The dimensionality of suicidal ideation and its clinical implications.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

No consensus has been reached regarding the theoretical dimensions underlying the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) and Beck's Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), widely used in research and clinical practice. This undermines the understanding and management of suicidal behavior.

Methods

The factor structure of the SSI and the BSI was investigated in 201 patients visiting the emergency department of the Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland, for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt.

Results

Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) identified a unique theoretical dimension. Item removal based on analyses of communalities improved the explained part of variance in both scales. A joint factor analysis provided results very similar to those yielded by initial EFAs.<

SUBMITTER: Baertschi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6877148 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature