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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
06:48
The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
Exploring the Factor and Network Structures of Defeat and Entrapment
Summary
Defeat and entrapment are significant suicide risk factors. This study found that the structure of these constructs depends on the specific scales and statistical methods used, impacting interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health Research
- Suicidology
Background:
- Defeat and entrapment are recognized as critical risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and behavior.
- The precise underlying structure and number of factors contributing to these constructs remain a subject of ongoing debate within the scientific community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dimensional structure of both short and long versions of defeat and entrapment scales.
- To compare findings across different statistical methodologies, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), exploratory graph analysis (EGA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Main Methods:
- Utilized EFA and EGA on two independent general population samples (N1 = 502, N2 = 893).
- Employed CFA on a separate sample (N = 251) to validate factor structures.
- Examined the dimensionality of defeat and entrapment scales using robust statistical techniques.
Main Results:
- EFA and EGA supported a unidimensional (one-factor) model for the short defeat and entrapment scale.
- EFA and EGA suggested a five-factor model for the full-length scales, interpreted as defeat, defeat (method), internal entrapment, external entrapment (people), and external entrapment (situation).
- CFA results supported a three-factor model for the full scale and a one-factor model for the short scale.
Conclusions:
- The dimensional structure of defeat and entrapment scales is influenced by the specific measurement tools and analytical approaches employed.
- Discrepancies in findings underscore the importance of carefully considering item content and methodological choices in future research on these suicide risk factors.
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