Validation of the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Scar Cognition Scale (NSSI-SCS) in a Russian-Speaking Sample

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) scars carry significant emotional weight, but no validated tools existed to assess related cognitions in Russian-speaking clinical practice.

This study aimed to adapt and validate the Russian-language version of the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Scar Cognition Scale (NSSI-SCS) and examine its psychometric properties in a clinical Russian-speaking sample.

The study recruited 262 participants with NSSI history and visible scars from psychiatric hospitals. The adaptation used forward-back translation and cross-cultural adaptation. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Construct validity was evaluated via Confirmatory (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Convergent and discriminant validity were examined through correlations with measures of suicidality, social anxiety, rumination, body image dysphoria, and NSSI functions.

CFA indicated a poor fit for the original five-factor model. EFA supported a culturally adapted three-factor structure: 'Hopelessness' (suicidal ideation, weakness), 'Shame' (social stigmatization), and 'Inner Strength' (resilience). The 21-item scale demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .876 total). Convergent validity was conirmed by signiicant positive correlations of 'Hopelessness' and 'Shame' with suicidality, social anxiety, rumination, and body dysphoria. 'Inner Strength' showed discriminant validity through non-signiicant correlations with these clinical measures but positive correlations with NSSI functions.

The Russian NSSI-SCS is a valid and reliable tool. Its three-factor model provides a clinically useful framework for understanding the psychological impact of NSSI scars, facilitating targeted interventions and further research.