Development and initial validation of a Structured Interview for Temperament and Character (SIT-C).

BACKGROUND

This study emphasizes culturally adapted, clinician-rated assessment of temperament (Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, Reward Dependence, and Persistence) and character (Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness, and Self-Transcendence) to enhance cultural validity and diagnostic utility in Iran. The study aimed to develop a Structured Interview for Temperament and Character (SIT-C) and examine its psychometric properties, including interrater reliability, internal consistency, and convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional design with two samples (clinical n = 29; community n = 170), the SIT-C comprises 58 items derived from the Revised Temperament and Character Inventory. Interrater reliability analyses at the item, facet, and domain levels used data from the clinical sample collected by two independent interviewers. Data were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical linear regressions.

RESULTS

Domain/facet-level ICCs ranged 0.48-0.94, with an overall mean of 0.80. Seven SIT-C domains showed acceptable reliability (α up to 0.88, mean 0.74). Convergence between SIT-C constructs and other personality measures (Big Five Inventory and ICD-11 compatible Personality Inventory for DSM-5 - Brief Form Plus, Modified) was broadly significant. Discriminant validity was supported with inter-domain correlations below 0.70. The SIT-C explained 7.5% and 24.9% additional variance in global functioning beyond maladaptive and adaptive trait models, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The SIT-C demonstrates agility as a concise 58-item interview that can rival longer self-report measures in informing personality assessment, while offering greater objective through clinician reports. It holds promise as a culturally adaptable, efficient, and objective tool for evaluating temperament and character in global clinical and research settings.