Explanatory and Confirmatory Factor Structure of Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation in Non-clinical Sample

Abstract

Introduction

The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS) is a self-report 19-item scale preceded by five screening items. The BSS and its screening items are intended to assess a patient's thoughts, plans and intent to commit suicide. All 24 items are rated on a three-point scale (0 to 2). In this study, scores from the five screening items were included in the overall score. Therefore, total scores could range from 0 to 48.There is no study until this date that examines the factor structure of BSS among Kuwaitis.

Objectives

The current study investigated the original three-factor model of the (BSS) in non-clinical sample.

Methods

Sample one consisted of 285 males and 300 female students from Kuwait University while sample two consisted of 201 males and 302 females from Kuwait University. The Arabic version of BSS was administered to participants. Explanatory factor based on sample 1 and conformity factor analysis based on sample 2 of BSS were used in this study.

Results

The explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis of (BSS) extracts three factors and three structures of BSS. Factor I = active suicidal desire; Factor II = preparation; Factor III = passive suicidal desire. In addition, the results revealed no significant gender differences in the factor structure of BSS.

Conclusions

The results of both confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis indicated that the original three-factor model provided the best fit for the two genders.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.