogueira-Arjona, R., Poerio, G., & Makowski, D.

2026 · Preprint

A mega-analysis of the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale across 17 datasets and more than 33,000 participants. A stable 14-item core emerged, organised into seven sensation pairs and performing as well as the original 21 items; adaptive traits related positively and maladaptive traits negatively to the scores.

Abstract

Traditional interoceptive questionnaires show poor convergence, suggesting they tap distinctconstructs. The Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS), developed to separate accuracy from attention, is increasingly popular but psychometrically underexplored. Using a mega-analytic approach across 17 datasets (N > 33,000), we present the most comprehensive evaluation of the IAS to date, covering its factor structure (Study 1) and dispositional correlates (Study 2). Study 1 triangulated results across multiple dimensionality-reduction algorithms, identifying a stable 14-item core organized into 7 distinct item pairs linked to bodily sensations (e.g., Hunger–Thirst). Study 2 examined relationships between the IAS and mood, anxiety, psychopathology, neurodevelopmental traits, personality, and belief-related constructs, finding adaptive traits positively associated and maladaptive traits negatively associated with interoceptive scores. The 14-item version performed comparably to the original 21-item scale, with item-pairing enhancing interpretability; the Hungry-Thirsty and Bruise-Blood-sugar pairs showed the strongest associations. These findings support self-perceived interoceptive ability as a differentiated, system-specific construct.

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/2mpqd_v5
• Full text (PDF)

Keywords: Interoception · Psychometrics

Cite

Neves, A., Pfaff, M., Scharte, R. E., Nogueira-Arjona, R., Poerio, G., & Makowski, D. (2026). Mega-analysis of the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS) Structure and its Dispositional Correlates. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/2mpqd_v5

See also

• The Mint Scale: A Fresh Validation of the Multimodal Interoception Questionnaire and Comparison to the MAIA, BPQ and IAS — Makowski, D., Neves, A., Benn, E. L., Bennett, M., & Poerio, G. (2025)
• Interoception and Substance use: A systematic review and meta-analysis — Scharte, R. E., Greenwood, K., Romero Sanchiz, P., Neves, A., Makowski, D., & Nogueira-Arjona, R. (2026)
• Measuring Depression and Anxiety With 4 Items? Adaptation of the PHQ-4 to Increase Its Sensitivity to Subclinical Variability — Makowski, D., Te, A. S., Neves, A., & Chen, S. A. (2025)