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Call of the Void Scale: scale development, validation and psychometric properties.

Lara Wiesmann1, Laura Melzer2, Tobias Teismann1,3

  • 1Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.

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Summary

The Call of the Void Scale (COVS) effectively measures the prevalence and characteristics of intrusive thoughts, such as the urge to jump from high places. This new scale also assesses associated safety behaviors and ego-dystonic nature.

Keywords:
Call of the Voidfactor analysishigh place phenomenonintrusionscale development

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • The Call of the Void (COV) phenomenon describes inexplicable thoughts of engaging in self-destructive behaviors, like jumping from bridges.
  • Previous research primarily focused on the high place phenomenon (HPP), a specific COV aspect.
  • A comprehensive tool was needed to assess various COV thoughts, their ego-dystonic nature, and related safety behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate the Call of the Void Scale (COVS).
  • To measure the prevalence of diverse COV thoughts.
  • To assess the ego-dystonic character and safety behaviors associated with COV.

Main Methods:

  • An anonymous online survey was administered to 476 participants (71% female, mean age 30.85).
  • Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the scale's factor structure.
  • Convergent validity was assessed by correlating COVS scores with measures of depression, stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation/behavior.

Main Results:

  • A five-factor structure emerged, representing frequency of COV in different situations (HPP, car, train), ego-dystonia, and safety behaviors.
  • Confirmatory factor analysis supported the five-factor solution.
  • Frequency and safety behavior subscales positively correlated with depression, stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation/behavior; ego-dystonia correlated only with safety behavior.

Conclusions:

  • The COVS is a valid instrument for assessing the Call of the Void phenomenon.
  • The scale effectively measures COV thought prevalence, ego-dystonicity, and safety behaviors.
  • Findings highlight the need for further research into the limitations and implications of the COVS.