A 2 FACTOR MODEL OF DENIAL OF ILLNESS - A CONFIRMATORY FACTOR-ANALYSIS

Analyses of the data obtained by the use of a reliable semi-structured interview format, the Levine Denial of Illness Scale (LDIS) confirmed the existence of two distinct, but interrelated factors of denial of illness. The two factors were termed denial of cognitions and denial o f affects. One hundred medical patients from four different patient gr oups (cardiac, epilepsy, stroke, hypertensive) were interviewed and as sessed. Confirmatory factor analytic procedures were used, and they de monstrated that these two factors accounted for a major proportion of the variance in the observed data that reflected denial of illness. A moderate but significant correlation between these two factors, in add ition to their discriminant validity, also supported the validity of t he unifying and overarching construct, denial of illness. The concurre nt and discriminant validity of the two factors was further supported by the different relationships of the two factors with external criter ion measures. The reliability, validity and the potential predictive v alidity of these two factors may be useful in further investigations o f the use of denial. Further studies of their different influences on the initial and continued resistance of seriously ill patients to comp ly with medical treatment and prescribed self care are indicated. When seriously ill patients persist in denial, appropriate interventions m ay help them to give up their evasive behavior and they may comply wit h medical recommendations.