Development and validation of the self-injury stigma scale

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health concern.
• Negative beliefs and stereotypes surrounding NSSI are linked to adverse outcomes.
• A validated measure for NSSI self-stigma was lacking, hindering research and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the newly developed Self-Injury Stigma Scale (SISS).
• To assess the psychometric properties and clinical utility of the SISS for measuring NSSI self-stigma.
• To investigate the factor structure and validity of the SISS.

Main Methods:

• The study involved two samples: college students (n=264) and community participants (n=240) with NSSI history.
• Factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the SISS structure.
• Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed, and the SISS's predictive relationship with NSSI characteristics was examined.

Main Results:

• A one-factor structure was identified for the Application of Stigma subscale, which was retained as the final SISS.
• Confirmatory factor analysis yielded an acceptable fit for the SISS structure in the second sample.
• The SISS demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity and partially predicted NSSI frequency and versatility.

Conclusions:

• The Self-Injury Stigma Scale (SISS) is a potentially appropriate and useful measure for assessing self-stigma in non-suicidal self-injury.
• The SISS shows partial clinical utility and supports further research into the risks associated with NSSI self-stigma.
• Future research utilizing the SISS can inform the development of targeted behavioral interventions for NSSI.