Validating the Factor Structure of the Stigma of Suicide Scale - Short Form Spanish Version Among Healthcare Students

Crisis. 2021 Jul;42(4):314-318. doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000728. Epub 2020 Nov 5.

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students (N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013). Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.

Keywords: Spanish-speaking; psychometrics; suicide stigma.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Language*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Students
  • Suicide*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires