Validation of the Korean Version Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• The Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide identifies thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness as key drivers of suicidal desire.
• Assessing these constructs is crucial for understanding and mitigating suicide risk.
• The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) is a tool designed to measure these interpersonal needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the psychometric properties of the 15-item Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) in a sample of Korean university students.
• To evaluate the factor structure and validity of the INQ within a specific cultural context.
• To determine the predictive utility of the INQ constructs for current suicide ideation.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the latent structure of the INQ.
• Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed using correlation analyses.
• Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between INQ constructs and suicide ideation, controlling for depression.

Main Results:

• Factor analyses supported a two-factor model for the INQ, although one item exhibited cross-loading.
• Convergent validity was supported, but discriminant validity required a more nuanced measurement approach.
• Perceived burdensomeness and the interaction between thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness were significant predictors of current suicide ideation.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest potential cultural variations in the structure of the INQ.
• Despite structural differences, the INQ demonstrates significant predictive power for suicide ideation, even when accounting for depression.
• The INQ appears clinically useful for assessing suicidal risk among Korean populations.