Abstract

Post-event processing (PEP) is a dysfunctional information processing process characteristic of social anxiety disorder that involves closely examining one’s actions and reactions to others after the social situation is over. PEP can be measured as a trait or state PEP. However, existing PEP measures do not distinguish between the two. This research aimed to validate the trait and state versions of the Post-Event Processing Inventory (PEPI). A total of 742 participants were recruited based on Korean 2020 resident registration demographics. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a 2-factor structure (frequency: dysfunctional information processing, intensity: impairment in daily life), unlike the three-factor structure (frequency, intensity, and self-judgment) of the original scale. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 2-factor model had the best model fit. The reliability of the K-PEPI was excellent and showed good convergent, discriminative, and incremental validity. The K-PEPI can provide a useful alternative to existing measures of PEP for social anxiety disorder.